Operation Splash teaches 5th-grade students cleanup lessons

Fifth-graders from Island Park joined Operation Splash in Freeport to learn about protecting local waterways and removing debris during a nor'easter.

Operation Splash has 36 years of South Shore cleanup experience

Operation Splash, a nonprofit organization, has spent 36 years cleaning the South Shore between Queens and Freeport.

Students see litter impact on waterways

The students observed litter and storm-related debris while participating in cleanup efforts on Freeport Bay and nearby salt marshes.

Weltner: Nor'easters bring significant debris

Operation Splash President Robert Weltner said severe weather can bring significant debris into local waters.

“Everybody on the south shore of Long Island, we hear the word nor'easter, the hair on the back of your neck stands up because you never know what you're gonna get”

Mayor Kennedy: Debris comes from central Long Island

Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy said debris in local waterways often originates far beyond the village itself.

“The debris in the water isn't only from Freeport here, this comes from central Long Island. They all come down these tributaries into Freeport”

Students report litter problems in communities

Fifth-grader Dylan Marsden said he sees how much people throw out, while Joel Ayala explained cleaning improves water quality and reduces animal deaths.