The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) on Sanibel Island welcomed two new interns this month to support the conservation and education mission of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge: Claire Keeley and Jake Kelly.
This year’s Harkey Development & Communications Intern, Keeley hails from Gaithersburg, Md. 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. She 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 general 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” said Keeley. “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.”
Her permanently endowed, fully funded internship is made possible by the generosity of DDWS Board President Bill Harkey and his wife Laurie.
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.
When not working, Keeley enjoys nature photography, drawing, and walking in the Florida sunshine.
Kelly, from Aurora Ill., recently graduated from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He was a news staff writer for the school’s student newspaper and a content creator for the University of Connecticut Student Television’s Sports Department. He worked in Illinois as a barista since his graduation.
Kelly has grown fond of his work and the environment on Sanibel Island. “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,” he 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.” Reading and swimming are among the activities that fill Kelly’s spare time.
DDWS provides housing, living stipends, and other benefits for six to eight interns each year. Since Hurricane Ian destroyed onsite intern housing in 2022, 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,” said DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman. “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.”
DDWS currently stewards four named internships for the 2024-2025 year and is accepting donations for future named intern funds at $21,500 for a nine-month internship, $27,000 for a year, which is the cost for supporting one intern including housing, stipends, travel, and other expenses. For information about supporting refuge internship programs, contact Wildman at 239-789-8991.
ABOUT DDWS
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop profits. To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit dingdarlingsociety.org or Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991 or [email protected].
