Pizzo Native Plant Nursery
Experts in Growing Deep Rooted Native Plants
Build ecologically balanced communities through education, promotion, cultivation and trade of top-quality native plants.
That native plants are used in all planting applications, because their value in enhancing and restoring our environment is widely understood and accepted.
Jack Pizzo
Jack is an expert in successfully restoring natural areas and growing deep-rooted, native plants. At Pizzo Group, he is charged with scientifically evaluating current ecological restoration practices for the enhancement and/or establishment of native flora and fauna. This includes identifying and implementing methods of improvement for the materials and processes used to ensure ecosystems thrive. He is a prescribed fire expert and is regularly contracted as an instructor for the S-130/S-190 Wildland Firefighter training.
Bryan Pudinoff
Bryan is a highly accomplished business executive with a proven track record in optimizing multimillion-dollar programs and projects across diverse, fast-paced environments. With over 30 years of management experience, Bryan leads the strategic and operational management focusing on driving organizational strategy. Known for his visionary leadership and solutions-centric approach, he helps with organizational goals, adapting to evolving scenarios, and resolving complex issues.
Tyler Morahn
Tyler joined Pizzo Nursery in 2023. A graduate of Kishwaukee College and Northern Illinois University, Tyler brings 10 years of agriculture and production experience to the nursery. He oversees the production process and coordinates all activities to ensure the nursery has the inventory that is needed. Tyler is an avid sports fan and is always cheering on the Chicago Cubs. Along with sports, he is very passionate about all plants and our mission to build ecologically balanced communities through education, promotion, cultivation, and trade of top-quality native plants.
Jeff Myers
Scott Hines
Scott has over 10 years of experience in the green industry and has recently graduated from Kishwaukee Community College with an A.S. in Greenhouse Management and a certificate in Sustainable Gardening. He is passionate about helping people and the environment through the use of plants and to spread awareness of the numerous uses of Illinois natives. He is happy to be working with such a kind and generous crew here at Pizzo Native Plant Nursery.
Karley Wolfe
Karley first joined the Pizzo Native Plant Nursery in 2023 as a seasonal intern while pursuing her B.S. in Crop and Soil Science at Illinois State University. Karley comes from an agricultural background and grew up on a small family farm. She has always had a passion and love for the outdoors. This passion has led to the desire to continue learning about the environment and all aspects that contribute to a healthy and happy ecosystem, all while gaining hands-on experience in the field. She enjoys all things outdoors such as camping, hiking, boating, and exploring new places.
Ryan Etscheid
With 5 years of experience in the field of agricultural logistics, Ryan joined the Pizzo Native Plant Nursery in March 2025. He is a graduate of Illinois Valley Community College, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, and the University of Iowa. He identifies as a diehard Cubs fan and is eager to see another World Series Championship return to Chicago. Ryan enjoys spending time with his 2 Bernese Mountain Dogs, Finn and Lacy, and his niece and nephews, Maya, Cole, and Liam.
Sarah Ehrhart
With her attention to detail and excellent observational skills, Sarah supervises transplanting, and the training of seasonal team members. Additionally, she is responsible for training our rodent control team and has become known as the ‘Cat Wrangler.’ Sarah’s practical and simple approach to problem solving helps improve the everyday processes of PNPN.
Jason Zeal
Jason joined the nursery in spring of 2024 as seasonal support. He has always enjoyed scenic farmland and local ecosystems around Leland, having grown up only miles away. Working at a native plant nursery is both educational and very rewarding. It is fulfilling to see native insect and host plant ecosystems restored with his own hands.
Katee Johnson
Katee joined Pizzo Native Plant Nursery in 2025 after earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Northern Illinois University. Inspired by her work in prairie restoration, she enjoys helping customers choose native plants for their unique landscapes. Outside of work, she loves volunteering, live music, naps, and spending time with her dog.
History
Plug Production Expansion To Over 2,000,000 Shipped
In 1998 Jack Pizzo had a growing ecological landscape business but had difficulty finding the plant species he needed to expand his business which led him to begin producing native plants to supply Pizzo & Associates award winning projects. When the native plant market started to explode in 2009 Jack was positioned to expand supply outside of his own business and in 2011 Pizzo Native Plant Nursery was created as a separate company. Since 2011 nursery production space has expanded from 24,000 SF to over 5 acres and plug production has increased from 300,000 to 2,000,000 with over 350 species of native herbaceous plant plugs shipped throughout the Midwest, Northeast and Ontario Canada. We continue today as a reputable supplier of high-quality native plants with an increased commitment to education, innovation and exceptional customer service.
Careers
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