Our Story
Our story began in a van in New Zealand, with a conversation about biology.
A decade later, we found ourselves fortunate enough to have half an acre in Western North Carolina - a place where we could finally start testing all the theories we had learned and felt excited by.
Finally able to put rubber to the road, we have pruned many of our idealistic concepts and developed practical solutions to real problems. We have learned many hard lessons through loss, which is inevitable when dealing with natural systems.
Now as parents to young children, we are earnest in our pursuit of raising our children in a healthy environment - physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Natural Omniculture was born as a means to this end.
Our focus is primarily on designing ecologically balanced landscapes, but the name leaves room for us to continue growing into all that we are passionate about.
Who We Are
We’re Shannon and Katie — a permaculture designer and a microbiologist — and together we created Natural Omniculture as a living practice of designing systems that heal land, nourish people, and learn from the natural world.
Our work is influenced by permaculture, ecology, horticulture, microbiology, and a deep curiosity about the living systems that shape the world around us. We believe healthy landscapes aren't created by forcing nature to fit our plans, but by learning to observe, understand, and work with the relationships already present.
Natural Omniculture exists to help people see their land differently - not simply as property to manage, but as a living system full of potential. Whether we are working with a backyard, a homestead, or a larger piece of land, our goal is to make ecological stewardship practical, approachable, and deeply rewarding.
Meet Your Guides
Shannon Wade
Certified permaculture designer, educator, and systems builder. Passionate about transforming land into thriving, functional ecosystems that support human and planetary wellbeing.
We often live out our lives with little thought to how unbelievably amazing it is that this whole interconnected world works so well. From the myriad of life, both bizarre and breathtaking, to the natural forces that shape the very earth we stand on, to me this beautifully intricate dance is nothing short of magic.
I have a deep love and fascination with nature and all of its expressions, and though I carry titles such as Father, Partner, Certified Permaculture Designer, Artist, and so on, above all, I am an observer. To watch the drama of life, death, and rebirth play out on every scale flowing through time is mesmerizing and endlessly inspiring.
Beyond the cosmic friction of creation I find the history and culture of the people that have occupied these lands and contributed to the stories, art, and wisdom of our species to be not only the expression of our own nature but also our greatest strength.
I founded Natural Omniculture to encompass the limitless intersection of these cultures, wisdoms, and natural forces throughout time. To once again return to the core of our human spirit and sink our hands into the earth to honor our role as stewards of the land. My objective is to utilize the timeless knowledge of our vast cultures and technologies to help and encourage free thinking people to reconnect with their heritage of stewarding the land with love and passion while harmonizing with the natural forces to create an abundance for people, plants, and planet.
Katie Jean
Microbiologist and lifelong learner of the forces that shape our world. Focused on the intersection of biology, health, and ecology — and how microbes can help us live in harmony.
I love observing the natural world and trying to understand the intricate connections that underpin all life. As a microbiologist, I've learned how to observe the unseen life that makes all healthy ecosystems possible. These microscopic organisms living in our soils and bodies form complex biological relationships that are necessary for all ecosystems to thrive.
As a partner and mother, my highest value is creating a healthy, resilient living space where my family can grow, learn, and connect with nature. I believe that value is a human universal and I enjoy sharing what I'm learning with those around me. Creating these spaces doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating — it all starts with an open mind and a willingness to adapt to new information.
At Natural Omniculture, I bring that perspective to our work through research, project planning, and business operations. Working alongside Shannon, my goal is to help make a healthy and sustainable way of life practical, approachable, and rewarding — while helping people understand the living systems beneath the landscapes they depend on.
Together, we bring a balance of grounded practice and scientific insight to every project we take on.
Our Philosophy
Natural Omniculture is the art of living in alignment with the full spectrum of life.
We blend ancient wisdom with modern science, permaculture with pattern literacy, to create regenerative systems that grow more than just food — they grow connection, abundance, and resilience.
We believe the future depends on our ability to learn from nature, not just exploit it — and we’re here to help others join that journey.