Our Mission

Monarchs in the Ozarks (MITO) is dedicated to restoring native habitats for pollinators through education and action. From facilitating monarch-themed events to converting unused fields into vibrant sanctuaries, we believe in taking local action to make a global impact.

Our Vision

We envision an Ozarks where monarch butterflies thrive, native wildflowers bloom, and communities come together to protect the pollinators essential to our ecosystem.

Why It Matters

  • Monarch butterfly populations have declined by over 80% in the past 20 years.

  • Pollinators like bees and butterflies are responsible for 1 in 3 bites of food we eat.

  • Urbanization and invasive grasses have destroyed native habitats, leaving pollinators with fewer resources to survive.

Meet the Team

We’re a group of conservation-minded individuals committed to bringing monarchs back to the Ozarks.

  • Founder

    A lifelong steward of the natural world, Marty Powers is the driving force behind Monarchs in the Ozarks. A native of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and with a degree in forestry and years of hands-on environmental work, he understands the delicate balance required to sustain healthy ecosystems.

    Before founding MITO, Marty dedicated his career to public service as a firefighter with the Fayetteville Fire Department. Now retired, he continues to serve his community as the groundskeeper at Shiloh Museum in Springdale, AR, where he brings history and nature together. In addition to habitat restoration, Marty is committed to education and outreach, working with children to foster a love for monarchs and the natural world.

  • Executive Director

    As the Executive Director of MITO, Adam Woodard is the driving force behind turning vision into action. From developing impactful projects to spearheading fundraising efforts, he ensures that MITO's mission isn’t just an idea—it’s a movement. With a background in UX design and creative problem-solving, Adam brings a strategic and innovative approach to conservation work, blending technology, design, and grassroots efforts to restore monarch habitats across the Ozarks.

  • Finances

    With over 30 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant, Kendal Powers brings a wealth of financial expertise to MITO. A native of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Kendal has always had a passion for nonprofits and the vital role they play in community-driven conservation. She ensures that MITO’s financial resources are managed responsibly, allowing the organization to maximize its impact in restoring monarch habitats.

    Beyond numbers and ledgers, Kendal shares in the hands-on mission of MITO. Alongside her husband, Marty, she helps raise baby monarch caterpillars right on their kitchen table—offering them a safe start before releasing them into the wild. With 13 grandchildren, Kendal is dedicated to making sure future generations inherit a world where monarch butterflies still grace the skies.

  • Operations

    As MITO’s Operations Lead, Huntley Hudgins keeps everything running smoothly. A Fayetteville native with a degree in ethnography, she has a deep appreciation for the relationships between people, nature, and community. Her ability to organize, plan, and execute projects makes her an invaluable part of MITO’s mission.

    Huntley is no stranger to leadership—she heads her son’s scout troop and is the founder of S.T.O.P., a litter awareness program that has mobilized local efforts to keep natural spaces clean. Her passion for environmental conservation extends beyond logistics; she ensures that MITO’s efforts translate into lasting impact for monarchs and the people who care about them.

  • Public Relations

    A skilled storyteller and content strategist, Merrit Wakefield uses the power of words to bring MITO’s mission to life. A Fayetteville native and professional copywriter, Merrit specializes in crafting compelling narratives that inspire action. Whether through press outreach, donor communications, or social media, she ensures that MITO’s message reaches the right audiences and sparks meaningful engagement.

    When she’s not refining copy or developing new content strategies, Merrit enjoys spending time with her two children and savoring a well-made latte. Her passion for community, conservation, and creative storytelling makes her an essential part of the MITO team.

  • Native Plant Specialist

    With over 70 years of service to the Fayetteville community, Pat Mills is a lifelong advocate for all living things—both flora and fauna. A master gardener, great-grandmother, and passionate conservationist, Pat brings deep botanical knowledge and a love for native plants to MITO. She spent her career in the bursar’s office at the University of Arkansas, but her true passion has always been nurturing the natural world.

    Pat plays a crucial role in advising MITO’s habitat restoration projects, ensuring that every wildflower, milkweed plant, and pollinator-friendly species is selected with care. Her dedication to cultivating beauty and biodiversity makes her an invaluable part of the team and an inspiration to future generations.

  • Staff Photographer

    Jennifer Schwamlein captures the beauty of the Ozarks one frame at a time. An avid nature photographer, she has an eye for showcasing the delicate balance of the region’s wildlife—especially its pollinators. Living on the edge of Fayetteville in the mountains, she has the perfect vantage point to document the ever-changing landscape, often photographing local fauna from her back porch as she overlooks the valley.

    Deeply involved in the Fayetteville community through her church and other outreach efforts, Jennifer brings both artistic vision and a love for conservation to MITO. Her photography not only highlights the importance of preserving monarch habitats but also inspires others to appreciate and protect the natural world around them.