While many Tucsonans will notice Native Seeds/SEARCH has moved its store, a bigger change this year will be the opening of its new facility in Brandi Fenton Memorial Park.
The 5,200-square-foot building, which is scheduled to open in late June, will include a new administration office and a much larger, more efficient seed bank.
"This project is going to allow us to reach a lot more people," said Bryn Jones, the nonprofit group's executive director.
Native Seeds/SEARCH - ("SEARCH" stands for Southwestern Endangered Aridland Resources Clearing House) - is funding the $1.5 million project through donations from private foundations and citizens. It has raised $1.1 million so far.
The seed bank now holds 1,800 varieties of seeds in the guesthouse of a 1920s adobe home. Five freezers hold seeds in long-term storage, while a window air-conditioning system cools the short-term storage room.
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"It's bulging out the doors and windows," said Barney Burns, one of the group's co-founders.
The new facility will include a walk-in freezer and refrigerator, with a backup generator to ensure the viability of the seeds during a power outage.
"If we let these seeds disappear, we're losing a major insurance policy for food, not just in this region but throughout the world," Jones said.
The administration office, on East Sixth Street, also will move to the new building. Pima County agreed to lease the park space to Native Seeds/ SEARCH for $1 per year. The county is partnering with the 27-year-old organization to promote conservation education.
"We're hoping their gardening classes can incorporate our seeds," Burns said.
The plan is for the county to build its own new facilities next to the Native Seeds/SEARCH building in a couple of years.
"We are living in an area that has the longest farming history in America," Jones said. "The seeds aren't just food crops. They're an integral part of the cultural traditions of this region."
If You Go
• What: Native Seeds/SEARCH store grand opening.
• When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: 3061 N. Campbell Ave.
• Cost: Free.
• Schedule of events: Noon, mole-making demonstration and tasting; 1:30 p.m., gluten-free cooking demonstration and tasting; 2:15 p.m., plant a lima bean and take it home.
• Information: Go online to www. nativeseeds.org or call 622-5561.
About the store
Native Seeds/SEARCH is planning a host of free events and tastings Saturday in celebration of its new store's grand opening.
The building, at 3061 N. Campbell Ave., is about 200 square feet bigger than the old store, which was on North Fourth Avenue.
"I love everything we sell here," said JP Wilhite, director of distribution.