Ecological Concerns - Santa Cruz's Emergency Landscaping Services
609 Pacific Ave Ste 101, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Local Business Description
Ecological Concerns Incorporated (ECI) is a Santa Cruz-based biological consulting firm and habitat restoration contractor founded in 1992. As the owner of both ECI and Central Coast Wilds native plant nursery, we focus on nurturing ecological relationships and building sustainable practices to protect and restore biological diversity across the Central Coast. We specialize in the design and implementation of habitat restoration projects, with particular expertise in vegetation management for rare and endangered species. Our work includes comprehensive biological site assessments, botanical surveys, invasive plant inventories, and creating site-specific planting plans. With deep experience in environmental horticulture, we collaborate with architects, engineers, and planners to develop native plant recommendations for restoration, performing watershed restoration projects throughout the greater San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas while always seeking to cultivate community partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you help with a drainage or irrigation issue in my Santa Cruz yard using native plants?
Absolutely. Our approach to common local issues like landscape drainage or irrigation leaks starts with a biological site assessment. We don't just fix the symptom; we design a solution that improves the site's ecology. This often involves creating bioswales or rain gardens with carefully selected native plants that manage water naturally, reduce runoff, and support local wildlife. For irrigation, we design efficient systems that work with our native plant recommendations, which typically require less water once established, addressing leaks at the source by promoting a resilient, low-water landscape.
Do you offer traditional landscaping services like patios and retaining walls?
Yes, we provide construction and installation services for hardscapes like patios, walkways, and retaining walls. However, our process is integrated with our core mission of ecological restoration. For example, a retaining wall project would include an assessment of the slope's stability and native vegetation, and our design would aim to minimize habitat disruption, use sustainable materials where possible, and incorporate native plantings to stabilize the area and blend the structure into the natural landscape. Our goal is to build functional outdoor spaces that also contribute to the local ecosystem.
What is the benefit of using your California native plant nursery for my project?
Using plants from our Central Coast Wilds nursery ensures they are locally adapted and genetically appropriate for Santa Cruz and the greater Monterey Bay area. This is crucial for habitat restoration and creating resilient landscapes. Locally-sourced natives have higher survival rates, require less water and maintenance once established, and provide essential food and shelter for native pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. For any project—from a small residential garden to a large habitat restoration—using these plants directly supports our mission to protect and restore the biological diversity of our regional ecosystems.
Services Offered
- Irrigation design services
- Tree care services
- Landscape design
- Irrigation construction
- Driveway construction or installation
- Landscaping building design
















