Hybrid copolymer compositions include a hybrid copolymer including at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a naturally derived hydroxyl containing chain transfer agent as an end group; and a hybrid synthetic copolymer including one or more synthetic polymers derived from the at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer with at least one initiator fragment as an end group. The hybrid copolymer composition may be prepared as a scale inhibiting composition. Methods of preparing a hybrid copolymer are also included.