The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Garrett County Department of Business Development, proudly celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony for Natural Selection Native Landscapes on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Visitors' Center in McHenry.
Owned and operated by Nick Triantis, Natural Selection Native Landscapes is a business rooted in ecological stewardship and a passion for connecting people more deeply with the land around them. The company specializes in native landscaping practices designed to restore biodiversity, support pollinators, improve habitat, and create sustainable, low-maintenance outdoor spaces.
The event was led by Connor Norman, Business Development Specialist and Chair of the Garrett County Diplomats. Local leaders in attendance included County Commissioner Larry Tichnell and Nick Sharps, President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. Garrett County Diplomats Carol Calhoun, Katie Cantrell, Anne Davidson, Julie Mead, Kristin Skeweris, and Macey Wells also presented Triantis with a First Dollar of Profit Certificate and assisted with the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
During the ceremony, Triantis shared the inspiration behind his business, noting his long-standing connection to the outdoors and professional background in natural resource conservation. After years working with local, state, and federal land management agencies, he saw firsthand both the challenges facing our ecosystems and the remarkable ability of nature to recover when given the opportunity.
“At its core, Natural Selection is about evolving the connection between people and the land they love,” said Triantis. “If we can help people understand why native plants matter, why biodiversity matters, and how their choices impact the environment, then we’re not just building landscapes, we’re building awareness and log-term change.”
Natural Selection Native Landscapes offers a variety of services including pollinator gardens, rain gardens, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, lawn-to-meadow conversions, erosion control, and shoreline solutions. These approaches not only benefit the environment but can also reduce maintenance costs and enhance the natural beauty of a property.
The business is built on the idea that even small changes in how we manage our land can have a meaningful collective impact. By prioritizing native plants and ecological practices, Natural Selection aims to help property owners create landscapes that are both functional and environmentally responsible.
“From the moment you meet Nick, it’s clear how passionate he is about this work, and that passion is truly infectious,” said Nick Sharps, President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “That kind of energy is what turns a business into something bigger, and we’re excited to see Natural Selection take root here in Garrett County.”
For more information about Natural Selection Native Landscapes or to schedule a consultation, contact owner Nick Triantis at (240) 575-4295 or via email at naturalselection.native@gmail.com. Additional information and project updates can be found on their Facebook page.
Article and photo courtesy of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.
