Synergia Ranch

01/20/2025

We are really excited to host a series of 5 free community based workshops https://synergiaranch.com/workshop-registration/

Over the course of these workshops we will:

>Implement techniques in combination with listening to theory pertaining to building erosion control structures
>Network and socialize
>Participate in discussion and seminars
>Prepare, eat and enjoy local food

Dates

March 21-23
April 11 – 13
April 25-27
May 16-18
June 13-15

01/10/2025

2024 reflections: In partnership with Bright Way Ag we are planting native grass windbreaks. It's lovely to see parallels with work in our sister biome in the Caribbean. Read more here on the big sacaton wind break project here at the ranch and at Brightway farms: https://www.nmhealthysoil.org/2024/12/24/the-benefits-of-big-sacaton-grass-sporobolus-wrightii-windbreaks-for-soil-biology/

"From tropical rainforest to semi-arid highlands: sister biomes build resilience for the future"

How can lessons learned in one ecosystem inform restoration in another? In 2024, two IE-allied projects— Las Casas de la Selva in Puerto Rico’s rainforest and Synergia Ranch in New Mexico’s semi-arid savannah—implemented science-driven solutions to tackle unique environmental challenges.
🔹 In Puerto Rico, vetiver grass was planted along eroding trails, using its extraordinary root system to stabilize slopes and prevent landslides in the face of heavy rains. This solution will not only protect fragile soils but also create a more resilient environment for future climate extremes.
🔹 In New Mexico, big sacaton grasses were planted perpendicular to the predominant winds in an orchard, addressing wind erosion and soil water holding capacity in the semi-arid, exposed landscape. These grasses will play a dual role, safeguarding the orchard and fostering biodiversity by providing habitat for desert-adapted wildlife.
These restoration projects provide a glimpse into a future where ecosystem structure and functioning are safeguarded by localized, research-backed solutions. They mark a step toward greater resilience, with the potential to be a node in a greater planetary network of thriving cultures and ecosystems.

01/10/2025

2024 Reflections. Upcyling "drip tape". Drip tape is a cost effective means for irrigation in agriculture. At it's cheapest drip tape could have a 1-3 year lifespan in the field. The tape has slits at regular intervals, it fills with water and the water drips out of the slits enable precision watering for crops. The slits clog, and the tape decreases in functionality. Here Hacienda Dominguez & Chelenzo Farms is over with their crew helping us upcycle old drip tape into an effective shade structure (April 17th till 24th). We are grateful for these wonderful crews with the Chelenzos, and for Karim Gonzalez who was with us this last season. There is a lot of old irrigation drip tape on farms around the state, including ours. We now see a way forwards to upcycle it into shade structures, oh so useful in this hot and sunny realm.

11/27/2024

Reflecting on the various perennials we've been planting over the last three years. Feeling grateful to everyone who has been planting and co-creating the farm. Thank you Lars Volta for planting the blackberries all those years ago. This is the year they really took off ! Now onto protecting them from our new found friends the mule deer :-).

11/20/2024

Save the dates! 2025 Agroecology/ Ecosystem Restoration
Weekend Workshop Series

Interested? https://forms.gle/XZ61H6MrSHA3R3339

Co-organized by Institute of Ecotechnics and Synergia Ranch Organic. Spring/ Early summer 2025: March 21-23, April 11 - 13, April 25-27, May 16-18, June 13-15, June 27-29

Throughout this limited series of six workshops, we will collectively design a site restoration plan and construct low-tech erosion control structures, with guidance and feedback from Jan-Willem Jansens (Ecotone Landscape Planning, LLC). We will broaden our comprehension of water cycles, climate, and agroecology within this fragile environment. We will explore political structures through lenses of decentralized governance. Additionally, we will enhance our shared knowledge of how modest and precise actions taken today can affect soil health, biodiversity, well-being, and resilience of food resources- now and for future generations.

Special Guest Teacher: Jan-Willem Jansens Throughout this limited series of six workshops, we will collectively design a site restoration plan and construct low-tech erosion control structures, with guidance and feedback from Jan-Willem Jansens. We will broaden our comprehension of water cycles, cli...

10/15/2024

🌿 Grandmother's Wisdom event happening next week! Featuring Vandana Shiva as a key note!!

https://www.grandmotherswisdom.org/we-are-all-related

This October marks the 20th anniversary of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers! Together, alongside the Grandmothers, our community has supported this mission for peace, prayer and activism, bringing healing and hope to thousands around the world.

To celebrate this milestone we are planning a very special event in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the Grandmothers’ had their first official gathering and embarked on a global mission.

09/05/2024

We are really please to be hosting an agro-ecology field day here at Synergia Ranch on September 14th:

https://www.nmhealthysoil.org/portfolio/giant-sacaton-field-day/

We look forwards to seeing many of you here ! Great food, great people, and great collaborative project between Synergia, Waybright Ag, and NM healthy soils working group funded through the WSARE program.

Register at the link. Please share widely within your networks.

Giant Sacaton, Sporobolus wrightii, is an impressive grass native to the arid Southwest. Deep-rooted and fast growing, it stands up to 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide. At this Field Day, learn abo…

08/30/2024

Here's what's happening with the Institute of Ecotechnics research ship, Heraclitus!

Seamanship Training | Documenting Impacts of Sea Rise | Ocean Education & Research | Check out 'Adventure with Purpose - Return Heraclitus to Sea!' on Indiegogo.

08/26/2024

This is the raw interior of our Heraclitus sailing ship. It is based off of an ancient sailing ship design called "Chinese junk”, made with ferro cement. We are now getting ready to seal the cement with paints generously provided by Jotun.
We are still needing donations to pay for painting costs. Consider donating indiegogo.com/projects/help-heraclitus-spotlight-coastal-communities/

08/23/2024

We offer a variety of perks when you donate to our campaign.
Support the Heraclitus and receive the following based on purchasing tier:
⛵All tiers $25 or more come with an e-book written by the Biosphere 2 founders and a personal thank you.
⛵ Picture #2 $25: Receive an online tour of the ship in real time
⛵ Picture #3 $50: an e-book
⛵ Picture #4 $150: Heraclitus T-shirt
⛵ Picture #5 $350: Stay at an Airbnb in the Rainforest of Puerto Rico
⛵Picture #5 $10,000: Sea people Training Program- learn the ropes of living at sea including sailing, navigation, living at sea, and much more.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/adventure-with-purpose-return-heraclitus-to-sea #/

08/19/2024

Did you know that the founders, living at Synergia Ranch, are actually master architects, expeditionists, and sailors? They made their own seafaring boat called the Heraclitus.
Since its launch in 1975, the legendary ship has sailed the world, logging over 270,000 nautical miles through 6 oceans.
However...the ship is in grave danger of never hitting the seas again, after 50 years of ecological and anthropological work!!

We are needing all friends of the ranch, near and far, to donating anything they can. 👇👇

When you donate you can receive:
⚓ A T-shirt
⚓Eco-stay
⚓An exclusive tour
⚓Rare paintings

👉 https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/adventure-with-purpose-return-heraclitus-to-sea #/

The multi-cultural crew aims to live a present-day embodiment of the millennia-old tradition of Sea People.

Its many voyages have included ethnobotanical investigations, coral reef research, meteorological measurements, oceanic exploration, cultural interchange, theatrical performance, and adventure.

10/09/2023

Jacob Aman and Justin Mackey are growing beautiful produce this year.

Tomatos are growing beautifully up the funded caterpillar tunnel. Here are some lovely fall impressions.