# Operation Splash teaches 5th-grade students cleanup lessons on Long Island

> Fifth-graders learn litter removal on Long Island's South Shore.
- Title: Operation Splash teaches 5th-grade students cleanup lessons…
- Summary: Fifth-graders learn litter removal on Long Island's South Shore. Fifth-graders from Island Park participated in Operation Splash's cleanup to learn about…
- Keywords: operation splash, fifth-grade students, long island, south shore, littering, debris, waterways, news, local, Operation, Splash, teaches
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/post/operation-splash-teaches-students-cleanup-lessons-litter-debris-long-islands-south-shore/19862170
- Published: 2026-09-23T21:00:20+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: operation splash, fifth-grade students, long island, south shore, littering, debris, waterways, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Fifth-graders from Island Park participated in Operation Splash's cleanup to learn about protecting waterways from litter and debris.