Sells Arizona

Photo by Donna Warren

A Journey to Sells, Arizona: Embracing Desert Beauty and Cultural Richness
by Jeffrey Lazos Ferns
 
My recent visit to Sells, Arizona, was a journey into the unique beauty of the desert and the warmth of the Tohono O'odham community. My colleague Donna Warren and I took a trip to Sells to learn more about Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture, invite the center to participate in the Arizona Indigenous Food Symposium and purchase ancestral O'odham ingredients for our upcoming Conde Nast Arizona Native Chef tasting event in NYC.  As we traversed the vast terrain, I was immediately drawn to the open spaces that seemed to stretch endlessly. The desert, often misunderstood as barren, revealed itself as a canvas of unique and profound beauty, a sight that left me in awe.
 
The landscape was alive with the rich colors of Arizona's desert flora. Towering saguaros stood like sentinels, their arms reaching towards the sky, while clusters of prickly pear and cholla cacti dotted the terrain. The Sonoran Desert, where Sells is located, is renowned as the most abundant desert in the world, teeming with a diverse array of edible and medicinal plants. The monsoon rains, a quintessential feature of the Arizona summer, brought a refreshing change to the arid environment. Watching the dark clouds roll in and feeling the first raindrops was a sensory delight. The rain transformed the landscape, the desert floor soaking up the water and running springs popping up in the warm brown earth. The scent of creosote filled the air, a smell uniquely tied to the desert rains and a reminder of nature's resilience.
 
During our visit, we had the honor of meeting members of the Tohono O'odham community. Their hospitality and willingness to share their culture and traditions were deeply humbling. We learned about their history and their deep connection to the land, which has been their home for thousands of years. The Tohono O'odham living in this area have cultivated a deep-rooted relationship with the desert that has stood the test of time, a testament to their resilience and adaptability.
 
Our journey also took us to the Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture in Sells, Arizona, an initiative that champions dry farming and supports ancestral farming practices. This organization promotes sustainable agricultural techniques well-suited to the desert environment. Their programs focus on traditional farming methods passed down through generations, demonstrating a profound respect for the wisdom of indigenous practices.
 
The center's efforts in dry farming, which relies on rainfall rather than irrigation, highlight the ingenuity and adaptability of these ancient techniques. By reviving and supporting these practices, the Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and offers sustainable solutions for modern agricultural challenges.
 
Our time in Sells was more than just a visit; it was a profound experience that deepened my appreciation for the desert's beauty and the rich cultural tapestry of the Tohono O'odham people. As I departed, I carried with me memories and a renewed connection to this remarkable part of Arizona, as well as a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainable practices in preserving our natural and cultural heritage. It's a responsibility we all share and can all contribute to.
Click here to learn more about Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Till we meet again Sells.. Sincerely, Jeffrey