Welcome Home
Fly Ranch is a 5.6 square mile ranch in Nevada, home to hundreds of plants and animals and the Fly Geyser hot springs.
Fly Ranch is a Burning Man Rural Center for Interactive Arts & Community Participation and a model for Burning Man’s 2030 Sustainability Roadmap. Programs and projects are community led.
Stewards gather at Fly Ranch all year to create, explore, and innovate in an oasis of art and ecology that inspires awe and wonder.
Please read the Survival Guide before you visit.
Fly Ranch is a 5.6 square mile ranch in Nevada, home to hundreds of plants and animals and the Fly Geyser hot springs.
The ranch is a year-round Burning Man rural center, a living laboratory for regenerative stewardship and event production, and a model for Burning Man’s 2030 Sustainability Roadmap. Programs and projects are community-led and volunteer-driven.
People come here to gather, create, explore, and innovate. It is an oasis of art and ecology that inspires awe and wonder.
Please read our survival guide before you visit.
The Fly Ranch Project
Fly Ranch is made by those who show up to create it. This includes the 600 people who supported the 20-year acquisition process, hundred of project leads and over 2,000 Fly Ranch Stewards.
Fly Ranch is made by those who show up to create it. This includes the 600 people who supported the 20-year acquisition process, hundreds of project leads and over 2,000 volunteer Fly Ranch Stewards.
Fly Ranch is made by those who show up to create it. This includes the 600 people who supported the 20-year acquisition process, hundred of project leads and over 2,000 volunteers.
Learn more about the vision.
About the Land
When we first began in 2017, we studied and observed the existing life and ecosystems for a year and a half. We documented 144 plants, 15 mammals, 138 birds, 12 reptiles, and more animal friends.
When we began to steward the land in 2017, we carefully studied and observed the existing life and ecosystems for 18 months. We documented 144 plants, 15 mammals, 138 birds, 12 reptiles, and more animal friends.
Team Overview
Our team's priorities are to care for the land and help people get involved. Since 2015 we've spent $2.7M, made $2.3M, and avoided Burning Man water costs of $1M+. Learn about the vision.
Team Focus
Our team's priorities are to care for the land and help people participate. Since 2015 we've spent $2.7M, made $2.3M, and avoided Burning Man water costs of $1M+. To learn more read the vision
Visit Fly Ranch
Visit Fly Ranch
Since 2016 stewards have walked, worked, and camped at Fly Ranch. We have found uses for relics from the old airport, ranch, and farm. We have cared for the land, started non-native species management, and grazed 150 cows. From April to October Friends of the Black Rock hosts hosts nature walks on Saturdays. Will & Crimson host Labyrinth walks on Sundays. You can can participate at Fly Ranch 365 days a year.
Since 2016 stewards have walked, worked, and camped at Fly Ranch. We have found uses for relics from the old airport, ranch, and farm. We have cared for the land, started non-native species management, and grazed 150 cows. From April to October Friends of the Black Rock hosts hosts nature walks on Saturdays. Will & Crimson host Labyrinth walks on Sundays. You can can participate at Fly Ranch 365 days a year.
Since 2016 stewards have walked, worked, and camped at Fly Ranch. We have found uses for relics from the old airport, ranch, and farm. We have cared for the land, started non-native species management, and grazed 150 cows. From April to October Friends of the Black Rock hosts hosts nature walks on Saturdays. Will & Crimson host Labyrinth walks on Sundays. You can can participate at Fly Ranch 365 days a year.
Walks are hosted every Saturday from April through October
Camp on site to help monitor and protect the land.
Camp and monitor and protect the land.
Camp on site to help monitor and protect the land
Volunteer on a Project
Roll up your sleeves and come volunteer.
Help others experience Fly Ranch.
Volunteer on a Project
Roll up your sleeves and come volunteer
Sunday Community Soaks
For Stewards, Gerlach & Empire locals, and Burning Man Staff
Fly Ranch Labyrinth walks hosted by Will & Crimson at two PM
Friends & Family Campouts
Open to Fly Ranch Stewards to connect and work on the land
Sunday Community Soaks
For Stewards, Gerlach & Empire locals, and Burning Man Staff
Friends & Family Campouts
Open to Fly Ranch Stewards to connect and work on the land
Sunday Community Soaks
For Stewards, Gerlach & Empire locals, and Burning Man Staff
Fly Ranch Labyrinth walks hosted by Will & Crimson at two PM
Friends & Family Campouts
Open to Fly Ranch Stewards to connect and work on the land
Virtual Tour
Get a sense of the landcape of Fly Ranch.
Get a sense of the landcape of Fly Ranch.
Get a sense of the landcape of Fly Ranch.
Also link: invasive species maps
Take the Tour
Fly Residents
The novel desert ecosystem exists because of the abundant water. The hot springs are home to a metazoan with the highest temperature tolerance of any metazoan and rare photosynthetic microbial mats. The waters are crucial for the eight beehives and the Fly Ranch pyrg (Pyrgulopsis bruesi), an endangered highly vulnerable snail found only in one pool at Fly Ranch.
Featured Projects
Fly Ranch is a do-ocracy. Anyone can propose, organize, and manage a project. Projects tend to focus on ecology, art, healing, transformation, regeneration, and education. Most projects create public benefit, contribute to a thriving ecosystem, and support a permanent home for Burning Man. Below are some of the installations, events, and programs at the ranch.
You can view a full portfolio here.
Fly Bees
A volunteer project spun off from the Ripple team to care for eight beehives.
Baba Yaga's Tea House
An immersive art experience overlooking the stunning high desert landscape.
Writer's Emerging
A retreat to connect with the land and participate in creative workshops.
PLPT Tule Harvest
Indigenous harvest of tule reed used to make traditional burial mats.
SEED Garden
Symbiotic Coevolution: A vision for a generative future by a LAGI finalist.
BWB Summit
A flagship annual gathering held at Fly Ranch with Burners Without Borders.
Burning Man Sustainability
Burning Man
Sustainability
Fly Ranch sparked Burning Man Project's 2030 Environmental Sustainability Roadmap. As its CEO Marian Goodell wrote: “Informed by our stewardship of the land and waters at Fly Ranch and the global climate crisis, we created an environmental sustainability roadmap that sets ambitious goals around waste management, ecological impact, and carbon sequestration.” A documentary by the International Wood Culture Society shows how sustainability projects are coming to life on and off playa.
LAGI at Fly Ranch
LAGI at Fly Ranch
LAGI at Fly Ranch
In 2019 we partnered with the Land Art Generator Initiative and launched LAGI at Fly Ranch, a design challenge focused on regenerative systems for food, power, water, shelter, and waste. We made a global invitation to artists, designers, engineers, and dreamers to propose artworks that inspire wonder and provide foundational infrastructue.
In 2019 we partnered with the Land Art Generator Initiative and launched LAGI at Fly Ranch, a design challenge focused on regenerative systems for food, power, water, shelter, and waste. We made a global invitation to artists, designers, engineers, and dreamers to propose artworks that inspire wonder and provide foundational infrastructue.
In 2019 we partnered with the Land Art Generator Initiative and launched LAGI at Fly Ranch, a design challenge focused on regenerative systems for food, power, water, shelter, and waste. We made a global invitation to artists, designers, engineers, and dreamers to propose artworks that inspire wonder and provide foundational infrastructue.
Shortlist Portfolio
In 2020, 500 people on 185 teams submitted proposals based on the design guidelines. The proposals were reviewed by 200 technical advisors who left 2,000 comments. 50 members of a shortlist committee picked 52 shortlisted projects and 33 jurors selected ten finalists. Each of the shortlisted projects is open for comments. The top ten teams have started prototypes and we hope to build more.
LAGI Summer Camp
During the last couple weeks of May, 2022, LAGI teams, jurors, advisors, and supporters gathered for a campout. Teams worked on prototypes, research, and connected to the land. Read this article by the LAGI co-founders.
LAGI Fly Ranch Book
From the Art Newspaper review:
“Hopefully, Land Art of the 21st Century will inspire action on the climate and ecological emergencies worldwide. The methodologies and design philosophies employed by real-world regenerative structures can be copied. The real value of these land art installations will be that they embody collective, sustainable and inclusive principles. It is through the creation of new ways of organising our societies that we will discover the wisdom to live together in harmony with our home planet.”Lodgers Project
This short film shows the future vision of Lodgers Collective, a top LAGI at Fly Ranch team. The video by Zhicheng Xu showcases a mesmerizing glimpse into the future of the Fly Ranch landscape, brought to life through LiDAR scanned point cloud. The film juxtaposes this futuristic representation with the author’s on-site documentation, capturing the essence of the region’s vibrant ecosystem, birds, rodents, and lush vegetation.
Ripple Haba Build
During the 2023 Burners Without Borders Campout, Ripple Project built a traditional Northern Paiute shade structure at the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitors Center.
LAGI at Fly Ranch Call
This call inlcuded the top ten LAGI teams, jurors, and advisors. Hear from USA Today’s Nevada Woman of the Year Autumn Harry, Community Organizer Beverly Harry, Professor Kyle Whyte, Indigenous Women Hike Founder Jolie Varela, Burning Man Co-Founders Will Roger & Crimson Rose, and Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda.
Shortlist Portfolio
In 2020, 500 people on 185 teams submitted proposals based on the design guidelines. The proposals were reviewed by 200 technical advisors who left 2,000 comments. 50 members of a shortlist committee picked 52 shortlisted projects and 33 jurors selected ten finalists. Each of the shortlisted projects is open for comments. The top ten teams have started prototypes and we hope to build more.
LAGI Summer Camp
During the last couple weeks of May, 2022, LAGI teams, jurors, advisors, and supporters gathered for a campout. Teams worked on prototypes, research, and connected to the land. Read this article by the LAGI co-founders.
LAGI Fly Ranch Book
From the Art Newspaper review:
“Hopefully, Land Art of the 21st Century will inspire action on the climate and ecological emergencies worldwide. The methodologies and design philosophies employed by real-world regenerative structures can be copied. The real value of these land art installations will be that they embody collective, sustainable and inclusive principles. It is through the creation of new ways of organising our societies that we will discover the wisdom to live together in harmony with our home planet.”Lodgers Project
This short film shows the future vision of Lodgers Collective, a top LAGI at Fly Ranch team. The video by Zhicheng Xu showcases a mesmerizing glimpse into the future of the Fly Ranch landscape, brought to life through LiDAR scanned point cloud. The film juxtaposes this futuristic representation with the author’s on-site documentation, capturing the essence of the region’s vibrant ecosystem, birds, rodents, and lush vegetation.
Ripple Haba Build
During the 2023 Burners Without Borders Campout, Ripple Project built a traditional Northern Paiute shade structure at the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitors Center.
LAGI at Fly Ranch Call
This call inlcuded the top ten LAGI teams, jurors, and advisors. Hear from USA Today’s Nevada Woman of the Year Autumn Harry, Community Organizer Beverly Harry, Professor Kyle Whyte, Indigenous Women Hike Founder Jolie Varela, Burning Man Co-Founders Will Roger & Crimson Rose, and Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda.
Shortlist Portfolio
In 2020, 500 people on 185 teams submitted proposals based on the design guidelines. The proposals were reviewed by 200 technical advisors who left 2,000 comments. 50 members of a shortlist committee picked 52 shortlisted projects and 33 jurors selected ten finalists. Each of the shortlisted projects is open for comments. The top ten teams have started prototypes and we hope to build more.
LAGI Summer Camp
During the last couple weeks of May, 2022, LAGI teams, jurors, advisors, and supporters gathered for a campout. Teams worked on prototypes, research, and connected to the land. Read this article by the LAGI co-founders.
LAGI Fly Ranch Book
From the Art Newspaper review:
“Hopefully, Land Art of the 21st Century will inspire action on the climate and ecological emergencies worldwide. The methodologies and design philosophies employed by real-world regenerative structures can be copied. The real value of these land art installations will be that they embody collective, sustainable and inclusive principles. It is through the creation of new ways of organising our societies that we will discover the wisdom to live together in harmony with our home planet.”Lodgers Project
This short film shows the future vision of Lodgers Collective, a top LAGI at Fly Ranch team. The video by Zhicheng Xu showcases a mesmerizing glimpse into the future of the Fly Ranch landscape, brought to life through LiDAR scanned point cloud. The film juxtaposes this futuristic representation with the author’s on-site documentation, capturing the essence of the region’s vibrant ecosystem, birds, rodents, and lush vegetation.
Ripple Haba Build
During the 2023 Burners Without Borders Campout, Ripple Project built a traditional Northern Paiute shade structure at the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitors Center.
LAGI at Fly Ranch Call
This call inlcuded the top ten LAGI teams, jurors, and advisors. Hear from USA Today’s Nevada Woman of the Year Autumn Harry, Community Organizer Beverly Harry, Professor Kyle Whyte, Indigenous Women Hike Founder Jolie Varela, Burning Man Co-Founders Will Roger & Crimson Rose, and Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda.
Shortlist Portfolio
In 2020, 500 people on 185 teams submitted proposals based on the design guidelines. The proposals were reviewed by 200 technical advisors who left 2,000 comments. 50 members of a shortlist committee picked 52 shortlisted projects and 33 jurors selected ten finalists. Each of the shortlisted projects is open for comments. The top ten teams have started prototypes and we hope to build more.
LAGI Summer Camp
During the last couple weeks of May, 2022, LAGI teams, jurors, advisors, and supporters gathered for a campout. Teams worked on prototypes, research, and connected to the land. Read this article by the LAGI co-founders.
LAGI Fly Ranch Book
From the Art Newspaper review:
“Hopefully, Land Art of the 21st Century will inspire action on the climate and ecological emergencies worldwide. The methodologies and design philosophies employed by real-world regenerative structures can be copied. The real value of these land art installations will be that they embody collective, sustainable and inclusive principles. It is through the creation of new ways of organising our societies that we will discover the wisdom to live together in harmony with our home planet.”Lodgers Project
This short film shows the future vision of Lodgers Collective, a top LAGI at Fly Ranch team. The video by Zhicheng Xu showcases a mesmerizing glimpse into the future of the Fly Ranch landscape, brought to life through LiDAR scanned point cloud. The film juxtaposes this futuristic representation with the author’s on-site documentation, capturing the essence of the region’s vibrant ecosystem, birds, rodents, and lush vegetation.
Ripple Haba Build
During the 2023 Burners Without Borders Campout, Ripple Project built a traditional Northern Paiute shade structure at the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitors Center.
LAGI at Fly Ranch Call
This call inlcuded the top ten LAGI teams, jurors, and advisors. Hear from USA Today’s Nevada Woman of the Year Autumn Harry, Community Organizer Beverly Harry, Professor Kyle Whyte, Indigenous Women Hike Founder Jolie Varela, Burning Man Co-Founders Will Roger & Crimson Rose, and Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda.
Fly Ranch Media
Impact & Metrics
Impact
$2.3M in Revenue
$2.3M Revenue
$2.3M in Revenue
Net Positive Financially
Costs have been $2.7M with revenue of $2.3M since 2016. The average annual budget is $337K. Burning Man has avoided water costs of $1M+ for BRC. Projects have catalyzed eight figure gifts for Burning Man Nonprofit.
Costs of $2.7M with revenue of $2.3M since 2016. Average annual budget is $337K. Burning Man has avoided water costs of $1M+ for BRC. Projects have catalyzed eight figure gifts for Burning Man Nonprofit.
1000+ Nature Walks
1000+ Nature Walks
Since 2017
Saturday in season
Scientists, Burners, families, and artists walk the land on Saturdays from March to November.
Scientists, Burners, families, and artists walk the land on Saturdays from March to November.
52 Labyrinth Walks
52 Labyrinth Walks
Held every Sunday
Saturday in season
Burning Man Cofounders Will and Crimson host walks on Sunday.
Burning Man Cofounders Will and Crimson host walks on Sunday.
30 Community Soaks
30 Community Soaks
Held every Sunday in Season
Saturday in season
Every Sunday in Season
Stewards, Burning Man staff, and locals come to relax and reflect in geothermal pools on Sundays.
Stewards, Burning Man staff, and locals come to relax and reflect in geothermal pools on Sundays.
3 Weekly Staff Soaks
3 Weekly Staff Soaks
From Golden Spike to Resto
Black Rock City staff recharge, rejuvenate, and connect during the Burning Man event season.
Black Rock City staff recharge, rejuvenate, and connect during the Burning Man event season.
103 Campouts
103 Campouts
For Friends & Family
Friends & Family
Participants have rehabilitated junkyards and landfills, restored and studied ecosystems, and experimented with sustainable living.
Participants have rehabilitated junkyards and landfills, restored and studied ecosystems, and experimented with sustainable living.
185 LAGI Proposals
185 LAGI Proposals
From 496 people worldwide
LAGI at Fly Ranch generated 185 proposals focused on food, water, power, shelter, and waste. Twelve teams have built prototypes at Fly Ranch, with others at Pyramid Lake and MIT.
LAGI at Fly Ranch generated 185 proposals focused on food, water, power, shelter, and waste. Twelve teams have built prototypes at Fly Ranch, with others at Pyramid Lake and MIT.
Eight Beehives
Eight Beehives
FlyBees, Ripple, & Fly project
Pollinators and builders support gardens, rewilding, and ecology. Fly bees produce hundreds of pounds of organic honey a year.
Pollinators and builders support gardens, rewilding, and ecology. Fly bees produce hundreds of pounds of organic honey a year.
150 Cows Grazing
150 Cows Grazing
From November to April
150 cows graze at Fly every year for six months. Rotational grazing allows the cows to manage weeds and fertilize the land.
150 cows graze at Fly every year for six months. Rotational grazing allows the cows to manage weeds and fertilize the land.
2,000 Stewards
2,000 Stewards
Fly Ranch Members
2,000 members manage the vision, projects, and land.
2,000 members manage the vision, projects, and land.
143 Plant Species
143 Plant s
143 Plant Species
A lush high desert ecosystem
Fly is 5.6 square miles of wildflowers, wetlands, and complex ecology. We do soil restorations, water management, rewilding, gardening, and manage 18 non-native species.
Fly is 5.6 square miles of wildflowers, wetlands, and complex ecology. We do soil restorations, water management, rewilding, gardening, and manage 18 non-native species.
26 Fly Art Teams
26 Fly Art Teams
Focused on the land
The Narwhal, Pier, Baba Yaga's House, Paradisium, and more live at Fly. Creative projects showcase regenerative design and connect people to the land.
The Narwhal, Pier, Baba Yaga's House, Paradisium, and more live at Fly. Creative projects showcase regenerative design and connect people to the land.
136 Types of Birds
136 Birds
136 Types of Birds
A birders paradise
Fly serves as a nesting and migration corridor for eagles, doves, hawks, owls, and ravens. We protect 600 acres of wetlands, restore waterways, and maintain open spaces.
Fly serves as a nesting and migration corridor for eagles, doves, hawks, owls, and ravens. We protect 600 acres of wetlands, restore waterways, and maintain open spaces.
1000+ Nature Walks
Since 2017
Scientists, Burners, families, and artists walk the land on Saturdays from March to November.
35 Community Soaks
Held every Sunday in Season
Contributors, Burning Man staff, and locals relax and reflect in geothermal pools on Sundays.
52 Labyrinth Walks
Held every Sunday
Burning Man Cofounders Will and Crimson host walks on Sunday.
3 Weekly Staff Soaks
From Golden Spike to Resto
Black Rock City staff recharge, rejuvenate, and connect during the Burning Man event season.
$2.3M in Revenue
Net Positive Financially
Costs have been $2.7M with revenue of $2.3M since 2016. The average annual budget is $337K. Burning Man has avoided water costs of $1M+ for BRC. Projects have catalyzed eight figure gifts for Burning Man Nonprofit.
103 Campouts
For Friends & Family
Participants have rehabilitated junkyards and landfills, restored and studied ecosystems, and experimented with sustainable living.
150 Cows
From November to April
150 cows rotationally graze at Fly six months a year. Cows manage weeds and fertilize the land. We're always fixing fences.
185 LAGI Proposals
From 496 people worldwide
LAGI at Fly Ranch generated 185 proposals focused on food, water, power, shelter, and waste. Twelve teams have built prototypes at Fly Ranch, with others at Pyramid Lake and MIT.
Eight beehives
FlyBees, Ripple, & Fly project
Pollinators and builders support gardens, rewilding, and ecology. Fly bees produce hundreds of pounds of organic honey a year.
26 Fly Art Teams
Focused on the land
The Narwhal, Pier, Baba Yaga's House, Paradisium, and other creative regenerative designs inspire awe and deepen connections to the land.
143 Plant Speices
A lush desert ecosystem
Fly is 5.6 square miles of wildflowers, wetlands, and complex ecology. We do soil restorations, water management, rewilding, gardening, and manage 18 non-native species.
136 Types of Birds
Nesting & migration corridor
We protect 600 acres of wetlands, restore waterways, and maintain open spaces for for eagles, doves, hawks, owls, ravens, and more animal friends.
2,000 Stewards
Fly Friends & Family
2,000 Members manage the vision, projects, and land.
Impact & Metrics
