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
Order came fast, plants pristine great job
We’ve had two different orders of Carex woodii. Both arrived in good condition, ready to plant. I lost a few plants to drought over this really dry summer, but I’m pleased with these. They fit in well where I need them and I expect they’ll do fine as they expand and fill in.
I’ve bought a lot of Carex, in several varieties from Natural Communities, and they’ve all been great.
The photos are of Carex planted approximately 5 months ago in a partially shaded area. They’re filling in nicely.
Plants are all healthy and they were packaged well. Love that I can order bulk and I will recommend them to you everyone I know who loves natives.
Plants are in great health and getting ready to put them in the ground. Packaged wonderfully and I definitely would recommend.
Extraordinarily healthy plants with vigorous roots, arrived beautifully packed and in perfect condition. Thank you!
Every time I've ordered from Natural Communities I have had positive experiences. They ship quickly. The plants are always robust and healthy. These lobelia are already growing beautifully and settling right in.
Thanks!
I have ordered from Natural Communities many times. The plants are always shipped in a timely way and are robust. The cardinal flower is no different. They are all settling in beautifully!
Thank you!
We planted 38 Common Arrowhead in our neighborhood pond in early June and they have doubled or tripled in size since then. Great roots, healthy plants! Amanda provided wonderful service and support. Thank you!
Great packaging for transport and all plants are healthy and appear to be thriving. Will definitely order again!
The plants arrived in exceptional condition. They were all vigorous and in full bloom. Package exceptionally well. Looking forward to getting these in the ground. Would not hesitate to purchase from them again.
Ordered 3 flats of wild stonecrop. Received very healthy full plants packaged beautifully.
Plugs arrived quickly, in great shape, and were reasonably priced
Natural communities shipped my seed quickly and it arrived it was very clean and I plan on using their advice on using it as a cover crop! I appreciate the bulk pricing that they provide both on the plants and the seed.
Got 38 penstemon plugs. Arrived quickly , well packaged and healthy. Very pleased with my purchase. Healthy root systems and I'm seeing growth after only a few days.
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!
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
View all-
Consultation Spotlight: From Farmland to Prairi...
Nearly every week, our ecological restoration team speaks with landowners who are ready to make the switch from conventional land use to resilient, biodiverse native habitat. This recent consultation, led...
Consultation Spotlight: From Farmland to Prairi...
Nearly every week, our ecological restoration team speaks with landowners who are ready to make the switch from conventional land use to resilient, biodiverse native habitat. This recent consultation, led...
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Fueling the Fight: How Native Wild Rye and Fire...
A Nature-Based Strategy for Controlling Common Buckthorn The fight against common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) remains one of the greatest challenges in woodland restoration and invasive species management. This aggressive shrub...
Fueling the Fight: How Native Wild Rye and Fire...
A Nature-Based Strategy for Controlling Common Buckthorn The fight against common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) remains one of the greatest challenges in woodland restoration and invasive species management. This aggressive shrub...
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Why Bare Root Native Plants Are a Smart, Sustai...
Bringing Restoration to Life - One Bare Root at a Time When it comes to restoring native landscapes or designing resilient gardens, bare root native plants are one of the...
Why Bare Root Native Plants Are a Smart, Sustai...
Bringing Restoration to Life - One Bare Root at a Time When it comes to restoring native landscapes or designing resilient gardens, bare root native plants are one of the...
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Consultation Spotlight: From Honeysuckle to Hab...
Restoring a Small Woodland Lot for Biodiversity When a northern Illinois landowner reached out to our team, her goal was simple but inspiring: transform her 0.8-acre wooded lot into a...
Consultation Spotlight: From Honeysuckle to Hab...
Restoring a Small Woodland Lot for Biodiversity When a northern Illinois landowner reached out to our team, her goal was simple but inspiring: transform her 0.8-acre wooded lot into a...
