Herb Schwartz worked as a wildlife photographer at the Des Moines Register, alongside Pulitzer-winning political cartoonist Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling. His grandson, Mark Mittelstadt and wife Brenda, chose to preserve the memory of Schwartz and Mittelstadt’s sister, Shelly Nonaka, by funding a named education internship at the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Through the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS), the Mittelstadts funded the 2024-2025 Herb Schwartz Memorial Education Internship to help young people in conservation professions gain early experience toward their careers.
“Herb Schwartz loved the natural world and shared that love with others, including his family,” said Mittelstadt. “This internship is testament to the importance of inspiring others to care about our natural world in the words you write, the photos you take, and in the way you live your life. Herb did just that.”
DDWS recently awarded the 2024-2025 internship to Ethan Dye, a graduate in environmental science who will be assisting the refuge environmental education team.
“The memorial internship is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor a loved one while contributing to the future of conservationism,” said DDWS executive director Ann-Marie Wildman. “This gift from the Mittelstadts helps a passionate young man fulfil a dream to teach others about his love for nature. We are currently accepting donations for memorial internships for the 2025-2026 education and other internships.”
DDWS seeks support for one intern remaining intern this season. A full 12-month sponsorship of the position is $27,000, or sponsors can contribute partially for the internship. To learn more about sponsoring refuge internships and supporting other programs through donations and endowed and philanthropic funds, 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].
