Refuge welcomes two interns
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel welcomed two new interns this month to bolster staffing, which has been cut drastically through the years due to federal budget shortfalls.
Sarah Riedlin works full-time as the Sue Tray Memorial Visitor Services intern with Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland and her team in operating the Visitor & Education Center and programs through the 2023-24 season. Emily Sommerfeldt fills the position as education intern for the same period through May.
Born in Sitka, Alaska, Riedlin grew up living in seven different states and came to the refuge from an internship with the Bald Head Island Conservancy in North Carolina. She graduated in May from the University of North Carolina in Wilmington with bachelor’s degrees in biology and environmental science and a minor in chemistry.
Riedlin’s permanently endowed, fully funded internship is made possible by the generosity of former, longtime Sanibel resident Hal Tray in memory of his wife, who loved the outdoors and refuge.
“‘Ding’ is amazing in so many ways,” Riedlin said. “An amazing space to have for the wildlife, amazing to have such a wonderful visitor center and educational presence, and amazing to have a community that is so supportive and involved.”
She enjoys getting out on the water by kayak or paddleboard and is excited to explore the waters around Sanibel.
Sommerfeldt graduated in May from the Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. Originally from Rutherfordton, North Carolina, she worked as a trail guide and naturalist at nearby Chimney Rock State Park before heading to the refuge.
“I’m looking forward to developing my skills as an environmental educator and getting the opportunity to learn more about Florida wildlife and ecosystems,” she said. “This community seems very strong, passionate and like-minded towards conservation. After speaking to some of the locals here, I can tell that Sanibel is a special place that is cherished by the people who live here. Everyone that I have met through working at ‘Ding’ has been so helpful and kind and I’m truly excited to continue my work here.”
Sommerfeldt spends her spare time taking nature walks, hiking,and discovering flora and fauna. Since she arrived to Sanibel, she has enjoyed exploring beach habitat.
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge provides housing, living stipends and other benefits for six to eight interns each year. Since Hurricane Ian destroyed onsite intern housing, the DDWS has procured temporary housing on and off island.
“We welcome Sarah’s and Emily’s energy and enthusiasm,” Westland said. “We thank our friends group for making our internships possible. With our shrinking staff, due to federal budget cuts, this sort of partnership is crucial to keep the refuge running, especially as we rebuild after Hurricane Ian’s destruction last fall.”
For more information about the internship program, call Westland at 239-472-1100, ext. 237.
The DDWS is accepting donations for three future named intern funds. For more information about supporting the program, call DDWS Associate Director Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991.