The Bronx River Alliance team is comprosed of leaders in the environmental justice field – with knowledge ranging from ecology and hands-on conservation to outdoor recreation and education; from horticulture to storytelling, organizing and leadership development.
In previous posts, we have spotlighted the outcomes and impact of our team, but today, we are asking you to recognize and support the leaders who make this work possible, day in and day out, in high season and all year long.
How do our staff forge deep connections with the river and among its stewards? Here are some examples:
- Building relationships within our communities by going the extra mile; this year, our Recreation team canvassed the community on foot, posting fliers, to ensure the local community’s participation in paddle events.
- Acting as vigilant monitors: our Ecology team recorded air quality and water quality data from the river corridor, noting trends that help us understand the conditions of our natural space and how our community can use them safely.
- Providing stewardship opportunities and appreciation events: our outreach team recruits and sustains volunteers who connect with the natural environment and each other with gardening, planting, clean-ups and large events.
- Through partnership and advocacy: our Advocacy Teams in Greenway, Foodway, and Ecology meet regularly with community members to discuss and address issues of pressing concern – whether through data sharing and advocacy with government agencies, speaking out about key sites and projects, or pushing for the environmental standards that our communities deserve.
- Leading with unwavering commitment: our Conservation Crew Leaders Penny Brown and Elaine Feliciano marked their 20-year milestone at the Alliance this year, along with the long-time leadership from Conservation Manager Mike Mendez. The Conservation Crew provides overall maintenance of the river year-round through the “regular” challenges of the urban environment, and in times of crisis like the aftermath of ever-increasing major storm events. Their work is the foundation of the Bronx River Alliance.
With your support, our dedicated leaders at the Bronx River Alliance can continue to build new connections and strengthen existing ones. In 2024, we seek to build our team, by hiring a long-term Executive Director to join these heroes and the Bronx River Park Administrator Anthony Martinez in the next chapter of the Bronx River’s history. Please share the opportunity widely.
Thank you for your love and generosity.
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Elena Conte
Interim Executive Director
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About the Bronx River Alliance
The Bronx River Alliance serves as a coordinated voice for the river. We work in harmonious partnership to protect, improve and restore the Bronx River corridor. Our goal is to make a healthy ecological, recreational, educational, and economic resource for all communities through which the river flows.
The Alliance works in close partnership with the New York City Parks as well as dozens of community-based partners, regional nonprofits, businesses and all levels of government.
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About the Bronx River Alliance
The Bronx River Alliance serves as a coordinated voice for the river. We work in harmonious partnership to protect, improve and restore the Bronx River corridor. Our goal is to make a healthy ecological, recreational, educational, and economic resource for all communities through which the river flows.
The Alliance works in close partnership with the New York City Parks as well as dozens of community-based partners, regional nonprofits, businesses and all levels of government.
