Meet Brynna McGlathery, Duxbury Beach Reservation Assistant Director. Her passion for coastal conservation and community shines through every project she tackles. Since joining DBR in November 2017 as the Reservation Coordinator, Brynna has been an integral member of our team. In 2020, she stepped into the role of Assistant Director, and after a brief hiatus to focus on special projects while becoming a parent, she returned to her leadership role in winter 2024.
What inspired you to work in conservation and environmental stewardship?
Brynna’s love for nature runs deep. Growing up, her family vacations revolved around national parks, skiing, hiking, and camping. A pivotal moment came in high school when she wrote a research paper on the balance between conservation and recreation in Yellowstone National Park. “I was hooked,” she says. Since then, Brynna has been driven by the challenge of connecting people with the outdoors while ensuring wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship remain a priority.
How did your journey lead you to Duxbury Beach Reservation?
After earning a BS in Biology and Environmental Science from Tufts University, Brynna dove into coastal ecology work with (mostly) Massachusetts non-profits. Her roles ranged from Field Coordinator for Mass Audubon’s Coastal Waterbird Program to Shorebird Technician for The Trustees of Reservations, and Natural Resource Intern at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. Joining DBR felt like a natural next step, where she could take on complex coastal challenges while contributing to long-term resiliency, conservation, and public access.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
“No two days are ever the same,” Brynna shares. From helping manage the coastal resilience program—coordinating with contractors and navigating permitting processes—to supporting the coastal ecology and public access programs, she thrives on variety. Her work often involves strategic planning, problem-solving, and hands-on coordination to ensure Duxbury Beach remains protected and accessible.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing hard work come to life. “There’s nothing like that moment when the first truckload of sand hits the beach, and a project is officially underway,” Brynna says. But beyond the visible results, she takes pride in the careful planning behind each initiative—work grounded in science, collaboration, and DBR’s mission.
What are some challenges you face?
“Time. There’s always more we want to do than what’s possible in a season,” Brynna admits. Balancing immediate needs with long-term goals is a constant challenge, but one she approaches with care and intention.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about Duxbury Beach and its conservation efforts?
DBR’s mission is comprehensive—preserving the landform, protecting the ecology, and ensuring public access. “The staff is working hard every single day to safeguard Duxbury Beach for future generations,” Brynna shares. While challenges exist behind the scenes, the team’s dedication never wavers.
Can you share a project you’re especially proud of?
Brynna highlights the dune nourishment project between Crossover 1 and 2 as a standout moment. “It marked a shift from reactive emergency work to proactive coastal strengthening,” she explains. Years later, seeing the dune flourish—with native vegetation thriving and the landscape naturally evolving—remains a career highlight.
How can the local community help?“Community support is everything,” Brynna emphasizes. Whether it’s volunteering, respecting conservation efforts, or simply enjoying the beach responsibly, the community plays a key role in DBR’s mission.
Something fun about Brynna:
A winter enthusiast at heart, Brynna loves skiing and has passed that passion on to her 3-year-old daughter. Whether on the slopes or the sand, she’s always happiest outdoors. And, they recently became a family of 4, welcoming a second daughter in February 2025.
We're so happy to have you on the team!
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