Dr. James Bertsch

Creek Defender Co-Chairperson (Mastic – Sayville)

James helps coordinate clean-ups between Mastic and Sayville.

Dr. James Bertsch’s mission is to enhance community involvement by fostering civility and inquiry in public discourse. As a YMCA board member and twice-elected trustee for Sayville Schools, his civic and political focus centers on coalition building. James spearheads diverse community events, engaging over 300 people and 15 organizations in initiatives such as veteran gravestone restorations.

As a trustee for the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum, he aims to inspire local devotion to Michael Murphy’s legacy and integrate the Navy SEAL Museum into community life. With a background in education, James served as a Special Education administrator, founded the Greater Sayville Civic Association, and directs local initiatives for Save the Great South Bay. Committed to community advocacy, he contributes environmental and civic stories to various publications, including Newsday, Suffolk County News, and the Long Island Press.

Rae Paoletta

Creek Defender Co-Chairperson (Oakdale – Babylon)

Rae Paoletta is a proud Long Island native whose love for the natural world has shaped both her personal passions and professional journey. A lifelong environmentalist and journalist, Rae now works with a space science nonprofit, blending her curiosity about the cosmos with her deep commitment to protecting our home planet.
In 2024, Rae launched a neighborhood litter cleanup initiative that has already kept hundreds of pounds of trash out of local wetlands and waterways—an effort that reflects her belief in the power of community-driven change. Beyond her work, she finds joy in tending her garden, nurturing her compost pile, and observing the wildlife that thrives in her backyard.
Whether she’s caring for plants, advocating for clean water, or writing about the wonders of science, Rae brings energy, compassion, and creativity to everything she does

Don Nedbalsky

Creek Defender Co-Chairperson (Lindenhurst – Wantagh)

After retiring from the medical device industry a few years ago, Don reconnected with the outdoors in Massapequa, where he grew up and still lives. He began volunteering with local environmental organizations, including the North Shore Land Alliance and the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, while spending more time hiking and photographing Long Island’s wildlife.

As he explored local creeks, Don became increasingly frustrated by the amount of trash and the spread of invasive plants. That search for a way to make a difference led him to Save The Great South Bay. Since joining SGSB, Don has organized several creek cleanups in his hometown and has helped civic groups in Wantagh and Merrick launch their own annual cleanups—expanding stewardship across the South Shore.

Don also serves on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Alliance, continuing his commitment to protecting and connecting people to Long Island’s natural spaces.

“Defending our creeks has to be fun, educational and rewarding for everyone involved. There is so much more that can be done and we are only scratching the surface so far…..people WANT to help, our role is to organize it all.” – Tom Kain

Map Of Long Island Tributaries