Refuge welcomes two DDWS interns
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge recently welcomed two new interns to support the conservation and education mission of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel.
This year’s Harkey Development & Communication intern, Claire Keeley hails from Gaithersburg, Maryland. She arrived from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, from where she recently graduated with majors in environmental studies and biology and a minor in visual arts. Keeley also served there as an administrative and communications assistant for Arts@Denison, where she created graphics and marketed all arts-related events on campus to the public and student body. She worked, too, as a teaching assistant and senior fellow for the Environmental Studies Department on campus.
“Developing a deeper understanding of how communications and development work strengthens conservation initiatives is a key interest of mine” Keeley said. “So, I cannot wait to contribute to the various events held throughout the year that bring the community together to promote environmental advocacy and celebrate the important work of conserving our natural world, which is being done by DDWS and the refuge.”
She added that the passion for the environment she has witnessed throughout the community inspires her to learn more about the ins and outs of working within a conservation non-profit.
Keeley’s permanently endowed, fully funded internship is made possible by DDWS Board President Bill Harkey and his wife, Laurie.
Jake Kelly, of Aurora Illinois, graduated from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He was a news staff writer for the school’s student newspaper and content creator for the University of Connecticut Student Television’s Sports Department. Kelly worked in Illinois as a barista since his graduation.
He has grown fond of his work and the environment on Sanibel.
“I love the sunsets, having great access to the beach, and getting to see and hear so many different species of birds throughout the day,” Kelly said. “I really enjoy getting to create educational graphics on different wildlife because I’m passionate about making science and education accessible and exciting for others. People I’ve worked with in the past opened up the environmental world for me, so I consider working at DDWS ‘giving back’ to this large community and the beautiful spaces I get to call home.”
The DDWS 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 off-site housing with the intent to build on-site housing in the future.
“We welcome Claire’s and Jake’s energy and enthusiasm,” DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman said. “They bring fresh ideas and outlook to our mission to reach people of all ages with the refuge’s conservation message. At the same time, they benefit from the team’s track record for fundraising and communication.”
The DDWS currently stewards four named internships for the 2024-25 year and is accepting donations for future named intern funds. For information about supporting the internship programs, contact Wildman at 239-789-8991.