Our Nonprofit Mission

Native Seeds/SEARCH conserves, distributes and documents the adapted and diverse varieties of agricultural seeds, their wild relatives and the role these seeds play in cultures of the American Southwest and northwest Mexico. We promote the use of these ancient crops and their wild relatives by gathering, safeguarding, and distributing their seeds to farming and gardening communities. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Tucson, Arizona.

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May NS/S Salon – The Tarahumara of the Sierra Madre

"The Tarahumara of the Sierra Madre" with Evan Sofro, NS/S Farm Manager

Monday, May 20, 2013
6 - 8 pm

Native Seeds/SEARCH has been involved with the Tarahumara peoples of Mexico's Sierra Madre since 1990, helping with various projects and providing support to keep their seed culture alive. NS/S Farm Manager Evan Sofro has journeyed to the villages of these colorful and vibrant people several times in the last six months to find out how we can continue to support them in times of drought and dire circumstances. Evan will share moving stories from his travels and offer ideas on the next steps we can all take to help.

Native Seeds/SEARCH Salons happen every third Monday of the month at the NS/S Conservation Center and have a little something for anyone who has ever wielded a fork or pitchfork. Bring your juiciest ideas and an appetite for mind-watering conversations.

Location:
NS/S Conservation Center
3584 E. River Road, just east of the Alvernon intersection opposite the Waldorf school. Look for our marquee sign.

September Seed School in Tucson

Seed School returns to Tucson in September 2013 for another 6-day session at the NS/S Conservation Center. With more than 180 graduates from around the world, the word is spreading about this groundbreaking course. Sign up today and reserve your space for the first-of-its-kind educational program in "all things seeds."

Facilitated by Bill McDorman, Executive Director of Native Seeds/SEARCH and Joy Hought, MSc.

Course Details

September 8–13, 2013
NS/S Conservation Center
3584 E. River Rd.
Tucson, AZ

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NS/S Seed Bank and Farm Tours

Advance registration is now required for all tours. Please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve a space.

Ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look into Native Seeds/SEARCH? We are pleased to offer public tours of our Conservation Center and Conservation Farm!

All tours are one hour long. The suggested donation is $10, or free for NS/S members. Cash or check only, please -- no credit cards.

Conservation Farm tours take place on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, and Conservation Center tours take place on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month. Both tours begin at 10 am.

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Chaco Culture Archeology Tour

Explore the History and Culture of Chaco Canyon with Archelologist Gwinn Vivian and NS/S
October 10 – 15, 2013

Imagine market day at Chaco Canyon a millennium ago. Thousands of people have gathered at Pueblo Bonito, arriving by foot from far away places like Mesa Verde, Paquimé, and Central Mexico. Shells from the Sea of Cortez sparkle in the desert sunshine. Stones, gems, skins, wood, pottery, food and seeds from distant lands are bartered. The screams of bright macaws echo off sandstone walls... For reasons still debated, this vibrant civilization crumbled. Or did it just change? What could have happened, and who went where? Discover the possibilities of this magical and powerful place during an unforgettable learning adventure with Native Seeds/SEARCH and Baja's Frontier Tours.

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Glass Gem Corn Now Available

The wait is over! Glass Gem, one of the world's most beautiful corn varieties, is now on sale to the general public through our online store. Sorry, no phone or mail orders will be accepted. One packet of seed per customer please. Only a limited amount will be available. If you live in the Tucson area, we also have Glass Gem available at our local retail store located at 3061 North Campbell Avenue.

Glass Gem became a social media sensation in early 2012 when a photo of the eye-popping rainbow variety went viral online. Read more about the history of this remarkable heirloom in this NS/S blog post. As the steward of the original Glass Gem seed stock, Native Seeds/SEARCH offers the highest quality and most genetically diverse Glass Gem seed available. We are thrilled to offer this inspiring and magical variety to our customers. Join our Glass Gem Facebook page and share your stories, pictures, and experiences. Happy growing!