provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) welcomed Development and Communications Intern Helina Lifshatz this week to support the conservation and education mission of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.
Having grown up on Captiva Island, Fla., 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, R.I.
“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,” she says. “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.”
In her spare time, Lifshatz enjoys walks on the beach with her mother and dog, reading, and baking.
“I am excited to develop my marketing and communication skills at ‘Ding’ Darling while connecting with our community and educating the public,” she said. “I am also excited to be working with such a passionate and dedicated team.”
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 lodging with the intent to build on-site housing in the future.
“We welcome Helina’s energy and local knowledge,” said DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman. “She brings fresh ideas and perspective to our mission to reach people of all ages with the refuge’s conservation message. At the same time, she 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.
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