Intern Joins ‘Ding’ Fundraising Team

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) recently welcomed Harkey Development and Communications Intern Oskar Garcia to support the conservation and education mission of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.

Originally from Weston, Fla., Garcia gained a love of nature and wildlife – especially birds — growing up near and exploring the Florida Everglades. He graduated this spring from the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. He also worked there as a parttime teaching assistant-ambassador for the College of the Arts, a designer for EMIC Anthropology Magazine, and 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 2027.

“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,” he said.

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 applaud Oskar’s energy and enthusiasm,” said DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman. “He brings fresh ideas and outlook to our mission to reach people of all ages with the refuge’s conservation message. At the same time, he will benefit from the team’s track record for fundraising and communication.”

DDWS currently stewards six named internships for the 2025-2026 year and is accepting donations for future named intern funds to cover the cost of housing, stipends, travel, and other expenses. For information about supporting refuge internship programs and housing, 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 wildman@dingdarlingsociety.org.