Step right up and check out some of the most unique plant species and animal specimens you’ve ever seen, all part of a passion-driven scene guaranteed to spark excitement.
Natural Selection is such a vibe. And I'm sure anyone who knows about this local gem would agree with me. It was created by two incredible women - a wicked cool mother/daughter duo with a deep love for all things natural. Emily heads the taxidermy side, while her mom, Marcy, works her magic with the plants (though they both know their way around each other’s specialties).
I don’t know what it is exactly, but I'm guessing the magic of the shop is a mix of the warm wood furniture, the wide array of unique handpicked plants, cool trinkets, the oddities you're encouraged to explore and touch, the bright and beautifully styled window displays, Emily's crazy cool font she made herself & uses to label everything and make flyers with, and Emily and Marcy’s welcoming energy, passion, and expertise. Its atmosphere is so inspiring that it makes you want to recreate a similar feeling in your own home or share that sense of magic with loved ones through thoughtful gifts. And everyone who visits always finds themselves not wanting to leave... or is that just me?!?
The pairing of taxidermy and plants might be one of the most quietly magical combinations you can step into. There’s something about standing in a space filled with living greenery alongside preserved forms that makes you more aware, more curious, and oddly at ease. It challenges that instinct to separate what feels “forbidden” and instead reframes it as part of the same story. Natural Selection reminds us curiosity and appreciation for the natural world can exist together in the most beautiful way.
I jokingly suggested for my Instagram friends to find time to care for a living thing other than themselves (while highlighting their plants), and the benefits that come along with the act... but in all seriousness - it's a hill that I'd die on. There's nothing more eye awakening, humbling, and empowering than realizing you have the power to affect something/someone beyond yourself... to nurture it, to help it grow, and to be responsible for its well being. That simple act of care grounds you, softens you, and reminds you that what you do matters.
A quick word of caution: if you step inside, don’t be surprised if you leave with a new favorite spot… or better yet, a full blown obsession. Obsessions are often seen as negative, but this is an exception to the rule kind of situation.
I’ll never forget my first visit years ago. It felt like stepping into a mashup of a 1930s Jungle Cruise and the Bates Motel - eerie, exciting, and totally unforgettable.
"You can't buy happiness, BUT YOU CAN BUY PLANTS... And that's pretty much the same thing."
P.S. Follow them on Instagram for updates on plant sales and special terrarium workshops. They also may even have supplies on hand for for you to make a spontaneous same day terrarium. Call in for availability.
Why Taxidermy?
-Some people just think it’s cool.
-It’s an outlet for those fascinated by wildlife, like hunters or people who grew up fishing with their uncles.
-Taxidermy combines multiple disciplines - woodwork, sculpture, painting, skinning, and science - all in one art form.
-It allows people to capture what they believe is the subject’s true natural state.
-Museums use taxidermy to create educational displays that bring nature to life.
-Taxidermy isn’t mainstream, and people love that it’s a rare, unsaturated art form.
-It’s a challenge to make the subject look realistic, which many find thrilling.
-Taxidermy can inspire others to explore the wild and deepen their appreciation for the natural world.
Categorized Under "Local Businesses"---> "Gift Shops"
