A family of four, including a man, woman, young boy, and their pet dog, sitting on a rustic wooden porch outdoors, smiling at the camera.

about us

Native Conservation Landscaping is an environmentally centered company with expertise in ecological design, installation, and fine gardening maintenance services. Owned by the native Washingtonian husband and wife team, Thomas Schneider and Joni Miller; our work is grounded in nature, driven by our knowledge in native plants and sustainable design, and coupled with years of  hands-on experience managing conservation landscapes from concept to maturity.  

A Science-Driven Approach to Ecological Landscaping

Thomas Schneider is a leading expert in ecological landscaping and a Certified Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional. He holds a B.S. in Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and the Environment and a M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from George Mason University.

With a deep understanding of native plants, regional ecology, and sustainable land management, Thomas brings a science-based approach to every project. He works closely with clients, designers, and crews to create conservation landscapes that don’t just look good — they function ecologically, supporting pollinators, improving habitat, and adapting to site-specific conditions.

A Client Experience Built on Service and Community

Joni Miller brings a lifelong love of nature, animals, and community to the heart of our business. With a background in business and hospitality from Boston University, Joni previously helped start several ethically sourced local food startups in the region prior to Native Conservation Landscaping.

Coming from a family with deep roots in the DMV, Joni understands the local landscape — both literally and culturally. While Thomas leads the ecological vision in the field, Joni oversees operations, communication, and client experience, ensuring projects run smoothly and clients feel supported from the first conversation to long after installation.

Logo of the Landscape Contractors Association with the initials LCA and locations MD, DC, VA listed below.
Logo for CBLP Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional with a green and blue leaf design.
Logo of Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council with a blue and green design and text
Logo for Virginia Native Plant Society featuring a green silhouette of a landscape with trees, plants, and a grass foreground, along with the organization's name.