William Raftery is dogged in his love of the outdoors. Since 2016, Bill has spent over 830 days removing debris in and around Islip, especially along the Orowoc and Champlin Creeks. That’s two years plus another 100 days beyond that! Nothing is more beautiful to Bill than a pastoral scene unblemished by litter.
No one has done more to keep the Great South Bay clean than Bill Raftery. He’s discovered illegal dumpsites on our creeks. He creates grid maps he works over successive weekends; he’s also returned to bad sites with teams equipped with grappling hooks and waders. Tires. Refrigerators. Old forts. If it sullies nature and doesn’t belong there, Bill removes it. Bill always finishes what he starts.
Bill got his start with Keep Islip Clean (KIC) and remains one of their top volunteers. He became a volunteer after a fated hike along the Appalachian Trail. To celebrate American independence in the outdoors, Bill took to the Appalachian Trail on July 4, 2007. He broke his ankle a day later. Being trapped inside was too much for Bill. Once he was able to wear matching shoes again, Bill took to the trails at Hecksher. His mission? Remove debris. He hasn’t looked back ever since.

A one-day haul for Bill.
Impressed by his work, Bill often gets stopped by curious onlookers. They ask, “Do you work for the Town or County.” Bill tells them, no, he’s a volunteer. It’s no wonder, they continue. They say, You volunteers are the best. Just look at how nice your road looks. It’s hard not to think of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” in such moments.
Some organizations make a commitment to clean an area. They mark it with an adopt a highway sign. Bill has two signs! All by himself! They happen to be Suffolk County Department of Public Works Signs. One is near Carleton Avenue and the other is Rabro Drive. Each sign signals Bill’s two-year commitment to keep that location clean.
Bill now finds himself in good company. He is Islip’s Creek Defender. Each of Long Island’s south shore towns has a Creek Defender. Our heart, the Bay, is fed by the fresh waters from the fifty creeks that dot Long Island’s south shore. Each Creek Defender steps up to accept the responsibility of caring for their local creeks. Defenders are stewards.
Bill has found enough odd items to be a one-man band. Now he’s part of our Creek Defender team. And his devotion is an inspiration to everyone in Save the Great South Bay.
Do you see ever bags or bottles in the Bay or near a creek? If you do, stop. Think. Pick it up. Be like Bill. If we were all a little bit more like Bill, the world would be a better place.
This profile was respectfully crafted by Dr. James Bertsch, Co-Chair Creek Defender Program, Sayville Creek Defender & Board Member.