SPLASH NEWS

www.splashclassroom.org

October 2026

Celebrating Wild and Scenic Rivers, with a SPLASH! 🌊

Our Last Campaign of the Year!

October marks the 58th anniversary of the US Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The Act protects designated rivers in a free-flowing condition for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Lower Delaware Wild and Scenic River - flowing from Easton to Washington’s Crossing - features many natural and historic resources of exceptional value. 

SPLASH celebrates 22 years of exciting, hands-on STEM learning next to (and on) the Delaware River. At our Lambertville location, students experience what makes the Lower Delaware Wild and Scenic River exceptional. 

SPLASH Fall Giving Week (October 12 - 19) supports impactful educational experiences for deserving area youth–both in the classroom, and next to the Wild and Scenic Delaware River. Your donation provides inspirational learning experiences for children in the outstandingly beautiful natural setting of the Delaware River. 

Scan the QR code or click below an help us reach our goal!

Welcome, Hai, to our Board of Trustees!

Hai Zheng is a PhD physicist who has taken an unconventional and rewarding journey from searching for extra dimensions to applying her analytical and problem-solving skills in the real world. Her career has spanned the pharmaceutical industry, ethics and compliance, and now the nonprofit sector, where she is passionate about making a meaningful contribution to her community.

Outside of work and volunteering, Hai is a devoted mother who loves traveling with her children. Together, they enjoy exploring different cultures, discovering new places, and experiencing the wonders of nature around the world.

Hai joined the SPLASH board through BoardConnect, drawn to SPLASH’s mission and its commitment to connecting people with nature and creating meaningful opportunities for learning, exploration, and community. This summer, she had the opportunity to participate in the Mercer Lake SPLASH program, which gave her a firsthand appreciation for the experiences SPLASH creates and the impact it has on the community.

Calling all Book Lovers!

Linda Barth has written SPLASH THE STEAMBOAT, the tale of the vessel that for many years plied the Delaware River as a floating classroom. Her crew gave lessons to schoolchildren and summer campers, teaching about the critters in the river, the history of the D&R Canal, and water quality.

Linda has released a new, larger version of this book, which you can order from her directly at 908-240-0488 or at barthlinda123@aol.com. A percentage of the price will be donated to Splash Floating Classroom.

We couldn't think of a better holiday gift to introduce children to the Delaware River!🧑‍🎄

SPLASH In Action

Teaching the Science of the Watershed

Measuring pH and Dissolved Oxygen

Credit: John Soss, CYO of Mercer County

Invasive snails in the Lake

Credit: Lawrence Boyd, 

Generation Learning Center

SPLASH in the Community

Delaware River Basin Commission Community River Festival

River Fest Trenton

Great Delaware River Cleanup

Credit: Lisa Bruno (photo from a previous year)

October's River Science Answer

The Delaware River is 330 miles long from the confluence of its main branches to the Delaware Bay. Of that length, over 180 miles are designated Wild and Scenic - including several important designated tributaries. That's over half of the length of the river that has this important designation!

Sources:

• www.nj.gov/drbc/public/outreach/fun-facts.html
• www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/national-parks-on-the-delaware.htm

Thank you!

🔸 Special Recognition & Interns

• Juliana Scartocci: Social media volunteer & holiday card designer (Best of luck in college!)
• Alex Ren: Teaching Phytoplankton: Jewels of the Lake at Mercer Lake
• Aidan Perrone: Science instruction intern (Congrats on the new job!)
• Gruber Family: Hosting the SPLASH volunteer BBQ

🔸 Teaching Volunteers by Location

• CYO of Mercer County: Melinda D; Harry A; Randy B; Eric C
• Festivals (Community River Fest / River Fest Trenton): Chrissie R; Eric C; Kale G; Kate E; Ed F
• Generation Learning Center: Aidan P; Alex R; Eric C; Ed F
• Hamilton YMCA Community Camp: Susie M; Eric C
• Hamilton YMCA Sawmill Camp: Alex R; Eric C; Melinda D; Aidan P; Sandy K
• Lambertville Academy: Sue P; Alex R; Pamela V; Eric C
• Lambertville Library: Chrissie R; Kate E; Jordana K; Susie M; Eric C
• Mercer County 4-H Fair: Kale G; Sue P
• Paul Robeson Charter School: Melinda D; Sandy K; Eric C
• STEM Explorers (Millhill Child & Family): Aidan P; Hai Z; Buddy L; Jeanne L; Sandy K; Eric C
• Thrive CS: Melinda D; Randy B; Aidan P; Alex R; Eric C
• Urban Promise Trenton: Sue P; Buddy L; Jeanne L; Chrissie R; Aidan P; Hai Z; Eric C

🔸 Community Partners & Supporters

• Aqua NJ (Essential Utilities): Co-teaching at Hamilton YMCA Community Camp
• Great Delaware River Cleanup: River Towns Rotary Club & Swan Creek Rowing Club volunteers
• Invertase Brewing Company (Lambertville): Supporting the DVPA fundraiser
• Liz Battaglia Creative: Enhancements to the SPLASH website
• Mercer County Park Commission Marina Staff: Enabling a great first teaching season on Mercer Lake
• National Park Service: Nathalie & Sarah Bursky (pledges & badges) and Cindy Kunnas (workbooks & badges)
• Swan Creek Rowing Club: Including SPLASH volunteers in social events
• WDVR Radio: Hosts Andy Kin & Bill Tucker

October Donors

John Luneau, Esq.🔹Melinda Dower🔹Janis and Gary Grover Foundation🔹Patricia Reilly🔹Kate Edwards🔹Anonymous Donor