Volunteer Management and Recruitment AmeriCorps Member: Bonnie Nygard
Hello, my name is Bonnie Nygard (they/them) and I grew up and am still a resident of New Brighton, Staten Island. I am a Kenyon College graduate from the class of 2025 where I studied religious studies and environmental studies. NYC’s natural history has always been an interest of mine so being able to educate New Yorkers on Freshkills Park history and ecology has been a dream come true. In my free time I love to crochet and make stickers.
What are you working on, and why do you think it’s interesting/important?
I’m a volunteer management and recruitment AmeriCorps member at Freshkills Park. While December is not a busy volunteer season, I have taken this time to work on event planning for the Spring. Dreaming about how we can introduce more people to our amazing park has been lots of fun. It has also taught me the level of work that goes into public programming in NYC Parks and nonprofits.
What drew you to Freshkills Park?
I was drawn to Freshkills Park because I was impressed by Freshkills’ commitment to creating a space for community through art and stewardship. Service and community were a huge part of my undergraduate experience so when I saw the position offered through NYC Service for volunteer manager, I knew I had to apply.
What is your favorite topic surrounding Freshkills Park and why?
My favorite topic surrounding Freshkills is that American Kestrels, the smallest falcons in North America, perch on North Mound gasheads to hunt down grasshoppers. They were passing through the park as they continued on their migratory path south during my first week at Freshkills. It was such a joy to see them!
What is your favorite color?
My favorite color is orange, a fact that becomes obvious to people who meet me as I own many orange pieces of clothing (a coat, sweaters, scarves, you name it).
