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Contact: Chelle Koster Walton
239-699-4754
Captions: The Harkey Development & Communications Intern Fund supports Riley Silcox’s work at the refuge.
‘Ding’ welcomes summer DDWS intern
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) on Sanibel Island welcomed this summer’s Harkey Development & Communications Intern Riley Silcox to support the conservation and education mission of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Silcox, who hails from Lakeland, Fla., arrived from Florida State University in Tallahassee. She studies environmental science with a focus on aquatic science/marine biology as a rising senior, with hopes of eventually earning her master’s degree.
The Florida native has been visiting Sanibel Island for most her life, spending summers fishing with her father and visiting her aunt and uncle who live on the island. Silcox’s permanently endowed, fully funded internship is made possible by the generosity of DDWS Board President Bill Harkey and his wife Laurie.
“I feel so lucky, and I am extremely grateful to return as an intern for ‘Ding,’ thanks to the Harkeys,” Silcox said. “My favorite part about working for DDWS is being able to interact with those who love the environment as much as I do. My new position comes with its perks including being immersed in wildlife and nature every day, and I am looking forward to broadening my own knowledge and experiences in nature. My office also comes with the most beautiful views of a lake and wildlife!”
She looks forward to being involved with the refuge on projects such as monofilament cleanup days and the upcoming summer camps. She hopes to attend surveys with the biology technician and learn more from those involved in the success of both DDWS and the refuge. When she’s not working, Silcox enjoys running at the Bailey Tract and in other outdoor island spaces; and going to the beach to collect seashells, catch sunrise, and work on her photography skills. She is an avid reader who also crochets and makes jewelry in her spare time.
“We welcome Riley’s energy and enthusiasm,” said DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman. “She brings new ideas and a fresh outlook to our mission to reach people of all ages with the refuge’s conservation message. At the same time, she benefits from the team’s track record for fundraising and communication – so it’s a win-win.”
DDWS provides housing, living stipends, and other benefits for six to eight interns each year. It stewarded 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 — the cost for supporting one intern. 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].
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