Organizing urban ecosystem services through environmental stewardship governance in New York City

► We analyze survey data to identify the most connected bridge organizations that govern ecosystem services in New York City. ► We interview organization leaders to understand how their group's bridging role formed. ► Bridge organizations play an integral and increasing role in the management of urban ecosystem services in New York City. ► An initial condition of heterarchic relations was essential to the development of bridge organizations in New York City. ► The bi-modal role played by bridge organizations is integral to the governance of ecosystem services in New York City.