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.
Native Seeds/SEARCH has long been a proponent of local agriculture for a sustainable food system. But rekindling a connection to place and the natural world goes beyond our garden plots and dinner tables. Many people are exploring ways to make other important aspects of our everyday lives more healthful and sustainable—such as the very homes we live in.
Join us in celebration of a fertile tradition! This year's San Juan's Day blessing and potluck will again take place at the Native Seeds/SEARCH Conservation Farm in beautiful Patagonia.
Sunday June 23, 2013
5 - 8 pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2013
The Tucson, Arizona-based seed conservation nonprofit Native Seeds/SEARCH (NS/S) is pleased to announce it has received two generous grants to further its work in helping to build more sustainable and secure food systems across the Southwest region.
Seed School returns to Tucson in September 2013 for another 6-day session at the NS/S Conservation Center. With more than 280 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.
September 8–13, 2013
NS/S Conservation Center
3584 E. River Rd.
Tucson, AZ
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.
The News from the Conservation Farm Blog posts are written by the 2013 farm apprentices Danielle, Matt, Pablo, Travis, and Francesca.
Since early April, the Native Seed/SEARCH Conservation Farm has been home to a new team of awesome apprentices. Through this blog, we will bring you regular updates of our activities on the farm, and share our photos, recipes and ideas.
Enhance your skills in sustainability and self-reliance by learning to build your own straw bale cottage or studio in this hands-on workshop series. Native Seeds/SEARCH and world-renowned natural builders Bill and Athena Steen of the Canelo Project present a rare opportunity to construct a beautiful, sustainable straw bale house from start to finish.
Explore the History and Culture of Chaco Canyon with Archelologist Gwinn Vivian and NS/S
October 10 – 15, 2013
Join us for an exceptional 6-day journey into the captivating culture of Chaco Canyon hosted by Piet and Mary Van de Mark of Baja’s Frontier Tours and guided by second-generation Chaco archeologist Gwinn Vivian.
Rejoin the Ritual: Seed Saving
Join NS/S in June at Whole Foods Market locations in Tucson and Phoenix for these FREE informative talks on the ancient ritual of seed saving. At the beginning of the last century, everyone saved their own seeds. What turn of events led us to believe we can't and shouldn't save seeds from our own gardens? Native Seeds/SEARCH shares the fascinating journey of how we got here and what we can do to rejoin the ritual.
Chandler - Thursday, June 6 @ 2 pm
Tucson-Speedway - Saturday, June 8 @ 10 am
Tucson-River Road - Tuesday, June 11 @ 10 am
Paradise Valley - Wednesday, June 12 @ 6:30 pm
Tempe - Thursday, June 13 @ 6 pm
Please RSVP: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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.