Land Stewardship & Ecological Restoration Consulting Services

Expert guidance for landowners, municipalities, and organizations restoring native landscapes.

Whether you're managing a small acre property or hundreds of acres, Natural Communities provides science-based ecological consulting tailored to your restoration goals. From a single site evaluation to ongoing seasonal stewardship, we'll help you make informed decisions that improve biodiversity, strengthen native ecosystems, and avoid costly mistakes.

We work with projects at every stage from newly acquired properties to restoration efforts that have been underway for decades.

Meet Your Consultant

Nick Fuller | Principal Ecological Officer & Ecological Restoration Consultant
20+ years of expertise in habitat restoration, stormwater compliance, native plant design, and regulatory permitting across the Chicago region and Midwest.

Choose the Level of Support That's Right for You

Introductory Stewardship Consultation

Perfect if you're looking for expert guidance before starting a project or need help solving a specific ecological challenge.

During your consultation, a Restoration Ecologist will walk your property, discuss your goals, answer questions, and provide practical recommendations for moving forward.

Reservation Fee: A $25 reservation secures your appointment and is returned as store credit after your consultation.

Ideal for:

• New property owners
• Invasive species concerns
• Habitat improvement projects
• Native plant recommendations
• Determining the next steps for your property

→ Schedule an Introductory Stewardship Consultation

Annual Stewardship Consulting

For landowners and organizations who want professional guidance throughout the year.

One comprehensive site visit annually helps evaluate progress, identify priorities, and provide a strategic roadmap for the coming season.

→ Learn More

Quarterly Stewardship Consulting

Designed for larger properties and active restoration projects requiring ongoing ecological oversight.

Four seasonal visits allow recommendations to evolve as weather, invasive species pressure, and restoration progress change throughout the year.

→ Learn More

Why Choose Natural Communities for Your Land Restoration Project?

With over 20 years of experience, our team has helped landowners transform degraded land into thriving ecosystems. From bulk planting of native trees and shrubs to large-scale seeding, we work with projects starting at a quarter-acre and larger. We consult on the project and provide the native seed, plants, trees, and shrubs you need to succeed.

Our network of professionals, including forest preserves, state, and federal land managers, wildlife biologists, land trust banks, ecological contractors, and native nursery partners. This extensive reach and depth of knowledge ensures that we stay at the forefront of ecological restoration. We are in constant dialogue with the industry leaders and we cherry-pick the best ideas and solutions from our extensive network to offer you custom, innovative strategies for restoring your land.

We take herbicide reduction seriously. We have developed an entire system called Fly-Wheel-Ecology to utilize the power of native plants to help in that effort.

We consult on projects that include:

• Restoring Native Habitats: Revitalize your land with native plants, trees, shrubs, and seed mixes designed for large landscapes and ecological restoration. Whether you're looking to improve biodiversity or solve specific ecological challenges, we have the knowledge and resources to help. We have extensive experience in ecological restoration of prairies, wetlands, woodlands, river & creeks, and rare habitats and endangered species, solar installations, and wildlife habitat mitigation.
• Bulk Planting for Large Landscapes: We specialize in bulk orders, whether you're restoring prairie, woodlands, or wetlands. Our native plants, seed, and trees and shrubs are designed specifically for large-scale planting, ideal for landowners, municipalities, or environmental groups aiming to create or restore ecosystems. We can customize native seed mixes, conservation mixes, provide local genetically sourced native plant material, and provide a customed planting plan to meet your budget and restoration needs.
• NRCS and CRP Land Consulting: Having issues meeting your Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) standards? We can help you navigate government program performance standards to ensure you are benefiting from available incentives.

Areas of Expertise

We regularly consult on projects involving:

• Prairie, woodland, wetland, and stream restoration
• Native habitat establishment
• Invasive species management
• Wildlife habitat improvement
• Rare species and sensitive habitats
• Solar site restoration
• Native seed mix design
• Bulk native plant and tree installations
• NRCS and CRP conservation projects
• Municipal and park district restoration
• Ecological planning and adaptive management

Our Approach

Every property is different.

Some landowners simply need a second opinion before getting started. Others benefit from ongoing coaching throughout the restoration process.

That's why we've created multiple consultation options from an Initial Stewardship Consultation to Annual and Quarterly Stewardship plans allowing you to choose the level of support that best fits your goals, timeline, and budget.

Our philosophy is rooted in adaptive management and Fly-Wheel Ecology, using native plant communities to build resilient ecosystems while reducing long-term herbicide dependence.

Who We Work With

We partner with:

• Private landowners
• Municipalities
• Park districts
• Forest preserves
• Land trusts
• HOAs
• Schools and universities
• Environmental organizations
• Hunters and conservation-minded landowners

Whether you're restoring a few acres or managing hundreds, our recommendations are customized to your property's ecology and your long-term objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need ongoing consulting?

Not necessarily. Many clients begin with an Initial Stewardship Consultation before deciding whether Annual or Quarterly support makes sense for their project.

Can you recommend native plants and seed?

Absolutely. Because Natural Communities is also a native plant nursery, our recommendations are tailored to your site's conditions and restoration goals.

Do you perform installation?

Our consulting focuses on ecological planning, restoration strategy, and adaptive management. We can also connect you with trusted implementation partners when appropriate.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're looking for a one-time consultation or a long-term restoration partner, we're here to help.

Choose the consultation that's right for your property and start building a healthier, more resilient landscape.

Book Your Consultation Here or send us an email: Natives@NaturalCommunities.net

Specialized Solutions for Every Challenge

Natural Communities offers consultations to solve specific ecological problems on your property. Whether it's invasive species control, erosion, or designing a habitat that supports native wildlife, our team brings a wealth of experience and connections with top contractors and state land managers to every project.

See What Our Consultations Deliver

Real-world examples from homeowners, land managers, and municipalities.