Synergia Ranch
Santa Fe, New MexicoSynergia Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a center for innovation and retreats, hosting workshops and spaces for hire, as well as serving as the headquarters of the Institute of Ecotechnics, US. The ranch is home to the individuals who were the original inventors, creators, designers, and managers of the Biosphere 2 project in Oracle, Arizona, until 1994. Today, these and other residents at the ranch collaborate in ecotechnic and artistic enterprises all over the world and locally, as well as continuing biospheric research and development. The ranch also houses the offices of Synergetic Press, a 0.5 acre organic market garden, and a 4.5 acre orchard.
Project Overview
Founded in 1969, the Institute of Ecotechnics enterprises and school of philosophy grew from work started here at Synergia Ranch in the late 1960s to try and regenerate the overgrazed land. Many of these original ecologists, artists, and entrepreneurs continue to live in community here together today.
The ranch occupies 130 acres of arid high desert that was completely decimated by over-grazing during the earlier half of the 20th century. This windswept clay soil was brought to life again through the application of Institute of Ecotechnics ideas and sustainable practices that regenerated the badly overgrazed and eroding land. With the addition of many tons of compost, damming up the gullies, and the planting of over 1,000 windbreak, shade, and fruit trees, the ranch’s traditional-style adobe buildings, courtyards, gardens, and geodesic dome today sit at the center of an oasis in the desert.
A half acre of vegetable gardens and 400 fruit trees (apples, peaches, apricots, and pears) provide organic produce to the Santa Fe community through its Farm to Restaurant program, Beneficial Farms, and other local outlets.
The Ranch’s retreat center facilities attract multidisciplinary workshops from around the world.
History
1969-Present
Early construction, featuring the building of the geodesic dome.
One of the first Synergist Conferences; William Burroughs keynote speaker.
In the early days the ranch hosted, among others, residents and guest artisans who were interested in producing “biotechnic” products. Several workshops and studios made pottery, fine wood furniture, cabinets, doors, and other architectural items.
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