Designs By Nature, LLC

Vern Stephens obtained his bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Michigan State University.  He served for 21 years in the U.S. Air Force as a fighter pilot travelling around the world and the United States. 

​Vern, his wife Susan and their son Zachary live on a 40-acre farm in Laingsburg where they operate Designs By Nature, LLC, a native plant nursery and native landscape consulting company.  Each year they work with conservation groups throughout Michigan hosting native plant sales and workshops.  Vern is a member of the Wildflower Association of Michigan (WAM) and served on the board of directors for several years. 

Vern and Sue have over 30 years' experience working with native plants and ecosystem restoration.  They have consulted on projects throughout the state from home landscape design to university/corporate restoration and installation.  Vern recently retired from the Michigan DNR Wildlife Division as a Senior Wildlife Assistant where his work specialized in grasslands and invasive species management.