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Our Team
Grow Wild’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board collectively bring more than 160 years of professional expertise in natural resource management, horticulture, and invasive species management.
Meetings are held quarterly, with varying times and locations - contact us for details.
Staff
Executive Director
Joined in 2010
Jennifer Mohler
Jennifer Mohler is an ecologist and the executive director of Grow Wild, bringing over 25 years of experience in sustainable land management and natural resource conservation. She holds a degree in Botany from Colorado State University, has completed graduate studies in environmental sciences, and is a certified Master Gardener.
Jennifer has worked across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to promote ecological stewardship and land conservation throughout Montana. She also served for 14 years as a founding board member of the Association of Gallatin Agricultural Irrigators, advocating for responsible agricultural water use. When not leading conservation efforts, Jennifer manages a small farm focused on native plants and sustainable practices. She enjoys hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the landscapes she works to protect—often in the company of her husband and dog.
Conservation Program Coordinator Joined in 2024
Abby Butler
Abby graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Wildlife Sciences and a minor in Ecology. Her time as a Conservation Fellow with the Powder River County Weed District sparked a passion for managing invasive species, a field she has pursued with enthusiasm ever since. Her service with the Montana Conservation Corps deepened her love for Montana’s diverse landscapes, inspiring her to take on a new role as Grow Wild's 2024 Big Sky Watershed Corps member. As of 2025, Abby is thrilled to expand her knowledge of native plants and to engage with the community through education and outreach, fostering a shared commitment to conservation as our Conservation Program Coordinator. She treasures the opportunity to work amid Montana's stunning natural beauty, where her passion for preserving its ecosystems aligns perfectly with her work.
Clean Recreation Ambassador
Joined in 2022
Cooper
Abby graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Wildlife Sciences and a minor in Ecology. Her time as a Conservation Fellow with the Powder River County Weed District sparked a passion for managing invasive species, a field she has pursued with enthusiasm ever since. Her service with the Montana Conservation Corps deepened her love for Montana’s diverse landscapes, inspiring her to take on a new role as Grow Wild's 2024 Big Sky Watershed Corps member. As of 2025, Abby is thrilled to expand her knowledge of native plants and to engage with the community through education and outreach, fostering a shared commitment to conservation as our Conservation Program Coordinator. She treasures the opportunity to work amid Montana's stunning natural beauty, where her passion for preserving its ecosystems aligns perfectly with her work.
Board
Board Chair
Joined 2022
Cathy Gunther
Cathy Gunther moved to Bozeman in 2016 and then to Big Sky in 2018. She completed a liberal arts degree and worked in human resources for several different industries in Texas. It was there she met her husband, where both chose to follow his career and raise their two daughters mostly overseas. Wanting to know more about gardening in the demanding Texas climate she pursued a Master Gardener’s certification that highlighted the value of native plants, conservation and sustainable gardening practices. Cathy held multiple volunteer positions while living in England, Africa, Asia and Texas. She holds a core belief that fundamental change—including conservation efforts—happens best with a diverse group of people lending skills and talents toward their common goals.
Vice Chair
Joined 2008
Mike Jones
Raised in southwest Montana, Mike developed a deep appreciation for wild places from an early age. His early career in fisheries management strengthened that connection, teaching him how intricately ecosystems are linked—and how proactive management of invasive species is essential to keeping them healthy. Mike holds a B.S. in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University and an M.S. in Fisheries Ecology from Oklahoma State University. With more than 20 years of experience in noxious weed management, he recently retired from the Gallatin County Weed District after 15 years of dedicated service. Involved with Grow Wild since 2008, Mike remains committed to promoting responsible land stewardship, invasive species management, and conservation of our shared natural resources. When not working to protect Montana’s landscapes, he can often be found exploring the region’s many trails, streams, and rivers—places that continue to inspire his lifelong love of the natural world.
Secretary/Treasurer
Joined 2023
Ann Cook
Ann holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and an Masters in Business Administration. Following her studies, she pursued a career in banking before co-founding a family real estate development company in the Midwest in 2011, focusing on projects with sustainable initiatives. Ann and her husband, Brian, first discovered Big Sky in 2001 and fell in love with its beauty. After living overseas, they moved to the area in 2006, drawn by its stunning landscapes and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. Now with their sons living and working in Bozeman, Ann and Brian cherish having family nearby while immersing themselves in Montana’s natural wonders. A passionate steward of the land, Ann dedicates herself to forest health, biodiversity, and fire mitigation on their property. She is deeply inspired by Montana’s rivers, native flora and fauna, and expansive wilderness, and works to help preserve its ecological richness for future generations.
Founding Board Member
2004
Don McAndrew
Don McAndrew worked for 34 years with the Natural Resource & Conservation Service as an Engineer, Hydrologist, and Director of Operations, followed by 20 years as a realtor specializing in farm, ranch, and recreation real estate. Don has served as a volunteer on the Big Sky Planning and Zoning Board, Gallatin Conservation District, and the Northern Rockies RC&D. Dedicated to protecting our natural resources from the threats of noxious weeds, Don is a property owner in Big Sky and is a founding director of Grow Wild.
Board Member
Joined 2007
John Councilman
John is a recent retiree from the Custer Gallatin National Forest where he worked for nine years on the Bozeman Ranger District. A graduate of the University of Idaho, he had a 36-year career with the Forest Service with most of that time spent working in forest management as a silviculturist and forest management specialist in Idaho. He has also managed wildlife, range, minerals, soils, hydrology and noxious weed programs. He is a proponent of landscape ecology and progressive forestry techniques. John enjoys many outdoor activities with his wife Kim who is lead project scientist for a nonprofit conservation organization.
Board Member
Joined 2008
Larry Holzworth
Larry Holzworth brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the land to his work with Grow Wild. Over a 37-year career with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, he served as an Agronomist, Plant Materials Center Manager, and Plant Materials Specialist, partnering with landowners across the Mountain West on soil and water conservation, land reclamation, grazing improvements, and weed management.
Since 2008, Larry has shared his expertise as a member of the Grow Wild board and continues to contribute as a member of the Gallatin County Weed Board. When he’s not supporting conservation efforts, Larry enjoys exploring the outdoors with his family and tackling home and land improvement projects—bringing the same care and curiosity to his personal life as he does to the landscapes he helps protect.
Board Member
Joined 2021
Krisy Hammond
Krisy moved to Big Sky in 1993 with a degree in education, quickly embracing Montana’s natural beauty through work at dude ranches and outfitters, including over 20 years at Lone Mountain Ranch. There, she met her husband, Scott, and together they built a life filled with hiking, Nordic skiing, horseback riding, and enjoying Montana’s landscapes with their two children and animals. Her passion for native grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife led her to join the board of Grow Wild, where she helps protect Montana’s natural heritage. A devoted volunteer, Krisy channels her love for nature into supporting her community through various initiatives.
Board Member
Joined 2024
Jennie Cohen
Jennie holds a BS in Equine Business from the University of Louisville and brings over a decade of property management experience, including eight years managing a 100+ acre ranch bordering Yellowstone National Park. A lifelong equestrian, her connection to horses sparked a deeper interest in healthy pastures and sustainable land management. While managing a ranch surrounded by public lands, Jennie witnessed firsthand the importance of balancing livestock needs with ecosystem health. With guidance from Grow Wild, her efforts to restore native vegetation and reduce invasive weeds proved immensely rewarding, fueling her passion for creating resilient landscapes and inspiring her to join the board of Grow Wild.
In her free time, Jennie enjoys trail riding, running, hiking with her dog, skiing, and exploring the outdoors with her family.
Board Member
Joined 2025
Steve Karl
Despite growing up in New York City, or perhaps because of it, Steve has great appreciation for the natural world especially in its native state.
A woodworker, Steve has had a lifelong interest in wood, trees, forests and forestry. A healthy woodland with it’s grasses and forbs that supports diverse wildlife is his happy place. For more than a decade he has volunteered with Grow Wild at weed pulls and the Crail Garden. He and his wife are now nurturing a small wood lot surrounding their home. Helping and watching things grow brings him great pleasure. Hence, the satisfaction he found being a gardener, farmer, and pediatric surgeon.
Advisory Board
Board Member
Joined 2017
Danielle Jones
Danielle Jones holds a BS in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana and an MS in Biology from Montana State University. Her journey into the field of natural resources was sparked during her undergraduate years, pulling spotted knapweed on Mount Sentinel. This early experience nurtured a deep respect for the delicate balance of ecosystems and the need to protect them from invasive species. Over two decades of work in the natural resources field have only deepened her commitment to preserving biodiversity. As the Assistant Coordinator at the Gallatin County Weed District, Danielle leverages her extensive expertise to manage noxious weeds and foster healthy landscapes. She resides in Manhattan with her family, where she continues to cultivate her passion for nature and instill its value in the next generation.
Board Member
Joined 2025
Clayton Marxer
Clayton Marxer is the Madison County Weed District Coordinator. Born in Sheridan and raised on a large ranch in Beaverhead County, his passion for land stewardship grew from his agricultural
background. After earning a degree in Ag-Business, Clayton gained experience working on ranches
across Montana, Texas, Idaho, and Wyoming. He later served as a USDA Range Technician on the
Salmon-Challis and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests before spending nearly eight years with the
NRCS in Madison County. His professional relationships continue to support his work. Clayton lives near Sheridan with his wife and three children, is involved in Ruby Valley Search & Rescue, and enjoys video production and podcasting about the western lifestyle. His commitment to noxious weed management and resource conservation drives his work to protect Madison County and beyond.