Bronwen Eastaugh has been the Volunteer Manager at Brooklyn Bridge Park for about two and a half years, working with more than 700 volunteers each year. Before Bronwen was with the Park, she worked in volunteer management in London for over ten years, bringing a wealth of knowledge to BBP after moving to New York City in 2023. Our volunteers’ efforts in environmental sustainability make a huge difference in the park, making Bronwen’s role crucial to our operations.
“[Volunteers] support our Horticulture team in caring not only for beautiful landscapes, but also for the important ecosystems and habitats that have been recreated throughout the Park,” Bronwen said. “Volunteers also help engage visitors through our free public programming — whether that’s leading tours about the Park’s history and design, teaching people of all ages about the biodiversity of the East River at the Environmental Education Center, or welcoming guests at festivals, dance parties, and movie nights.”
Of all the volunteer groups and events in the Park, Bronwen has noticed a huge influence from volunteers during Coastal Cleanups.
“During these events, volunteers remove debris that has washed up onto the Park’s beaches and salt marshes. They also record what’s collected, and this data is shared globally to help better understand and tackle plastic pollution,” she said. “It’s especially powerful when younger volunteers grasp the scale of pollution in the East River, feel proud of the immediate impact they’ve made, and leave motivated to take action in their own lives to reduce their individual impact.”
Jeffrey Sandgrund, the Chief Operating Officer at BBP, says Bronwen’s work with the volunteers has been extremely meaningful for the Park.
“Bronwen’s commitment to the park, the public, and the volunteers has impressed me from the minute we started working together,” Jeff said. “She is constantly striving to create the best experience for volunteers that is also in line with what is needed for the park and our values.”
Bronwen’s favorite spots at BBP include the Pier 1 Salt Marsh facing lower Manhattan, the Pier 5 Uplands Lawn, and the Pier 3 lawn, where she attends the free yoga sessions BBP hosts during the summer. Her favorite annual event is the Harvest Festival, another event that is made so much better by our amazing volunteers.
“A huge thank you to all the amazing volunteers I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years – you’re what makes this role so special!”
BBP has volunteer opportunities for individuals, school groups, community groups, and corporate groups. If you’re interested in finding out more, take a look at our website.