Collaborating and cross-pollinating to save the monarchs.
The Oklahoma Monarch Society is dedicated to supporting statewide efforts to create and protect habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators in Oklahoma.
Photo by Alyssa Murphy
Our name is new, but our programs have been around since 2016.
MAYBE YOU’VE HEARD OF THEM?
Oklahoma Monarch and Pollinator Collaborative
Taking flight in 2016, the Oklahoma Monarch and Pollinator Collaborative (OMPC) was formed at the first-ever Oklahoma Monarch Summit. There, we brought together 40+ stakeholders ranging from utility companies and government agencies to tribes and ranchers to collaborate on the development of a Statewide Monarch Conservation Action Plan.
Okies for Monarchs
Launched in 2018, Okies for Monarchs is a statewide education and outreach initiative developed to raise awareness about monarch butterflies and increase monarch habitat in Oklahoma. Overseen by the OMPC, this initiative was designed to achieve objectives and strategies outlined in the Statewide Monarch Conservation Action Plan.
The People behind the scene
Meet Our Team
A collective of innovative minds and spirited individuals, committed to rounding up the needed resources for our programs.
Rick Sinnett
Board President
Self-taught muralist, printmaker, and curator. Native of Mustang, OK.
Cindy Kyle
Board Treasurer
Retired President of Kirkpatrick Oil Company. Native of Duncan, OK. Enjoys gym workouts, gardening, watching OU sports, and traveling.
Larissa Balzer
Board Secretary
Senior Network Coordinator for the Ocean Sewage Alliance. Native of Clinton, OK. Enjoys riding her bicycle and looking for monarchs in sunny San Diego, CA.
Rebecca Snyder
Board Member
Senior Director of Conservation, Education, and Science at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. Loves making her daughter laugh, snuggling her dogs, reading, spending time with friends and family, and travel. She does not love running but has done it most of her life anyway.
Patrick Bell
Board Member
Former President of the Oklahoma Native Plant Society. Retired surgeon. Avid gardener.
Laura Fleet
Board Member
Entrepreneur, attorney, and former CEO who helps founders navigate legal complexities with 25 years of business, legal, and advocacy experience.
Katie Hawk
Executive Director
Former Director of Communications & Government Relations for The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma. Native of Midwest City, OK. Loves lazy gardening, anything outdoors, RVing and connecting with Oklahoma pollinator enthusiasts.
Stefanie Leland
Director of Communications & Marketing
Conservation enthusiast and creative storyteller from western Oklahoma with a background in Biology, Theatre Arts, and Film. She enjoys gardening, photography, and hiking—and can often be found tending to plants, observing wildlife, or painting nature-inspired watercolors.
Stephanie Jordan
Pollinator Educator & Outreach Coordinator
Passionate conservationist and pollinator advocate with a background in sustainable agriculture, creative writing, and food systems. She lives in urban farming community where she enjoys exploring the numerous pollinator habitats and their vast array of insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was this organization formed?
Over the past six years, our programs have been graciously hosted by our former fiscal agents The Nature Conservancy and the Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma. During that time, our programming grew substantially. By forming an independent non-profit, we are able to create the needed infrastructure to further fund and grow our mission.
What is the mission?
Our mission is to support statewide efforts to create and protect habitat
for monarchs and other pollinators in Oklahoma. Learn more about our vision and core values.
Does this organization replace Okies for Monarchs?
Absolutely not. Okies for Monarchs is one of our shining star programs. We will continue to champion and support its volunteers and activities.
Who benefits from the Monarch license plate?
The monarch license plate was originally launched by The Nature Conservancy to generate revenue to support our programs. Beginning in November 2024, we will become the direct benefactor.
Is this a 501(c)(3) non-profit?
We certainly are! In February 2024, we were approved by the IRS as an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our EIN number is 93-4955980 and donations are tax-deductible.
Crafty Collaborations
Proceeds from each of these items benefit our efforts to save the monarchs!
Monarch License Plate
Wildflower Seeds
Pollinator Pilsner
