Equipped with bags and gloves, a group of dedicated volunteers gathered along the banks of East Patchogue’s Swan River to clean up their local waterway.

Led by James Bertsch and Tom Kain, co-chairs of Save the Great South Bay’s Creek Defender program, the volunteers are determined to make a difference in their community.

The East Patchogue Creek Defenders, composed of Jeff Berthold and Joe Werkmeister, received aid from Patchogue Creek Defenders Brian Pendergast and Jennifer George. Together, they formed a team committed to preserving the health of their local environment.

Bertsch, one of the leaders of the cleanup effort, expressed the importance of the cleanup and why they do it.

“Today’s cleanup of Swan River on the heels of last week’s cleanup of Tuthill’s Creek and Patchogue River is the final step in a five-step engagement campaign with Greater Patchogue,” he said.

Bertsch outlined the comprehensive approach taken by Save the Great South Bay to engage the community in environmental stewardship.

“We start where we stand,” he said, highlighting the organization’s commitment to grassroots efforts.

The cleanup event, organized as part of the Save the Great South Bay Community Creek cleanup initiative, aimed to address the crucial role that local waterways play in the overall health of the Great South Bay. With over 50 creeks feeding into the bay, volunteers recognized the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems.

“All are welcome,” as encouraged by the flyer for the cleanup, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the cleanup initiative. “Scouts, students, families, local organizations, company teams, etc.,” were also mentioned, inviting members of the community to join in the effort to defend their creeks.

The significance of creek stewardship was underscored by Bertsch, who highlighted the role of Creek Defenders in leading local initiatives.

“They spread our message that our care for the bay begins on the land and the quality of that water entering the bay,” he said.

As volunteers dispersed along Swan River, armed with the Clean Swell App to track debris collected, they exemplified the power of community-driven action in safeguarding the environment.

With determination and dedication, they worked to ensure a cleaner, healthier future for the Great South Bay and its surrounding waterways.

Anjulina Varghese is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.