Welcome to Natural Communities
At Natural Communities, we provide high-quality native
plants, seed mixes, shrubs, trees. For plants and seeds, we provide grasses, native wildflowers, sedges and rushes to help rebuild strong and biodiverse ecosystems for a healthier planet.
Natural Communities’ native plant nursery specializes in sustainable landscaping and restoration solutions that enhance biodiversity, support wildlife habitats, and preserve our land and waters for future generations.
Whether you're looking to beautify your garden or revive largescale
natural habitats, we have the perfect native plants for your needs.
Getting Started
Not sure where to begin? Our Getting Started page is the perfect resource to help you determine whether you're a retail or wholesale customer, understand the benefits of native plants, and learn how to create thriving, sustainable landscapes.
Your Path to a Thriving Native Landscape
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Buy Plants
Explore our wide selection of native plants to create a sustainable and vibrant landscape.
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Buy Seeds
Discover our diverse range native seed mixes to support restoration and biodiversity.
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Services
Let us help you restore natural beauty and biodiversity with customized solutions for your land.
Expertise in Large-Scale Native Plant Restoration
Your Ecological Restoration Outfitter
We don’t just supply native plants—we bring a deep knowledge
of ecological restoration to the table. With years of hands-on experience in
large-scale restoration projects, we understand the time, strategy, and
planning needed for success. Restoration is nuanced and requires a
well-crafted, long-term approach—often spanning over 5 years—to achieve
sustainable results. We are here to guide you through every step of the
process.
Our team offers more than just native restoration materials; we
provide personalized coaching and consultation to ensure that your project
thrives. From developing restoration strategies to navigating the complexities
of site preparation, plant selection, and ongoing care, we have the expertise,
tools, and insights to help you meet your goals. Add something about grant
strategies, governmental and not for profit budgeting strategies.
We can connect you with the best selection
of native seeds, trees, and shrubs across the Midwest at reasonable prices. No
one else in the Midwest can match the range and quality we offer, providing you
with a one-stop shop for all your restoration needs.
Our team not only provides expert guidance but also helps you navigate grant opportunities and budgeting strategies for large-scale restoration projects. We offer insights into governmental and nonprofit funding, ensuring your project is financially sustainable from start to finish.
Book a Free Consultation: Your Path to Successful Restoration or Landscaping Projects
Whether you're planning a restoration project or looking to enhance your garden
with native plants, our experts are here to help. Book a free phone
consultation to discuss your goals—whether it's revitalizing corporate
campuses, restoring prairies, managing wetlands, or creating a beautiful,
sustainable landscape at home. We'll provide tailored advice to ensure your
project’s success.
Our Mission: Cultivating Nature, Championing Conservation
At Natural Communities, we specialize in offering a diverse selection of native plants, including shrubs, trees, seed mixes, and grasses, perfect for sustainable and beautiful landscapes.
Our mission is to foster environmental stewardship and biodiversity by promoting the use of native plants, creating thriving ecosystems in the process.
In addition to our focus on nature, we are committed to supporting conservation efforts that make a meaningful impact. A minimum of 25% of our profits are donated towards environmental initiatives and partnerships with Indigenous communities, reflecting our respect for both the land and its cultural heritage.
Meet the Principal Ecological Officer & Fly-Wheel Architect
Nick Fuller's 20+ year career has placed him at the forefront of large-scale ecological restoration. His experience overseeing multi-million dollar projects encompassing tens of thousands of acres annually positions him among a distinguished group of professionals tackling this ambitious scale of restoration efforts. His diverse background spans a wide range of ecological restoration projects, from rivers and wetlands to prairies and endangered species habitats.
Championing Fly-Wheel-Ecology:
Nick's passion for nature is evident in his leadership for Fly-Wheel-Ecology, a groundbreaking approach he spearheaded. He leverages his network of ecology experts, constantly refining his knowledge base by integrating the best available information. This innovative method goes beyond traditional pest management, fostering resilient ecosystems through strategic planning, native plant selection, and long-term management.
Beyond Restoration, Sustainability:
Nick's commitment extends beyond ecological restoration. He drives Natural Communities' dedication to environmental sustainability by advocating for conservation and donating a significant portion of profits to these causes, including supporting Indigenous peoples.
Your Partner in Success:
Nick's expertise and passion make him a valuable partner. He actively shares his knowledge through consultations and presentations, empowering wholesale partners with the tools and guidance needed to implement Fly-Wheel-Ecology effectively and achieve lasting ecological success.
Looking for the perfect native plants or seeds for your garden or restoration project? Our experts are here to help you select the best native shrubs, trees, and grasses for your next outdoor project.
Reach out to us or book a consultation to learn more about our products and services.
Sign Up and Get 10% Off Retail Pricing on Your First Order! Stay in the Know. Join the Natural Communities Movement.
For Wholesale Partners:
- Inventory & Pricing
- Grant Information
- Management Tips
- Free Ecological Consultations
- Events & Pro Tips
For Retail Customers:
- New Plant Releases
- Exclusive Discounts
- Ecological News
- Events & Blog Posts
Let customers speak for us
I ordered my Carex Bicknellii on a Saturday evening. it was shipped the next Tuesday and arrived on Wednesday! Excellent service, excellent packaging. The plants were healthy. Thank you!
Tray of Carex Annectens arrived healthy and well packaged. All were planted today around our community pond.!! Thanks for the quick turn around.
Can't wait to plant - I'm smothering a small troublesome area of my garden and encouraging another. This rye will do the trick.
Friendly customer service, shipped well, good looking plugs, great price!
The plants came they were packed super well and are really healthy and well rooted in! Will definitely be shopping here again
Received my plants today very healthy and an excellent root system.
Received my plans today and they are in great shape can't wait to get these in the ground and help out with those pollinator great shave can't wait to get these in the ground and help out with those pollinators. What a great root system on these plants!
Received my plants a few days ago And they were really healthy with a great root system. Can't wait to get these in the ground to serve those pollinators
I received my woodsedge plugs in a timely fashion and was extremely pleased with the plants that were sent: lush growth and well developed roots.
I finally got my 50 carex plants in my side yard. All were in great shape - with just the right enough root growth to easily pull out of the plug tray not too root bound. Only one plant was on the tiny side.
Just installed my backyard pollinator prairie! All plants arrived healthy. Can wait to see this garden leap!
Very good communication, quality and speed for shipping. I did recommend you to some of my friends. I’ll definitely be doing business with you again. Thank you! 🙏
Great plants, excellent customer service! Thank you
Plants were packaged well and had nice roots. I would order again
Please Support Our Partners In Conservation
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Chicago Wilderness Alliance
Become a Member -
The Conservation Foundation
CONSERVATION @ HOME Member -
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County
Become A Member -
IPM Institute of North America
Donate -
SQUAW CREEK CLEAN WATER ALLIANCE - SCCWA
Support -
Wayne Area Conservancy Foundation
Contribute -
Friends of the Fox River
Be a Friend -
Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
Become a Member -
Wild Ones
Become a Member -
Prairie State Conservation Coalition
Become a Member -
Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves
Get Involved
Natural Areas Knowhow Blog
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Carbon Sequestration in Native Grasslands: How ...
Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, and while much of the focus has been on reducing emissions, nature itself offers powerful solutions. One...
Carbon Sequestration in Native Grasslands: How ...
Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, and while much of the focus has been on reducing emissions, nature itself offers powerful solutions. One...
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A Hiker’s Guide to Native Plants in the Midwest...
There’s nothing quite like hiking through the Midwest’s natural landscapes during the spring time, where prairies, woodlands, and wetlands are bursting with life. Whether you’re exploring a local forest preserve or...
A Hiker’s Guide to Native Plants in the Midwest...
There’s nothing quite like hiking through the Midwest’s natural landscapes during the spring time, where prairies, woodlands, and wetlands are bursting with life. Whether you’re exploring a local forest preserve or...
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Maximizing Buckthorn Control: How Native Plants...
For land managers battling common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), the challenge often feels like a never-ending cycle. While initial removal through mechanical means can be successful, buckthorn has a frustrating ability...
Maximizing Buckthorn Control: How Native Plants...
For land managers battling common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), the challenge often feels like a never-ending cycle. While initial removal through mechanical means can be successful, buckthorn has a frustrating ability...
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The Quirky Skunk Cabbage: Nature's Peculiar Pio...
When winter begins to tiptoe out of the Midwest, one curious plant is often the first to greet spring: skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus). This unique wetland dweller is not just...
The Quirky Skunk Cabbage: Nature's Peculiar Pio...
When winter begins to tiptoe out of the Midwest, one curious plant is often the first to greet spring: skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus). This unique wetland dweller is not just...
