Web Maester
2013 Accomplishments
Organizational Capacity Building, Facilities, Education, Partnerships, Conservation
An Introduction to Naturism
According to the international definition adopted by the XIV Congress of the International Naturist Federation, naturism is "a lifestyle in harmony with nature, expressed through social nudity, and characterized by self-respect of people with different opinions and [respect for] the environment.'' From Wikipedia.org]
Valley View Hot Springs (VVHS) has a strong tradition of personal freedom and a sense of community that has created a very loyal following over the last 35 years. This tradition has always included a deep connection to the land and respect for the plants, animals and natural beauty present. There is a special feeling here that goes beyond basic naturist concepts and is based on the belief that when decent people are given trust and freedom, most will accept the responsibility to behave well, treat others with respect and help create a community where people look out for each other. This has proven to be spectacularly true over the years and created a precious and unique VVHS "family," which generations have come to treasure. You will find most people here friendly and generous.
If you are new to the naturism or clothing-optional concept, here are a few thoughts on this. First, there is a lot of freedom in this idea. Unlike at a nudist resort, there is no requirement for nudity at any time here. At the same time, it is perfectly acceptable to be nude anywhere around Valley View and the Orient Mine. It is always your option to wear clothes, or not, anywhere on the property, at anytime.
In practice, this leads to a very "homey" atmosphere and people extend the same acceptance and casualness with nudity that they might practice in their home, to the much larger Valley View family. Being nude in this setting is basically saying "I Trust". I trust the people, the place, and my own ability to handle this unique situation. This drops barriers between people that they didn't even know existed until they were gone. Naturism promotes an affinity and closeness between people, but it does not necessarily promote sexual intimacy. Instead, there is a distinct respect for family-type togetherness where children are a very welcome and necessary part of the setting. Not surprisingly, there are generations of people who have grown up visiting Valley View and now bring their children and grandchildren.
There are some additional benefits to this clothing-optional designation as well. These tend to be recognized more once you have gotten past the initial stage of awkwardness and have become a little more comfortable with being nude in a social setting. For some, this level of comfort takes several visits and your overall ease with naturism will continue to increase over time.
Many people begin their adventure in naturism by re-living the same freedom, power and sense of play that they felt as a child. Almost all little kids rebel against wearing clothes at some point in their childhood. Here, in a naturist setting, you can get some of that personal power back simply by taking off your clothes. The wind, sun and moon on your bare skin seem to take you back to a time when you had more sense of wonder and a closer, more immediate connection to nature. Even the stars seem closer and friendlier at Valley View!
In addition, the clothing-optional concept can be a strong antidote to the increasing emphasis on appearance in current American culture. People are encouraged to determine their self-worth, or societal status, by their appearance. This creates a disconnect between people as they are afraid to let others see past the "mask" of their outer appearance and clothes. When you wear no clothes, no make up, or any visible symbols of status and are still accepted and cherished as a human being, it is a revelation. Not only do you feel less judgmental of yourself, you also find that you become much less judgmental about others' appearance in general, and see them as valuable simply for who they are. Clothes "package" the body and marketing focuses the attention on what is underneath the wrapping- the body. Without clothes, your attention may be more drawn to what is underneath the skin - the person.
Many people find that the power of a clothing-optional environment lies in its deep, positive effect on them, as they begin to see others as truly beautiful, no matter their physical appearance. This, hopefully, leads to greater self-acceptance as an individual grows more comfortable in their own skin.
This freedom, this acceptance, this closeness, this generosity of spirit between people at Orient Land Trust / Valley View Hot Springs just feels sane. There's a realization while soaking here that this is the way the world is supposed to work; that this is the real "normal". With this realization comes a deep relaxation and a sense of refuge from the craziness of the outer world, and this feeling is difficult to find anywhere else.
Almost anyone who gives the clothing-optional environment at Orient Land Trust / Valley View Hot Springs a chance will become very attached to this place and its culture. Once discovered, the naturism here allows a freedom and a joy you'll surely want to experience again and again. We invite you to participate with us in keeping Orient Land Trust / Valley View Hot Springs a beautiful, magical and safe place for everyone.
- Daniel Flemming, Frequent OLT guest
Does Your Employer Match Donations?
A gift to OLT that is matched by your employer goes twice as far in supporting our mission, delivering twice the punch! Please ask your employer if they match donations to nonprofits, specifically your donation to OLT! Arrange at your workplace or call Pam Nelson, OLT's Development Director at 719-298-2289 and she will call your employer's Matching Gifts coordinator for you. Employers from whom OLT has received matching gifts in the past include the following: Apple, Google, CA Technologies, Eli Lilly, Starbucks and Sun Microsystems, to name a few.
Also, don't forget to consider a "Gift in Honor or Memory of Someone You Love" for the holidays! For a donation of at least $50, OLT will send a beautiful card with a stunning OLT landscape photo telling that special person that a "Gift was Made to OLT in their Honor" for the holidays from you. A list of Memorial gifts will be published in OLT's next newsletter.
What's Happening at the Everson Ranch
This year brought numerous land revitalization projects to OLT's Everson Ranch. Pastures that were almost barren, this year produced a harvestable crop of hay. Sixty large bales were gleaned from the north pasture with a "street value" of about $3500 to $5000 (though this initial batch will remain with us for our animals). Still, a very good beginning!
"Our animals" are five horses, five pigs, a dozen chickens and a llama. Along with our new ranchland lessee's seasonal herd of Scottish Highland cows, these animals are being used as "tools" to till, irrigate and fertilize our rangelands and restore them to a more fertile and productive state. The Arrowpoint Beef herd from our grazing partner, Nancy Roberts, is being used on the land in conjunction with holistic land management practice methods that involve concentrating many animals in a small area for a short period of time thus impacting the soil composition quickly and favorably. Cindy Villa of NRCS was also our advisor for this initiation. This was our first year at this and we had some successes and some lessons. The regimen of fence repair, meander stream repair and weed mowing all contributed to the restoration of our agricultural lands. Fruit trees and berry bushes have been planted this year too.
We have been talking with NRCS about the idea of sharing the cost of a gated irrigation pipe project with OLT's share being 40-50%. If the project is approved we will naturally be pursuing grants for our side of things. This improved irrigation system would increase the marketable hay harvest and improve grazing. All of this is still in the "idea" phase.
In the Ranch building area, an almost-gone shed was demolished, being replaced by the beginnings of a small Bath House/Kitchen facility. This facility will provide needed amenities to volunteers helping with agricultural and renovation projects at the ranch. Three different groups have inquired after space for seminars in the last two weeks alone, showing the potential for using the Ranch for these purposes without impacting Valley View's peace. Of course, renovations and improvements will need to be driven by OLT's Strategic Plan, donations and grants and not by the finite OLT budget.
Notes from the Chair
I am honored to welcome three new members to the OLT board. Many of you may recognize John Lorenz. John lived at Valley View and was on the staff from 2005 to 2010. John brings an intimate experience with various spheres of Valley View. Myron Hulen, a retired professor from Colorado State University, has extensive experience with nonprofits. He has worked to raise funds and served as Treasurer for Larimer County Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children for several years. John Standish has been contributing to the Valley View community since 1986. When not busy attending board meetings he might be found at the Oak House connecting with fellow musicians or anyone inspired to join in. Everyone's full bio is available on OLT's website.
Mark Jacobi has stepped in as Interim Executive Director. Mark brings continuity to the position as well as great integrity. I am honored to be working with him. Terry Seitz is continuing to work with Mark and doing a wonderful job managing accounting and bringing her stabilizing energy to the organization.
Our focus moving forward is the completion of the Waste Water Treatment Plant. We have a gifted staff to ensure completion of the job when the plans finally get state approval. The organization is faced with taking out a loan to build this State-mandated facility. A major benefit will be the new facility's quiet and odorless operation. This update will help us manage our waste for many decades to come. We are still seeking donations for our "Let's Potty" fundraiser campaign....
Many of you know that opinions abound at OLT! I love that OLT inspires all of us. We care whether we are first timers or old timers, staff or director. Opinions need to be heard, weighed, and balanced with our mission, our human resources, and our budgetary realities. As we move forward we must be mindful of the gift and intent of our founders. If OLT thrives it is because you share our belief in the OLT mission and are willing to share your time and energy with us. We are currently seeking volunteers to serve on our Grant Writing Committee, our Resource Development Committee, and our Conservation Committee. OLT's continued existence depends on you. Please share your ideas. I value your input. We could not exist without your membership.
I'm always happy to hear from you –
- Geneva Mixon, Board of Directors, Chairperson
We're Listening
Good News!
We're happy to announce that reduced Winter Rates will be in effect beginning when we re-open December 29, 2013, running until April 30, 2014 as follows:
| Day Use (per person) | $13 |
| Overnight Use (per person) | $26 |
| Tent Site | $5 |
| Vehicle Site | $10 |
| Oak Dorm Bed | $10 |
| Oak Private Room | $20 |
| Small Cabin | $50 |
| Sunset Room | $55 |
| Large Cabin | $65 |
Even better news; the above rates will include the combined Saguache County lodging and state and county sales tax totaling 5.8%. As always, children 15 and under are free. Winter is a quiet time here at Valley View. We hope that you'll come and enjoy the sublime experience of enjoying a hot soak in an uncrowded Apple Tree pool while a gentle snow falls around you.
We're also excited to announce a collaboration with local Neighbors Helping Neighbors organizations. Using the monies we've received from generous donors to our Pay It Forward scholarship fund (look for opportunity to donate to this fund on your next renewal form), we're now offering free day-use admission for needy families so that they, too, can benefit from the healing waters here. The "Pay It Forward" fund is just beginning to build, so if you're interested in contributing to this worthy cause, just let us know the amount beyond your annual membership donation that you'd like us to set aside for the fund.
Thanks for your continued support!
— Dave Beaulieu, Visitor Services Manager
Thank You Terry and Neil!
OLT is forever grateful to our founders, Neil and Terry Seitz for their on-going consultation to and support of OLT, especially during this time of transition in organizational leadership. Terry, in particular, has put in countless hours bringing OLT's bookkeeping current after the departure of several staff members, keeping things on an even keel financially, helping OLT"s Development Director with database knowledge regarding queries and data mining, answering phones and filling in Front Desk reservations and fielding questions from members, board, staff, vendors and partnerships regarding OLT's institutional history - an ever-present resource and need. OLT is fortunate to have Neil and Terry living on premises as a resource for organizational knowledge and historical perspective, especially regarding OLT's strategic planning process for the future - THANK YOU TERRY AND NEIL !
OLT’s New Interim Executive Director
Born in Appleton, WI at the age of 28, after traveling a good deal, I realized I could leave once and for all!
I lived and renovated buildings in New York City from 1984-1988, also exploring Theatre and Art. My wife and I have resided in the Baca Grande, south of Crestone, CO for the last 25 years in a house that we hand-built. During that time I was a Volunteer Fire Chief and Deputy Chief for 20 of those years and an ambulance driver for 7 years. I served on my Property Owner's Association Board of Directors for three years and I have participated in numerous activist causes, including helping to stop two trans-basin water diversions from the San Luis Valley, supported the creation of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Wildlife Preserve and resisted the Colorado Air National Guard's low altitude overflights. I remain a volunteer disc jockey at Alamosa's Public Radio Station KRZA, which I have done for most of my time here in the valley.
I have been coming to Valley View most of my time here and I have been OLT's Facilities Manager for the last 3 years before accepting my current position. My wife, the Director of the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council, helped Neil and Terry to create Orient Land Trust. We have a 15 year old son who has worked and played at Valley View over the years. I feel, as all of you do, that this unique place deserves to be preserved, as our mission states, "for current and future generations" and I will continue to bring my energies to that vision. We are blessed with a top -notch crew at OLT that has worked very hard to make it look like nothing changes here. I have enjoyed working with this crew and look forward to continue working with them. Please give them a "thank you" when you see them. They deserve it.
OLT now includes almost 2300 acres of varied terrains and ecosystems (including an increasingly working ranch) with different prescriptions needed for some of them. We have historically worked with Valley-based state and federal agencies, as well as with our conservation easement holders (The Nature Conservancy and the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife) toward our goal of implementing the best possible preservation practices for all these properties. These relationships will continue. We will also continue to refine our Strategic Plan to better achieve these goals and to explore other potential options.
At this point in time, OLT is in great need of raising money to pay for our state-mandated Waste Water Treatment Plant replacement. The new facility will be odorless and quiet. You can find more details of this project elsewhere in these pages but I am reaching out to all of you, asking that you consider giving your financial support to this very important improvement for Valley View's future. We thank you in advance for your historically generous support.
I want you all to know that I will endeavor to be as available as possible to you. Naturally, the administration of this organization does, and will, require a good portion of time; still I want to embrace your input whenever possible. Please approach me with your suggestions.
Let's Donate!
We Need 1500 Donors @ $100 Each!
Ever sit on the back porch at Oak House in warm summer months and catch our "drift"?!? It's not too swift on hot, sunny days, depending on which way the wind blows! OLT's wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), constructed in 1983, has gotten heavy use over the last 30 years by our thousands of annual visitors and is in dire need of retirement. We are now mandated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment to invest in wastewater system upgrades that will result in OLT having a quiet, odorless, and nearly invisible underground wastewater facility!
While we are still waiting for final design and numbers for our new wastewater treatment system, we have completed the necessary underground water, perc and strata tests to obtain the in-ground data that will inform the engineering design of our new wastewater treatment facilities. At minimum, we believe we will need two holding tanks at an approximate cost of about $35,000 each and at least 500 infiltrators at $20 each, plus connecting plumbing, labor and engineering design fees. Bio Habitats of Denver is the designer of our new system which we expect will be finished by next summer.
We are hoping to be able to complete this state-mandated project for under the estimated $150,000. If approximately 1500 Members each donated $100 for the WWTP upgrades, we'd cover the cost in full rather than need to go into debt with a loan. We hope you will want to join our "potty" to help maintain Valley View / OLT's infrastructure and donate generously to our WWTP upgrades, or at minimum SPONSOR AN INFILTRATOR (sounds kinda covert, eh?!) at $20. An infiltrator is a scientifically designed sub-surface structure that, when installed in series, optimizes the dispersal of the effluent. Help us fund this not-very-glamorous, but important project. OLT's WWTP facility provides important support for your OLT experience of serene landscapes and soothing waters, allowing you to "recreate" in nature without worry about how to manage life's basic necessities. So, please consider donating generously this year to our Annual Appeal to help with our expensive and much-needed wastewater treatment facelift! A donation form for the Annual Appeal is located on the back page of this Annual Report. We will also be holding OLT member "pottys" (parties) on the Front Range and other locations in 2014, with further opportunities to join our "Potty" in the new year!
- Pam Nelson, Director of Development
[revised 5/12/2014]
Programs
Immersive Education Programs and Services
Valley View Hot Springs
Everson Ranch
Historic Orient Mine
Bats
Hydroelectric Power
Astronomy
Environmental Preservation
Permaculture
Sustainable Agriculture
Geology
Geothermal Heating
History
Massage Services
Public Outreach
Naturist Open Space
Trails
Visitor Services
Volunteer Opportunities
Wildfire Control