Not quite sure what you are looking for: do you want to know if anyone on the list uses nature for fiction, or if fiction writers in general use nature.
I am new to this list, so cannot answer the first, but there are definately writers that base their novels on nature. Brother Cadfael was a mystery that frequently used his knowledge of nature to solve the mystery. Susan Whittig ALbert also does mystery based on knowledge of nature (herbs).

What aspects of nature are you considering? Nature wild and raw? Nature as she manifests herself in daily events? Nature as a deity? Natural farming? Living in harmony with nature?

Most of my writing is non-fiction  garden advice, commentary and garden how-to. But I am also working on a novel that has a garden theme running through it. What I love about the novel (vs. my other garden writing) is that I am constantly being surprised the novel is more a collaboration between the characters and me. During the growing season I have little time for the novel, but now, in winter, I can work for hours at a time without watching the clock a true luxury.

With a name like "Esopus" -- are you planning on writing in the style of John Burroughs?