After 32 years with OSU, Denise Ellsworth is retiring in December. For the last 14 years, Denise has coordinated the department's pollinator education program across the state and region. Before moving to Entomology, Denise spent 18 years as a county extension educator in the Akron/Canton area.
Delivering more than 1600 programs and presentations in her career (to more than 25,000 participants), Denise has raised awareness and inspired action on landscape sustainability and the critical role that pollinators play. From Amish farmers to backyard gardeners to the next generation of naturalists and food producers, she built advocates for the small unpaid workers and the habitat critical to sustaining our world.
In her next chapter, Denise plans to spend even more time gardening, cooking, cycling, and hiking with her dogs, as well as visiting her two grandsons in Boston and Durham. An avid volunteer, Denise will continue her volunteer work with hospice, the Arc of Appalachia, the Heritage Garden at the Governor's residence, and Audubon's nature camp on Hog Island in Maine.
"I've been affiliated with OSU for 40 years as a student and employee," says Ellsworth. "Two of my children graduated from OSU, and I met my husband through OSU extension, so I guess I do bleed Scarlet. I'm very grateful to have worked alongside so many outstanding volunteers, colleagues and friends. Go Bugs!"