Join NS/S staff and a cohort of women farmers, gardeners, and seed savers as we learn more about seed production and saving. Three virtual training sessions will cover: traditional and non-traditional methods of seed saving, growing for seed production, seed cleaning, seed storage and record keeping. Sessions will be led by NS/S Conservation Staff with opportunities for participants to learn from the inspiring and impactful work of one another!
The seminar series will culminate in an in-person gathering at the NS/S Conservation Center in Tucson in early October - funding is available to cover lodging expenses and support travel to Tucson.
Eligible Participants: Fifteen (15) Southwest-based Indigenous women growers who would like to connect with others and learn more about seed saving.
Register is closed
Dates: Tuesday, August 9
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 Arizona time/6:00 - 8:00 New Mexico
Session 1: Introductions and NS/S Seed Access Programs
- Opening words by NS/S Board Chair Jacob Butler (Onk Akimel O'odham)
- Participants will meet and share about their current food and seed production activities and interests
- NS/S staff will present on Seed Programs
Tuesday, August 16,
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM Arizona time/6:00 - 8:00 PM New Mexico
Session 2: Traditional and nontraditional methods of Seed Saving
- Hear from practitioners of traditional and alternative seed saving and storage practices
- Learn about NS/S seed collection management and seed banking
- Share seed keeping practices
Tuesday, August 23
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 Arizona time/6:00 - 8:00 New Mexico
Session 3: Seed production and seed cleaning
- Principles of seed saving: plant life cycles, plant family relationships, and reproduction
- Field planning for seed saving: isolation distance, avoiding cross-pollination, and maintaining diversity
- Harvesting cleaning and storage: wet and dry processing techniques, fermentation, and maintaining seed viability
October in-person session
- Tour Native Seed/SEARCH Conservation Center seed bank, seed lab, and garden
- Lunch provided
- Share and discuss seed saving and garden design plans
- Seminar participant seed swap.