Welcome Home
Fly Ranch is a 5.6 square mile sanctuary in Nevada, home to plants, animals, and the Fly Geyser hot springs.
Fly Ranch is a Burning Man rural center for interactive arts, community participation, and public benefit.
Fly is an oasis of art and ecology that inspires awe and wonder. People gather year-round to explore, create, and innovate.
Planning a visit? Please read the survival guide before you arrive.
Fly Ranch is a Burning Man rural center for interactive arts and community participation. On the broad arc though, we’re 1 - 2% done. Check the gallery to see what we've done.
In many ways, Fly is a year-round Burning Man rural center for interactive arts and community participation. On the broad arc though, we’re 1 - 2% done. Check the gallery to see what we've done.
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.
The dream was born in the 90s and crystalized at the 1997 Burning Man at Fly. The deal was finalized in 2016. Browse the interactive site plan, vision, and 25 years worth of maps, videos, and memos.
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.
We care for the land and help people get involved. Since 2016 we've spent $2.7M, made $2.3M, and avoided water costs of $1M+. Projects have supported eight figure Burning Man Nonprofit capital campaigns.
Our team's priorities are to care for the land and help people get involved. Since 2016 we've spent $2.7M, made $2.3M, avoided Burning Man water costs of $1M+, and supported Burning Man Nonprofit.
The dream was born in the 90s and crystalized at the 1997 Burning Man at Fly. The deal was finalized in 2016. Browse the site plan, vision, and 25 years worth of maps, videos, and memos.
We care for the land and help people get involved. Since 2016 we've spent $2.7M, made $2.3M, and avoided water costs of $1M+. Projects have supported eight figure Burning Man Nonprofit capital campaigns.
Visit Fly Ranch
Visit Fly Ranch
Since 2016 we have walked, worked, and studied the land. Since 2021 50 - 400 people a week have visited for 32 weeks. We have excavated landfills, restored junkyards, and upcycled relics from the airport, ranch, and farm. You can visit and participate 365 days a year.
Since 2016 we have walked, worked, and studied the land. Since 2021 50 - 400 people a week have visited for 32 weeks. We have excavated landfills, restored junkyards, and upcycled relics from the airport, ranch, and farm. You can visit and participate 365 days a year.
Every Saturday April to October
Camp, monitor, & protect the land
Roll up your sleeves & participate
For locals & Fly Ranch community
Sunday at 2 PM with Will & Crimson
Connect and work on the land
For locals & Burning Man Staff
Sunday at 2 PM with Will & Crimson
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
Residents
144 plants, 15 mammals, 138 birds, 12 reptiles, and more animal friends live at Fly. The springs are home to a metazoan with the highest temperature tolerance of any metazoan, rare photosynthetic microbial mats, 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
Burning Man Project CEO Marian Goodell wrote in the Nonprofit's 2019 Annual Report: “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.” Burning Man's 2030 Sustainability Roadmap has grown into a broad effort that includes Black Rock City, Burners Without Borders, and Regional Network communities and events around the world.
Ethos
The energy that drives Black Rock City seems to be personal freedom, creation, and destruction. The energy that drives Fly seems to be reconnection, healing, and life. We have a chance to prioritize land, to revive culture and ecology. By giving to the land, we heal and reconnect, allowing us to return home inspired to contribute. This film captures the essence of that vision.
Washoe County Podcast
Burning Man Project Director of Government Affairs Marnee Benson and Fly Ranch General Manager Zac Cirivello join the official Washoe County podcast, Washoe Life. They share the story behind this unique landscape, the values guiding its care, and how community, art, and ecology are shaping its future.
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. Twelve teams have built at Fly Ranch. Lodgers has built at MIT and in Lisbon, Ripple at Pyramid Lake, and the Loop at Borderland.
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 invited artists, designers, engineers, and dreamers worldwide to propose artworks that inspire wonder and provide foundational infrastructue. Twelve teams have built at Fly Ranch. Lodgers has built at MIT and in Lisbon, Ripple at Pyramid Lake, and the Loop at Borderland.
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.
Ethos
Ethos
Ethos
The energy that drives Black Rock City seems to be personal freedom, creation, and destruction. The energy that drives Fly seems to be reconnection, healing, and life. We have a chance to prioritize land, to revive culture and ecology. By giving to the land, we heal and reconnect, allowing us to return home inspired to contribute. This film captures the essence of that vision.
Impact & Metrics
Impact
$8.8M in Revenue
$2.3M Revenue
Since 2016
Fly has generated revenue through restricted donations, capital campaigns, grazing leases, and online donations. Fly was purchased for $6.5M entirely through direct donations, separate from ticket revenue.
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.
$2.7M in costs
$2.3M Revenue
$2.7M in Costs
Modest Direct Costs
Since 2016 Fly has had direct costs of $2.7M for projects, staff, and infrastructure with a $337K average annual budget. This does not account for interdepartmental costs, borrowed assets, and non-profit administrative costs.
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.
Public nature walks on Saturday from March to November.
Public nature walks on Saturday from March to November.
Burning Man Cofounders Will and Crimson host walks on Sunday.
Burning Man Cofounders Will and Crimson host walks on Sunday.
100s of Soaks
Held every Sunday in Season
Saturday in season
Every Sunday in Season
Stewards, nonprofit staff, and locals relax in geothermal pools.
Stewards, nonprofit staff, and locals relax in geothermal pools.
108 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.
$2M in savings
For BRC water costs
Friends & Family
Fly Ranch is the source of water for dust abatement for Black Rock City. Burning Man Nonprofit has avoided at least $2M in water costs that would have been paid to the previous owner since 2016.
Fly Ranch is the source of water for dust abatement for Black Rock City. Burning Man Nonprofit has avoided at least $2M in water costs that would have been paid to the previous owner since 2016.
From 496 people worldwide
Sustainable visions for food, water, power, shelter, and waste. Twelve teams have built at Fly, others at Pyramid Lake and MIT.
Sustainable visions for food, water, power, shelter, and waste. Twelve teams have built at Fly, others at Pyramid Lake and MIT.
Eight Beehives
FlyBees, Ripple, & Fly project
Supporting gardens, rewilding, and ecology. Hundreds of pounds of organic honey a year.
Supporting gardens, rewilding, and ecology. Hundreds of pounds of organic honey a year.
From November to April
Cows fertilize, manage plants, and reduce wildfire risks.
Cows fertilize, manage plants, and reduce wildfire risks.
Fly Ranch Members
2,000 members manage the vision, projects, and land.
2,000 members manage the vision, projects, and land.
$10M+ catalyzed
Fundraising Support
Fly projects have led to eight-figures in gifts for Burning Man Nonprofit, OFF, "Save the Man, Green the Man, Bring the Man Home", and other capital campaigns.
Fly projects have led to eight-figures in gifts for Burning Man Nonprofit, OFF, "Save the Man, Green the Man, Bring the Man Home", and other capital campaigns.
5.6 square miles of wildflowers, playa, and 18 non-native species cared for with restorations, rewilding, and water flows.
5.6 square miles of wildflowers, playa, and 18 non-native species cared for with restorations, rewilding, and water flows.
26 Fly Art Teams
Focused on the land
The Narwhal, Pier, Baba Yaga's House, Paradisium, and other creative designs inspire awe and deepen connections to land.
The Narwhal, Pier, Baba Yaga's House, Paradisium, and other creative designs inspire awe and deepen connections to land.
We protect 600 acres of wetlands, restore waterways, and maintain open spaces for eagles, doves, hawks, owls, and ravens.
We protect 600 acres of wetlands, restore waterways, and maintain open spaces for eagles, doves, hawks, owls, and ravens.
Fly Ranch Media
Washoe County Podcast
Washoe County Podcast
Washoe County Podcast
Burning Man Project Director of Government Affairs Marnee Benson and Fly Ranch General Manager Zac Cirivello join the official Washoe County podcast, Washoe Life. They share the story behind this unique landscape, the values guiding its care, and how community, art, and ecology are shaping its future.
Since 2017
Public nature walks on Saturday from March to November.
100s of Soaks
Held every Sunday in Season
Stewards, nonprofit staff, and locals relax in geothermal pools.
200+ Labyrinth Walks
Every Sunday at 2 PM
Burning Man Cofounders Will and Crimson host walks on Sunday.
3 Weekly Staff Soaks
From Golden Spike to Resto
Event staff recharge and connect in Burning Man event season.
$8.8M in Revenue
Since 2016
Fly has generated revenue through restricted donations, capital campaigns, grazing leases, and online donations. Fly was purchased for $6.5M entirely through direct donations, separate from ticket revenue.
$2.7M in Costs
Modest Direct Costs
Since 2016 Fly has had direct costs of $2.7M for projects, staff, and infrastructure with a $337K average annual budget. This does not account for interdepartmental costs, borrowed assets, and non-profit administrative costs.
$2.7M in costs
Modest Direct Costs
Since 2016 Fly has had direct costs of $2.7M for projects, staff, and infrastructure with a $337K average annual budget.This does not account for interdepartmental costs, borrowed assets, and non-profit administrative costs.
108 Campouts
For Friends & Family
Participants have rehabilitated junkyards and landfills, restored and studied ecosystems, and experimented with sustainable living.
$2M in Savings
For BRC Water Costs
Fly Ranch is the source of water for dust abatement for Black Rock City. Burning Man Nonprofit has avoided at least $2M in water costs that would have been paid to the previous owner since 2016.
From November to April
Cows fertilize, manage plants, and reduce wildfire risks.
From 496 people worldwide
Sustainable visions for food, water, power, shelter, and waste. Twelve teams have built at Fly, others at Pyramid Lake and MIT.
Eight beehives
FlyBees, Ripple, & Fly project
Supporting gardens, rewilding, and ecology. 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 designs inspire awe and deepen connections to land.
A lush desert ecosystem
5.6 square miles of wildflowers, playa, and 18 non-native species cared for with restorations, rewilding, and water flows.
Nesting & migration corridor
We protect 600 acres of wetlands, restore waterways, and maintain open spaces for eagles, doves, hawks, owls, and ravens.
Fly Friends & Family
2,000 Members manage the vision, projects, and land.
$10M+ catalyzed
Fundraising Support
Fly projects have led to eight-figures in gifts for Burning Man Nonprofit, OFF, "Save the Man, Green the Man, Bring the Man Home", and other capital campaigns.
Impact & Metrics
