Two interns join refuge fundraising team
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) welcomed Harkey Development and Communications Intern Oskar Garcia and Development and Communications Intern Helina Lifshatz, who will support the conservation and education mission of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel.
Originally from Weston, Garcia gained a love of nature and wildlife — especially birds — growing up near and exploring the Florida Everglades.
He graduated in the spring from the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. He also worked as a part-time teaching assistant-ambassador for its College of the Arts, a designer for EMIC Anthropology Magazine and an officer for GREBE, UF’s birdwatching club.
“I am loving it here so far!” Garcia said. “The environment and atmosphere are incredible. The people I have met through the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society are welcoming and warm but also dedicated and knowledgeable. I am excited to establish myself during my time here.”
As a DDWS intern, he is eager to get involved with community and refuge events and people during his tenure through May.
“I am an avid birder, so I’m looking forward to going out and doing some bird photography and seeing the cool wildlife the area has to offer,” Garcia said.
Having grown up on Captiva, Lifshatz attended The Sanibel School and experienced the refuge on school field trips and family bike rides. Currently, she is studying neuroscience and English, with an interest in environmental science, as a rising sophomore at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
“The refuge is truly a special place to me, and I appreciate it even more now that I am older, which is what brought me to this internship,” Lifshatz said. “After the hurricanes and with the impending effects of climate change, I’ve seen both the resiliency and life cycles of the local flora and fauna and the importance of awareness and advocacy work in terms of wildlife protection and conservation.”
She is excited to be working with such a passionate and dedicated team.
“I am excited to develop my marketing and communication skills at ‘Ding’ Darling, while connecting with our community and educating the public,” Lifshatz said.
The DDWS provides housing, living stipends and other benefits for six to eight interns each year. Since Hurricane Ian destroyed onsite intern housing in 2022, it has procured off-site housing with the intent to build on-site housing in the future.
The DDWS currently stewards six named internships for the 2025-26 year and is accepting donations for future named intern funds. For information about supporting the internship programs, contact Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991.