Sharon Ashworth

Sharon Ashworth has been a dedicated member of K-State Research & Extension Douglas County since 2011, starting as a volunteer with the Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) before becoming the Horticulture Program Assistant (EMG Coordinator) in 2016. Today, she serves as the Horticulture and Natural Resources Agent for the county.

“I am able to apply scientific knowledge to help people create sustainable and beautiful landscapes. Whether it’s diagnosing plant problems, recommending suitable plants for landscapes, or advising on rural acreage care—from ponds to prairies—working with Extension allows me to make a tangible difference in the community.”

Sharon's career is distinguished by a diverse background across government agencies, non-profits, the private sector, and academic institutions, all unified by a strong commitment to land stewardship. She holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Smith College, an MS in Land Resources from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Kansas. Her work with Extension began after transitioning from academia to write a book on wetland ecology, Wading Right In – Discovering the Nature of Wetlands (2019), when she discovered the Extension Master Gardener program.

sashworth@ksu.edu | 785-843-7058 (ext. 116)