Operation SPLASH Receives $15,000 from the Long Island Community Foundation for Marine Debris Removal Program
8/20/2022, FREEPORT, NY – With the goal of preserving bays and waterways along the south shore, the Long Island Community Foundation has awarded a grant to Operation SPLASH in support of their marine debris removal program.
Operation SPLASH is a volunteer-driven organization committed to the protection of Long Island’s south shore bays, waterways, and aquatic ecosystems. The organization was founded by one woman, Joanne Grover, who saw the growing issue of marine pollution in her local community of Freeport and decided to take action towards positive change. Since then, Operation SPLASH has grown to impact coastal communities along the south shore from East Rockaway to Babylon. SPLASH volunteers have dedicated time and effort towards a shared goal, and have removed more than three million pounds of marine debris from south shore waters since 1990. In addition to debris removal cleanups, SPLASH organizes beach cleanups and Adopt A Storm Drain programs. To date, Operation SPLASH has been involved in several environmental initiatives on Long Island including sewage treatment plant reform, debris trap development and installation, and the Nassau County plastic bag ban.
“Marine debris in oceans and waterways threatens the health and well-being of natural ecosystems, wildlife, and humans,” says David Okorn, executive director of the Long Island Community Foundation. “With education, outreach, and action, Long Islanders can reduce, instead of contributing to, water pollution and we are proud to support Operation SPLASH in facilitating this program.”
This grant will directly support Operation SPLASH’s Marine Debris Removal Program, which includes daily cleanup trips along the south shore.
“LICF understands what’s important to us ‘Islanders,'” says Rob Weltner, president of SPLASH. “And this grant will greatly benefit our hard-working, bay cleaning volunteers while also serving Long Islands diverse communities by keeping the beautiful south shore bays, beaches and waterways clean and trash free and the magnificent wildlife that call it home safe and healthy.”
About the Long Island Community Foundation
Through the generosity of our donors, the Long Island Community Foundation invests in groups that create positive change and improve the quality of life on Long Island. To learn more about these grants and the Long Island Community Foundation, visit our website at www.licf.org. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @LICommunityFndt, connect with us on LinkedIn and find us on Instagram.
Since 1978, the Long Island Community Foundation has been the home of charitable Long Islanders who share a passion and commitment to improve their communities. LICF supports an array of effective nonprofits that help make Long Island a vital and secure place to live, learn, work, and play, while building permanent resources for the future. The Foundation has made more than $200 million in grants from hundreds of funds established by individuals, families, and businesses. LICF is a division of The New York Community Trust, one of the country’s oldest and largest community foundations.
About Operation SPLASH
Operation SPLASH is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to improving the quality of Long Island’s south shore bays, waterways, and beaches. SPLASH members actively carry out this mission through marine debris cleanups, advocacy efforts, and STEM-based education programs for schools and universities. Since its founding in 1990, SPLASH members have removed more than three million pounds of trash from local waters and their work has influenced environmental legislation aimed at improving marine environments. Through intentional action and advocacy, SPLASH believes that the south shore can be preserved for wildlife and Long Islander’s alike to enjoy for generations to come.
