The Orient Land Trust is a stakeholder in environmental protection and preservation of the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado. This organization encapsulates a unique high desert area that is both full of life and raw from the vulnerable landscape that surrounds. The Orient Land Trust’s mission includes preserving and protecting wildlife habitat, natural and biological resources, history, open space, agricultural activity, clothing-optional opportunities and the hot springs for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations.

Nestled in the foothills of the San Luis Valley close to Crestone and the Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Orient Land Trust occupies land with a rich history of mining, homesteading and healing waters. The land trust was set up in 2001 as a non-profit organization to protect an area that was then experiencing significant development, explains Doug Bishop, executive director of the OLT. This was when open space was being subdivided into 35- and 40-acre parcels for people moving to the area to build their houses and homesteads.

“We wanted to preserve a little of the remaining undeveloped land for the history, the agricultural heritage and the remarkable high desert views,” he says. Bishop was on the original board that helped create the non-profit and has been in his current position for nine years.

The founders of the land trust, Neil and Terry Seitz, began their involvement in the mid- 1970s by reclaiming the structures and pools that have decayed over time since their inception in the 1920s. Their goal of maintaining the land for future generations developed into the creation of the trust encompassing the Orient Mine, Everson Ranch, over 1,000 acres of open space and the small oasis known as Valley View Hot Springs.

Just some of the many resources under OLT include a free-flowing natural spring water on the land for soaking, drinking, heating, electricity generation, endangered fish habitat and natural irrigation. The 760-acre Everson Ranch, a remnant of a large acreage homestead from the 1870s, models sustainable agriculture, conservation of natural resources and promotion of responsible alternative energy. The historic Orient Mine, active from 1880 to 1932, once mined iron but now houses over 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats, which is Colorado’s largest migratory colony. Seeing these emerge from their cave at dusk to feed is a memorable sight for all ages.

The Orient Land Trust is supported through membership and partnerships with organizations, such as Central Colorado Conservancy and the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management. Through conservation easements and research partnerships with The Nature Conservancy and Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, the OLT protects thousands of acres of open space free from development pressure while maintaining uninterrupted landscapes for over 11,000 visitors annually to enjoy.

Bishop acknowledges the steady and reliable supporters as a diverse and widespread community. “Many of our supporters have been coming for a long time; in some cases, people have been involved for 30 years and longer,” he says. “The guidelines are minimal, which allows the guests and supporters to establish the culture and values.”

The culture created with the Orient Land Trust and Valley View Hot Springs is different than any other area in the state. Bishop acknowledges that, when guests arrive, they are invited to create the experience they idealize, which results in a tranquil, open and accepting place. “We do very little in the way of dictating and regulating the experience,” he says. There are not many rules, except the golden rule to treat others fairly. Bishop urges visitors to take responsibility for their actions and acknowledge the local environment.

Bishop believes the land trust can be an inspiration and serve as a model for other land trusts. “We would like to see the opportunities for clothing-optional living increase. We would like to see historic places and structures receive protection. We strive to protect the natural resources of soil, geology, wildlife habitat and vital natural areas by encouraging others to make efforts to increase environmental knowledge and action,” he says.

The Orient Land Trust regularly offers information about the wildlife, the night sky, geology, alternative energy, responsible stewardship and history to its community. Upcoming projects include irrigating the hayfields, fixing fences and maintaining the infrastructure and grounds.

Originally published in the Fall 2023 issue of Spoke+Blossom.

Protecting + Preserving The San Luis Valley: Orient Land Trust