About Us
Great Bear Native Plants
Your Partner in Ecological Integrity
& Western Restoration
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We are a small, women-owned business focused on delivering high-quality plants & customer service!
Our Mission:
Restoration at Scale
For over 30 years, Great Bear Native Plants has been more than a nursery; we have been a foundational partner in the ecological health of the Rocky Mountain West. We don't just grow plants; we grow the infrastructure of the landscape. From the reclamation of mine sites and public utilities to the conservation of critical wetlands and riparian buffers, our work is defined by the belief that a healthy environment is the bedrock of a healthy community.
Our restoration capabilities include:
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​Massive Species Diversity: We grow over 200 native species, including shrubs, trees, forbs, and graminoids.
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Comprehensive Seed Services: Our expertise extends to seed and cutting collection, cleaning, storage, and the creation of custom seed mixes.
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End-to-End Management: From building project timelines and sourcing seed to delivery and coordinated planting with professional crews, we provide everything needed for a successful project.
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Diverse Habitats: We specialize in riparian, transition, and upland species tailored to the unique needs of the American West
The Corvallis Move
In late 2025, we consolidated our operations at our new facility at 282 Brothers Way in Corvallis, Montana. This 13-acre production hub represents a significant expansion of our capacity, allowing us to better serve our B2B partners, government agencies, and the dedicated homeowners of the Bitterroot Valley. This facility isn't just where we work—it’s where we clean, process, and propagate over 200 species of native wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs to ensure the genetic integrity of every project we touch.
The GBNP Difference:
Expertise You Can Trust
We believe that a successful restoration project is only as strong as its root system. At Great Bear Native Plants, our expertise isn't just in growing plants—it's in ensuring they survive and thrive in the demanding landscapes of the Rocky Mountain West.
Whether it’s a multi-year contract grow for a federal agency or a custom seed collection for a local landowner, we provide the technical consultation and logistical reliability required for complex ecological work.
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Capacity: We grow more than 500,000 plants annually from seed, specializing in the "Deepot" sizes essential for root depth and survival in harsh western climates.
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Customization: We partner with energy companies, state and federal agencies, and land managers on multi-year contract grows, providing seed collection, cleaning, and site-specific sourcing.
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Commitment: As a small, women-owned business, we prioritize the well-being of our team and the success of our clients with equal fervor.
Our Origin:
A "Happy Accident"
Great Bear Native Plants wasn't born in a boardroom; it was born in a shack. In 2017, current owner Aimee Kelley was a recent college graduate living on a friend’s farm when she heard a local greenhouse needed laborers. What started as a seasonal job quickly turned into a passion for the "dreaming and scheming" of nursery management.
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By the end of that year, when the previous owner decided to move on, Aimee and her parents stepped in to keep the mission alive. We officially began operating as a family-owned business in January 2018, using that original farm shack as our first office before eventually growing into our new Corvallis facility.​
Great Bear Native Plants FAQs
Why choose containerized native plants over exotic species?
While exotic species like smooth brome are often used to quickly vegetate disturbed sites and mitigate immediate erosion, they frequently come at a long-term ecological cost. These species can reduce overall biodiversity and negatively impact natural fire regimes. In contrast, native plants are biologically adapted to the local landscape, ensuring higher long-term survival rates and essential habitat for pollinators and big game. By selecting native stock, you are investing in a resilient ecosystem and cleaner water rather than just temporary ground cover.
Do I still need to water native plants?
Ideally, yes. It typically takes native plants up to three years to establish a root system deep enough to sustain them through natural precipitation alone. However, for large-scale restoration projects where irrigation capacity is limited or unfeasible, the most effective strategy is to time planting with periods of high natural precipitation. We help our partners build project timelines that leverage these natural windows to maximize survival rates without relying solely on manual watering.
Should I use seeds or containerized plants for my project?
It depends on your timeline and budget. Seeds are cost-effective for large-scale grasses and annuals but can take up to three years to establish. Containerized plants (like our 7ci or 40ci plugs) provide a "finished" look much faster and have a higher immediate impact.
What is the timeline for ordering and receiving plants for restoration?
Successful restoration requires careful planning well ahead of the shipping date. Our process involves building comprehensive project timelines, which include sourcing, cleaning, and treating seed before the growing phase even begins. Depending on the species and required size—ranging from 10ci plugs to 5-gallon pots—this cycle can take several months or even seasons. While our peak shipping "madness" occurs between April and October, we recommend starting the coordination process as early as possible to ensure your specific native species are ready for delivery.
Do you offer installation and maintenance services?
While we focus 100% of our energy on growing the highest-quality stock, we are happy to connect you with our network of trusted local landscapers and restoration crews for the "boots on the ground" work.