‘Ding’ Darling refuge welcomes art intern
Visitor services art intern May Jernigan arrived recently to help the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel with staffing shortages in the fall, thanks to funds from the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge.
Jernigan, a 2016 graduate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and is earning a graduate certificate for science illustration from the California State University Monterey Bay. Through Thanksgiving, she will assist Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland with educational art related to “Ding” Darling Days, set for Oct. 12-14, and plastic awareness projects.
“I’m looking forward to working on a poster detailing how plastic waste affects wildlife and the environment, not just on Sanibel but the world as a whole,” Jernigan said. “I’m hoping to transform the kinds of issues the refuge workers see on a daily basis into a concise poster that is effective to a broader audience. I also am excited to draw loggerhead sea turtles on that poster.”
The St. Louis, Mo., native has visited Sanibel many times with her family.
“It feels like another home to me,” she said. “I’m thrilled to see all my favorite wildlife again. I also love how generous and kind everyone has been at the refuge.”
“We are looking forward to putting May’s talents and energy to use during ‘Ding’ Days, when she will lead a number of hands-on nature art projects,” Westland said. “We are so thankful to our friends group. Without them, our internship program would not be possible, which would leave us woefully understaffed as refuge personnel continues to shrink due to budget cuts.”
For more information about the refuge’s internships, contact Westland at 239-472-1100 ext. 237. To learn about supporting the intern program, contact DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller at 239-472-1100 ext. 4.