About Ohio Native Concepts

SERVING CENTRAL OHIO

Where natural landscapes take root

Ohio Native Concepts LLC is an ecological landscaping company dedicated to restoring biodiversity through intentional native plant design, installation, and long term stewardship. We specialize in matrix style native landscapes, meadow installations, and invasive species management, helping residential properties function as meaningful habitat within Central Ohio’s broader ecological network.

Our work is rooted in science and guided by regional ecology. We design plant communities that improve soil health, increase stormwater infiltration, and provide critical forage and shelter for pollinators and wildlife. Every project is approached as part of something larger, a connected habitat corridor that strengthens resilience across fragmented urban and suburban landscapes.

At our core, we believe beautiful landscapes and ecological function are not mutually exclusive. By blending thoughtful design with restoration principles and practical field expertise, we help clients transform conventional lawns and ornamental beds into living systems that are place based, durable, and deeply beneficial to the land.

Native plant garden attracting Monarchs

Michael Keeler

Founder & Principal

Michael Keeler is the founder and principal of Ohio Native Concepts LLC. His work is rooted in the belief that residential landscapes can function as meaningful habitat, connecting fragmented ecosystems across Central Ohio.

With a focus on matrix-based planting design and long-term ecological function, Michael blends horticultural knowledge, restoration principles, and practical field experience to create landscapes that are both resilient and refined. He is especially passionate about helping homeowners understand the science behind native plant communities and how thoughtful design can improve soil health, stormwater infiltration, and pollinator support.

Through every project, Michael’s goal is to transform conventional landscapes into living systems that contribute to a larger habitat network while remaining beautiful, manageable, and deeply rooted in place.

MEET THE TEAM

Ohio Native Concepts founder Michael Keeler

Chelsea Komula

Ecological Operations Manager

Chelsea Komula oversees field installations and daily operations with a focus on ecological integrity and long-term landscape health. She supervises crews, consults with clients on-site, and ensures every project reflects our mission of building resilient native plant communities that support pollinators, improve soil, and restore habitat. Her work bridges science, design, and stewardship, bringing thoughtful execution to every landscape we create.

Mason Lurie

Ecological Field Technician

Mason Lurie is a key member of our installation crew, where he helps bring native landscape designs to life with precision and care. He specializes in invasive species management and plays an important role in developing restoration plans that prioritize long-term ecological function. Mason’s work supports the health of every site we touch, ensuring that new plant communities establish successfully and contribute to stronger, more resilient habitat systems across Central Ohio.

Michelle Hill

Nursery & Installation Specialist

Michele Hill is an integral member of both our installation team and nursery operations, helping ensure every project begins with healthy, well cared for plant material. They assist with on site installations and thoughtfully manage, organize, and transport nursery stock so plants arrive ready to establish successfully in the landscape.

Through their work in both the nursery and the field, Michele plays a vital role in ensuring our projects function as meaningful habitat within Central Ohio’s broader ecological network. Their attention to detail and commitment to plant health strengthen the resilient native plant communities we create.

“I can’t say enough good things about my experience working with Michael at Ohio Native Concepts. He identified and removed invasive honeysuckle plants and helped me source some beautiful native shrubs for my yard. Michael is a great communicator, always arrived on time, and went above and beyond to help me make my landscape more pollinator-friendly.”

—Tracee L.
Granville

Butterflies on purple coneflower in native plant garden

OUR COMMITMENT

Sustainable landscape designs from the ground up

We use native plants in all of our landscape designs and prefer to use straight species whenever possible. These indigenous plants grow naturally in Ohio and are resilient to our local climate and growing conditions and require less maintenance than most exotic ornamentals.

We do NOT install nonnative invasive species (but we’ll happily help you remove invasive plants from your property).

We prioritize using Ohio-grown and local-ecotype plants in our designs whenever possible. We source high quality pesticide-free plants from a network of local and regional nurseries who specialize in native plants.

Our commitment to sustainability extends to the choices we make when it comes to supplies and equipment used in our work. We put a lot of thought and intention into our actions and strive to support local businesses and reduce our carbon footprint in every aspect of our business.  

HOMEGROWN HABITATS

Creating landscapes with intention

We specialize in creating resilient native plant landscapes that are designed to welcome nature, not work against it. In other words, we are NOT like most traditional landscape companies. That means:

  • NO boring cookie cutter landscape plans.

  • NO loud, polluting leaf blowers & equipment.

  • NO plants treated with neonicotenoids or other toxic insecticides.

Queen of the prairie in native plant garden
  • Native plant garden flowers

    ETHICAL

    Honesty and integrity are at the core of our company and we are committed to using the most sustainable plants and practices possible.

  • Tiger swallowtail butterfly in native plant garden

    PROFESSIONAL

    We uphold the highest standards of ecological landscaping and are committed to providing excellent customer service & client communication.

  • Purple coneflower in native plant garden

    CREATIVE

    We design beautiful, functional landscapes that enhance your property and provide vital habitat for pollinators & other wildlife.

  • "I highly recommend Ohio Native Concepts if you are looking to get started on your native garden journey. Michael came out and did a thorough consultation of my yard and I was so impressed! He is incredibly knowledgeable and took his time to explain processes and options. A week later, I received the comprehensive report Michael prepared and was blown away. It’s detailed and specific to the needs of my space and the aesthetic we discussed. I am starting to prep my yard and am so much more confident having the report to refer to as needed. Thank you again!”

    —Kelly C.
    Upper Arlington


  • "We hired Michael to remove lots of invasive honeysuckle in the woods which surround our property. He did a great job, very efficiently and at a very fair price. We highly recommend his company!"

    -Marlene S.
    Westerville

  • "Michael has designed three native garden plots for my front yard. I challenged him to make the last two into a Yin Yang design. He exceeded all expectations! He provided instructions so that I could do the work myself as I am in northwest Ohio. His selected native plantings were perfect for my soil conditions and his instructions were easy to follow. His guidance has helped change my front yard into a bee, bird and butterfly haven utilizing native plants along with grass paths and a small water feature. A non-productive stretch of grass has turned into a native wonderland. Thanks Michael!"

    -Robert J.
    Tiffin

  • "We were incredibly impressed with Ohio Native Concepts. They walked us through all the invasive plants on our property, which turned out to be an eye-opening majority of the established plants. The extensive guide of native plant suggestions for different sun and water conditions has been incredibly useful, and we've already planted a dozen native trees to replace the honeysuckle, with plans to extensively replace the current grass lawn with native groundcover as time goes on. We are working on the property of our dreams with ONC's guidance."

    -Matt O.
    Fairborn

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

Ohio Native Concepts proudly supports: