When people think of corporate team building in NYC, they often imagine escape rooms or office icebreakers. But on a beautiful September morning, the New York Public Library’s IT Team proved there’s a more inspiring way to come together- by spending the day on Governors Island…
Kicking Off the Day: Ferry Ride
The group of 40 guests gathered bright and early at the South Street Ferry Terminal. With the Manhattan skyline as the perfect backdrop for introductions and a little anticipation-building on the short ferry ride over to the island. For many participants, even some who are born and raised New Yorkers, it was their first time visiting Governors Island!
The group arrived to the island and expert Like a Local Tour Guides gave a history overview of the island while walking the groups through the lush island to the volunteer site.
Governors Island has served as a strategic military post and U.S. Army base for over 200 years, dating back to the Revolutionary War. Today, it’s a public park and cultural hub, offering historic landmarks, art installations, and scenic views of New York Harbor.
Volunteering at Earth Matter NY
The heart of the day took place at Earth Matter NY, a nonprofit dedicated to composting, sustainability, and environmental education. After a warm orientation, the team split up into smaller groups to take on a variety of projects:
Harvesting flowers to create natural dyes
Sifting and sorting compost
Rearranging plants and maintaining garden beds
And of course, everyone said hello to Earth Matter’s beloved composting chickens and goats!
At Earth Matter, sustainability is a living cycle. The chickens help by eating a varied diet of food scraps and spent beer grain, adding nitrogen-rich manure that jumpstarts the composting process. Their deep litter system keeps the coop clean, generates heat in winter, and eventually becomes nutrient-rich compost for the garden.
Meanwhile, the goats do their part too, providing nitrogen-heavy droppings that, when combined with carbon “browns,” transform into rich compost. Beyond being adorable (and occasionally trying to lick tour guide’s beards), the animals play an essential role in closing the loop and turning waste into resources.
This hands-on volunteering gave the group a chance to step outside their daily routines and work together in an entirely new setting. It was the perfect reminder that teamwork and collaboration thrive in every environment (whether behind a computer or with hands in the soil).
Culture + Flavor: Exploring Governors Island
After a rewarding morning, the group split into two so everyone could enjoy the island’s highlights. Some started with a buffet-style taco lunch at Taco Vista, overlooking the harbor, complete with a surprise chocolate drizzled churro dessert. Others visited the LMCC Arts Center to explore Hydrofesto, an impressive exhibition of 24 installations by artists working with water.
Then, the groups switched so that everyone experienced both the culinary and cultural offerings. The mix of delicious food and immersive art made for a perfect afternoon, showing why Governors Island is such a standout destination for corporate outings in New York City.
Wrapping Up at Little Eva’s Beer Garden
The day concluded with a final regroup, laughter, and plenty of photos at Little Eva’s Beer Garden. With the sun shining and the skyline in view, we left the NYPL Team to complete their Field Day on their own. Leave it to the IT Team to bring a full AV microphone setup for their Field Day games!
Why This NYC Corporate Volunteer Day Worked
Click each below for more
Small group size matters
Experiences like this are intimate, manageable, and give everyone a chance to connect.
Volunteering adds meaning
Supporting Earth Matter’s mission gave the day purpose while strengthening bonds between colleagues.
Food + culture = balance
Combining hands-on work with delicious food and art rooted in sustainability made the day educational, productive and enjoyable.
Governors Island is a gem for corporate groups
Just a short ferry ride away, it feels like an escape from the city while staying deeply connected to New York’s identity. Can you even believe this photo was taken in NYC?
Final Thoughts
This Governors Island volunteer day with the NYPL IT Team showcased the best of what corporate team building in NYC can look like: meaningful impact, authentic local experiences, and opportunities to connect outside the office.
From meeting composting goats to sharing tacos overlooking the skyline, the day was proof that team bonding doesn’t have to be forced—it can grow naturally when people come together with purpose.
If your company is looking for a unique corporate outing in NYC that blends sustainability, culture, and fun, Governors Island should be at the top of your list.
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