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SEEDS: `It's like a science project' photo by Bob Pennell John Lanz of SEEDS is building a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse behind Wellsprings on Highway 99. It's part of his dream of turning the Jackson Hot Springs property into a model ecological business. Organic business starts to bloom ASHLAND -- John Lanz isn't your stereotypical environmental activist. He's more likely to be chained to his telephone than to an old-growth tree. "The whole point is not to tell anybody they are bad," said Lanz. "It's coming up with solutions." Lanz's solution -- a vision that has come after 20-odd years as a gardener and 15 years as a gymnastics judge -- is part research center, part organic farm and part small business. It's the dream of turning the former Jackson Hot Springs property into a model ecological business, promoting sustainable farming practices and local food production while at the same time providing income to those involved. Christened SEEDS, or Sustainable Eco-Economic Development Solutions, the project has slowly taken root over the last five years with the sponsorship of Jackson Wellsprings owner Gerry Lehrburger, two $24,000 state lottery grants and a $1,000 grant from the Ashland Community Food Store. So far, SEEDS can boast nine acres of Oregon Tilth-certified organic garden and a small kitchen, where Lanz says the produce of the land can be turned into value-added products such as salad dressings, salsa, relish, spice blends, salad mixes, medicinal syrups and dried flower arrangements. Lanz sees the garden and kitchen as a working classroom, enabling students from kindergarten through university to learn how food is grown, harvested and prepared. "It's like a science project," explained Lanz. "Can the valley floor meet the needs of the villagers? Can we make a meal out of the garden ... day after day? "The fundamental question of SEEDS is, can we factor the environment into the economic equation?" Lanz's enthusiasm for the site and his passion for creating an economy that benefits rather than exploits the earth have sparked the support of several businesses who have donated time and materials for the project. Because of SEEDS' potential as a tourist attraction and as an educational and training facility, the project has also caught the interest of the Regional Investment Board. After the first SEEDS grant was awarded, the New Year's Day Flood of 1997 devastated the Jackson Hot Springs property. Much of the work of SEEDS turned to reclaiming the kitchen facilities of the Wellsprings Garden Cafe, where the fruits of the garden are incorporated into summertime meals. Now a second $24,000 rural investment grant is funding the construction of a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse where plants can be propagated and products can be sold. Lanz's vision for SEEDS is just one aspect of the plans the two owners of Jackson Wellsprings have for the 29-acre site. Lehrburger, a physician specializing in integrative medicine, and co-owner Bruce Blackwell, an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist from Jackson, Miss., are working to turn the 100-year-old swimming pool and camping facility into a nonprofit health and research center. "The greatest benefits that this property can offer are in the areas of botanical medicine, nutritional medicine and in hydrotherapy and massage," said Lehrburger. SEEDS fits into that vision because of its emphasis on nutritional and botanical education. Lehrburger's long-term goals for Wellsprings include creating a botanical garden of medicinal plants and establishing an integrative health clinic and conference center. In the immediate future, he plans to have the facility open year-round with outdoor soaking tubs, six renovated cabins and classes in tai chi, yoga, akido and dance therapies. "It would be what is best for the community, for the economy and for the land," said Lanz. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA