NATIVE ROOTS INC.
Who We Are
Native Roots, Inc. is small a sister owned and operated native plant grower in Northeast Ohio and Wood County, West Virginia.
We strive to build community as a native plant supplier and service provider, and as educators and collaborators working with our customers, nonprofits, park systems, government entities and even our competitors to improve biodiversity.
Native Roots, Inc.
Native Roots is a sister owned and operated native plant nursery with small operations in Richfield, OH and Mineral Wells, WV. We began our operations in 2011, with the goal to be a native plant resource for home owners and businesses concerned about ecological restoration. We sustainably hand collect seeds from their natural habitats in some of our favorite plant communities in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia to make these species available to you. Native Roots now offers over 100 species of perennials, shrubs and small trees. Each of these plants fills a special role for a wide variety of pollinators and other animals.
Sonia Bingham
President
Sonia is a professional Wetland Biologist with a B.S. in Biology from Hiram College and a M.S. in Environmental Science with an emphasis in restoration ecology from Ohio State University. Sonia has nearly 24 years experience in wetland and aquatic ecology.
Throughout her career, Sonia has collaborated with a wide variety of individuals across many disciplines to develop and implement project goals related to conservation, restoration, development, and mitigation.
Sonia loves plants and has worked in nurseries and landscaping businesses since she was old enough to work. She has always wanted to be a grower and finds joy in discovering and collecting seeds from unique wildflower populations to share their beauty and benefits with others..
Email Sonia at:
sonia.bingham@nativerootsinc.com
Jennifer Johnson
Vice President
Jen has always loved nature and gardening. She spent her early adult life working in nurseries and landscaping and eventually earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Certificate of Environmental Studies from The University of Akron in 2007. Jen worked as an engineer and manager in the chemical industry for over a decade and in 2020 left the chemical plants to teach 8th grade science at a middle school in Parkersburg, WV. Although Jen loved teaching science, she could tell the demand for natives was increasing. In 2023 Jen switched to substitute teaching in order to expand Native Roots Inc. inventory and services.
Jen loves learning and is pursuing a Masters of Science in Environmental Science from Marshall University. Although Jen is passionate about the environment, it can be a very depressing field of study. This makes being the VP of Native Roots such a blessing. Interacting with customers who are passionate about natives and helping people connect with native plants to provide food and habitat for stuggling species and improve biodiversity brings Jen hope for the future.
Email Jen at:
Evolution of Native Roots
 Starting SmallStarting small in 2011 |  FamilyWe have been fortunate that our love for plants has also brought us together as a family. Grandpa John and boys constructing our first benches. |  2013 hoophouseConstructed a hoophouse in 2013 |
|---|---|---|
 Countryside Farmer's MarketsWe joined the Countryside Farmer's Market community in 2014. |  Market Days |  2015 GreenhouseIn 2015, we erected the greenhouse that is currently on the NRI property. |
 Sisters and MomThe three women behind the operation |  O WorksO Works joined the market in 2016 and started offering a selection of his art work for sale |  2021 NRI Meadow BurnApplied fire to the prairie to improve wildflower success. |
 2021 Post Burn |  ImprovementsWe continue cleaning and expanding each year |  O WorksO works is also improving! |
 Help from our FriendsWe still seize each moment we can to gather with friends and have fun while we work! |