Visiting the Conservation Center
Are you open to the public?
No, the Native Seeds/SEARCH Conservation Center is a working farm and seed bank, not open for drop-in visits. Our staff is focused on growing and processing seeds, and ensuring they're available through our many distribution channels. Our farm does not have dedicated walkways or visitor accommodations. We ask that you please respect this space as a work site.
Is there a store I can visit in person?
No, we do not have a permanent storefront. All of our items (including seeds) are available online and can either be shipped or picked up through our drive-through service. Check out our Sonoran Pantry, Gift Shop and Seeds online.
Where can I buy seeds in person?
We do not do in-person sales of seeds, but if you are in Tucson you can purchase seeds in person from the following local retailers: Spadefoot Nursery, Time Market, Harlow Gardens, and Mission Garden.
What are Pop-Up Shops?
These are special, one-day-only events where the public is invited to shop for seeds, plant starts, and select merchandise usually only available online. These events are announced in advance on our website, through email, and social media.
Can I schedule a tour?
We offer scheduled tours for Native Seeds/SEARCH members, donors, and partner organizations who are actively involved in seed conservation or education. These tours are free as part of our commitment to engaging our core community.
We also offer private, educational tours to other groups for a fee, which helps us cover staff time and support our mission. Pricing depends on group size and purpose, but there is generally a minimum fee to schedule a tour. Please contact us with details about your group and what you're interested in, and we’ll be happy to provide more information.
Growing and Gardening Questions
Can I grow NS/S seeds outside the Southwest?
Yes, but results vary depending on your region. Our seeds are adapted to the arid Southwest, but many gardeners across the country have success with them. Each product listing includes growing information to help you determine what might work best in your area.
Can you help me with specific gardening questions?
We’re happy to answer what we can, but we also encourage you to explore the Resources Page on our website, which includes crop guides, planting tips, and seed-saving information.
Media/Interview Requests
I'm a journalist/travel writer/author/student—can I visit or interview someone at NS/S?
We appreciate your interest! We do our best to accommodate media and interview requests but ask for advance notice and context. Please note:
- The Conservation Center is not open to the public, so we ask travel writers to avoid framing it as a visitor destination.
- We're happy to support accurate coverage of our mission, seeds, and conservation work.
- Our capacity is limited, so not all requests can be fulfilled. To submit a request, please email media@nativeseeds.org with details about your story and timeline.
Presentations & Speaker Requests
Can someone from Native Seeds/SEARCH speak at my event or meeting?
We love sharing our work and often give presentations to community groups, classrooms, and conferences. That said, staff time is limited, and we can’t fulfill every request.
- In-person presentations from senior staff, with non-affiliated organizations (within the Tucson area) typically require a $250 speaker fee
- Our Community Seed Programs Coordinator may be available for certain community-focused events at no cost, especially if your group aligns with our mission
- Online presentations may also be available, depending on the format and staff availability.
We prioritize mission-aligned groups and ask that requests be made well in advance. To inquire, please email us with details about your group, your preferred dates, and the topic you're interested in.
Community & Social Media
Can you share my event/campaign/post on your social media?
We love celebrating seed stories and community efforts, but we’re very selective about what we share on our channels. Our social media is focused on Native Seeds/SEARCH programs, seeds, growers, and mission-aligned content. If your project directly supports seed conservation, food sovereignty, or traditional agriculture in the Southwest, feel free to reach out — but please know we aren’t able to share most outside requests. Email requests to: media@nativeseeds.org
Donations Requests
Can Native Seeds/SEARCH donate to my fundraiser or event?
As a nonprofit, our priority is directing resources toward our own mission of conserving and sharing seeds. We receive many requests and, unfortunately, are rarely able to donate products or items for other organizations’ fundraising events.
We occasionally consider requests that are highly mission-aligned, but these are exceptions. Thank you for understanding that our funds and inventory are primarily reserved for our seed conservation work.
Giving to Native Seeds/SEARCH
How can I donate to Native Seeds/SEARCH?
Thank you for your interest in supporting seed conservation! We gratefully accept financial contributions and in-kind donations that align with our needs.
To learn more about how to give, and gift acceptance policies, please visit:👉 nativeseeds.org/pages/support
Volunteering
Can I volunteer with Native Seeds/SEARCH?
Yes! Volunteers are an essential part of our work — especially in the gardens. We ask for a commitment of at least one day per week, as consistency is important to our team.
Volunteer shifts are typically 3.5 hours long, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at our Conservation Center in Tucson.
If you're interested, please fill out our application form here:
👉 nativeseeds.org/pages/volunteer