Our Team

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.

Michael Jones was fortunate to grow up in Yellowstone National Park, where he developed a great appreciation of wild places. After earning a B.S. in Fish and Wildlife Management and an M.S. in Fisheries Ecology, Michael began his career in noxious weed management as a seasonal weed control technician working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Michael’s seasonal work captured his interest in invasive plant management as an effective wildlife conservation tool. He has worked for the Gallatin County Weed District as the assistant coordinator since 2010, and been a part of Grow Wild since 2008. Michael takes great satisfaction taking a weed infested tract of land and making it productive for wildlife and people again. When he is not fighting weeds, Michael can be found fly fishing, rafting, or exploring the backcountry.

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 the common goals.

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.

Larry Holzworth has had an extensive career working for the Natural Resources Conservation Service as an Agronomist, Plant Materials Center Manager and Plant Materials Specialist for 37 years. He worked with landowners on soil and water conservation, reclamation of disturbed lands, grazing land improvement and weed suppression projects across the mountain west. After his official retirement, he has served on the board of the Grow Wild since 2008, member of the Gallatin County Weed Board, is a CES field inspector for Weed Seed Free Hay and Certified Seed field inspector for the Montana Crop Improvement Association. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family exploring the outdoors and working on home and land improvement projects.

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.​

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jennifer Mohler is an ecologist and executive director of Grow Wild, with a degree in Botany from Colorado State University and certification as a master gardener. For over 25 years, she has collaborated with public, private, and non-profit entities to promote sustainable land management and conserve natural resources. As a founding board member of the Association of Gallatin Agricultural Irrigators, Jennifer served for 14 years, championing responsible stewardship of agricultural lands. Deeply connected to the natural world, Jennifer finds joy in nurturing native plants, hiking Montana's trails with her husband and dog, and training and competing in 3-day eventing with her horses. Her work and passions reflect her lifelong commitment to conserving natural resources.

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.

Cooper joined the team in 2022 as our enthusiastic Clean Recreation Ambassador. A true lover of Montana’s great outdoors, Cooper spends his days hiking trails, chasing balls, and spreading joy to everyone he meets. His deep appreciation for the natural world fuels his commitment to protecting it. Cooper has a particular dislike for pesky houndstongue burrs that stick to his fur, which drives his passion for clean recreation. He’s a devoted advocate for keeping Montana’s trails pristine, inspiring all trail users to help stop the spread of invasive species and embrace the #PlayCleanGo ethic. Whether on the trail or at play, Cooper’s mission is to encourage everyone to enjoy and care for Montana’s remarkable landscapes.