The properties protected by the Orient Land Trust bridge public lands that allow a rich diversity of wildlife to roam freely across the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range and out into the San Luis Valley. By preventing development and fostering mindful land practices, this open space has thrived to the benefit of all.

We are well known for our wildlife who live as comfortably and naturally as our visitors. Guests come here from across the country just to see Colorado's largest bat colony. They are frequently visited by deer and colorful birds. And some of our tiniest residents turn summer nights into an amazing show. 

In 1998 the Colorado Natural Heritage Program prepared a biological inventory study for The Nature Conservancy. In that study the Valley View Hot Springs and Orient Mine area was found to have high biodiversity significance. With the help of volunteers OLT is working to prepare a baseline for the lands under the control of OLT so that the success of preservation policies can be measured. OLT continues to work closely with concerned government agencies to ensure that the environment, including the water, plants and animals, particularly indigenous species, and all other components of the ecosystem, are protected. OLT will utilize tools such as habitat conservation and cooperative management plans to facilitate the goal of preserving the environment.

Fauna

Birds

Flora