Native Seeds/SEARCH is a non-profit conservation organization based in Tucson, Arizona. Since 1983 we have been a major regional seed bank and a leader in the heirloom seed movement. Our seed bank is a unique resource for both traditional and modern agriculture. It includes 1,800 varieties of arid-land adapted agricultural crops, many of them rare or endangered. We promote the use of these ancient crops and their wild relatives by distributing seeds to traditional communities and to gardeners world-wide.

This summer we will be recruiting four temporary interns to help with conservation work at the Native Seeds/SEARCH Conservation Farm in Patagonia, Arizona. Activities this year include the regeneration (growing, documentation and seed-saving) of a diverse assortment of over 100 at-risk crop varieties, as well as the growout of numerous other varieties for seed distribution or research. This is a fantastic opportunity to become inimately involved with the preservation of the Southwest's rich agricultural heritage, learn farming and seed-saving techniques, and live in a place of stunning natural beauty.

Due to the large number of corn and squash accessions we will be growing this year, controlled pollination is necessary to maintain the genetic isolation of each variety. This year we are growing 40 squash, 11 gourd and 16 corn varieties that will all need to be hand-pollinated. Physically, the work is not very demanding, but it is very time consuming and must take place early in the morning and later in the evening to ensure the viability of the pollen. We will also be growing a number of common beans, tepary beans, runner beans, lentils, chiles, cotton, amaranth, tomatoes, sunflowers, and many other crops. In addition to working at the farm, you will have the opportunity to work at our seed bank in Tucson so that you can get a well-rounded experience in seed conservation.