Refuge welcomes visitor services intern
Visitor services intern Elizabeth Preciado arrived recently to help the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel with staffing shortages this season, thanks to funding from the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge.
Preciado, a senior at the California State University of Sacramento, will graduate in May degreed in recreational parks, tourism and administration, with a concentration in management and certifications in natural resources and outdoor experience.
She will assist Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland in overseeing programs and amenities for visitors. Preciado looks forward to learning more about daily operations, managing the Visitor & Education Center, special fundraisers and educational programs that help visitors to understand and support the refuge’s mission.
“What I love about Sanibel so far is the environment,” she said. “I am not only amazed by its wildlife here on the refuge but, by the community. Everyone has been so welcoming and kind. It’s great to be welcomed and feel like I have a second family here at the refuge.”?=
“We embrace Elizabeth’s energy and enthusiasm as a positive addition to the team,” Westland said. “We thank our friends group for making her internship possible. With our shrinking staff, due to federal budget cuts and the current shutdown, it’s crucial for this sort of partnership to keep the refuge running.”
For more information about the refuge’s internships, contact Westland at 239-472-1100 ext. 237.
To learn more about supporting the refuge intern program or DDWS, visit dingdarlingsociety.org or contact Birgie Miller at 239-472-1100 ext. 4 or director@dingdarlingsociety.org.