Refuge’s lead biologist promoted to regional position
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge lead biologist Jeremy Conrad has been promoted to regional coastal ecologist for the inventory and monitoring branch of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. While he will remain based at the refuge, the post will take Conrad throughout the 12-state/territory USFWS Southeast Region.
Conrad joined the refuge in 2010. Before that, he served as an invasive species biologist at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach and spent four earlier years at the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
During his 11 years on Sanibel, Conrad became known for his research on linking mangroves with sea level rise mitigation and as a popular speaker on everything from sea turtles to marshland ecology.
“It has been a great pleasure working with all of the staff and volunteers at the refuge and the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society,” he said. “In my tenure at ‘Ding,’ we have weathered a few hurricanes, significant red tide events, HABs (harmful algal blooms), massive fish kills; executed prescribed fires; battled non-native invasive plants; endured a coyote invasion; found a black bear on island; seen record sea turtle nesting efforts; completed several restoration projects; built a marine lab; acquired new conservation property; and served our community by prioritizing and protecting Sanibel’s natural resources through it all.”
During the transition, as the refuge reviews steps it will take to fill his position, Conrad said he will continue supporting the biological program along with Refuge Manager Kevin Godsea and Deputy Refuge Manager Erin Myers. The refuge and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge are also co-funding biological technician Avery Renshaw to assist with the transition.
“Jeremy has been a valuable member of our team for many years. He will be missed from our team, but it is also exciting to see Jeremy grow professionally and be recognized as an ecologist who can be of value to the entire region,” Godsea said. “Luckily he will continue to work out of the refuge office, so that we can continue to see and interact with him.”