Natural Landscaping specializes in the use of locally or regionally native plants (trees, shrubs, grasses and forbs) and natural materials.  Wherever possible, we try to preserve, restore or enhance the biodiversity of existing natural habitats, features and systems. We promote environmentally sound landscaping practices to provide sustainable alternatives to conventional landscape options.  We get our creative inspiration from nature and try to consider decisions from a holistic and integrated ecological perspective.

Many people may not think of their yards as potential habitats, but birds and other animals are unable to eat or find areas suitable for breeding among most exotic ornamentals and the homogenized lawns covering over 40 million acres across the United States.  Such lawns are virtual deserts for wildlife.

Gardening with native plants is one way to feed and provide habitat for migrating birds, butterflies, beneficial insects and animals.  Since all of the energy (and oxygen) that sustains life on our planet starts with sunlight fueling the conversion of carbon dioxide, water and minerals into chemical energy (organic compounds/sugar) by the process of photosynthesis … as Doug Tallamy says in his book ‘Bringing Nature Home’, “A plant that has fed nothing has not done its job”. 

And because the pace of species-level metabolic adaptations is generally measured in millennia, communities of native plants are really the only option for providing this food and habitat for local fauna.  Even small developments have value.

I/we have been providing specialized contracting and consulting services in some capacity since the mid-1990s.

Very generally, our service area includes South-eastern Wisconsin, but depending on the project, we will travel farther.

Yes – with one caveat . . . if generating specifications is actually the project, I tend to consider this consulting.  Providing tailored recommendations or plans is a service we also offer, typically on an hourly basis.

We partner with several designers to provide coordinated design-build options that will help develop your vision and guide your project to completion.  For me to personally generate scale drawings/plans, it will depend on the season, the project/scope and any applicable timelines or deadlines. 

Since we provide a range of customized services, every project is unique.  Among other elements, how long something takes is part of any calculation of the most effective and economical way to proceed.  We make every effort to manage costs and are happy to discuss any concerns or considerations you may have.

Ideally, from locally-grown sources offering plants/materials with local genotypes.  While we rely on some more than others, we maintain relationships with a number of local and regional suppliers and producers.  It mostly depends on the project and who will best serve a particular need.

Every plant/pest is different … and this can sometimes be a seemingly arbitrary distinction.  What is considered a pest in one setting may sometimes be a greater or lesser concern in another place or circumstance – or even at another time.  While some things are often fairly clear-cut, context is always an essential consideration.    

We apply principles of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) to determine the most effective way to deal with problem weeds or pests.  Whether we are doing site-preparation, restoration or maintenance, the options available for managing or removing most weeds typically include manual removal or cutting, smothering, competitive planting, and – usually as a last resort – the judicious use of targeted pesticides.  With any pest, knowledge of the specific organism, its phenology and ecology are essential to successfully and efficiently managing the problem.

Prescribed burns are conducted to reduce invasive plants, control brush, stimulate native wildflowers and grasses, and improve habitat in fire-dependent ecosystems.  Eliminating sources of ignition on the landscape also reduces the risk of wildfires. 

I have completed training in the use of prescribed fire as a land management tool and have safely and successfully burned hundreds of acres across Southern Wisconsin over the past 25 years.

No.  While we may include turf installation or turf repair as an integrated element of some broader or more fundamental project, we do not specialize in turf maintenance or particular turf problems.  We are instead focused on providing more sustainable alternatives that reduce our reliance on non-native turf grasses.

No.  While we have done some specialized snow and ice removal to preserve or protect features of specific projects, we are not currently equipped or insured for plowing snow.

A past secretary of the Milwaukee Audubon Society, I am currently on the board of the Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy, a member of the Botanical Club of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Wild Ones (Natural Landscapers, Ltd.) and a lifetime member of the Rachel Carson Council.  

Our team has volunteered to work on land at/for various area nature centers and conservation organizations, including the Schlitz Audubon Center, the Urban Ecology Center, the Koenen Land Preserve (Milwaukee Quakers), the Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy and Milwaukee Audubon Society.

I have a B.S. in Conservation Biology and a certificate in Ethnic/Native American Studies from UWM (1995) and have done post-graduate work in Geography (GIS) at UW-Madison (2005-2007).  I have also taken courses in Arboriculture at MATC in Mequon, Bio-informatics at MATC-Madison, studied freshwater systems (Limnology) in Northern Wisconsin at Pigeon Lake Field Station through UW-River Falls and taken numerous Natural History / Botany / Ecology field courses through the UW-Field Station in Saukville. 

As part of an independent study project for the Milwaukee Public Museum, I conducted a botanical inventory of Karcher Springs (State Natural Area #99) and donated a collection of over 100 specimens to the Herbarium’s permanent collection.  I also consulted as a field botanist for the US EPA on a season-long study of an agricultural pesticide in Galena, IL.

Former professional positions include almost a decade combined as Land Manager of both the Koenen Land Preserve and Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.  I have also worked for several years at landscaping companies and nurseries in Southern Wisconsin.  

I have a wide-ranging curiosity and continuing education is one of my highest values.  Beyond formal schooling and pursuits like camping and hiking, I maintain interests in music, tai chi, languages and travel.  

Our team has a variety of education and relevant experience.  We encourage growth and skill-building, incrementally empowering and rewarding increasing independence and success.

As required for some of our work, I am certified and licensed in Wisconsin as a commercial pesticide applicator – for applications in Forestry (2.0) and Ornamental and Turf (3.0).