By Makala Chapman – The Contact

Members of the 8 Wing Trenton Flying Frogmen Scuba Club are doing their part to help the environment.

Close to a dozen members of the recreational scuba group, together with their family and friends, hopped into the Trent Severn Waterway near downtown Trenton to help clean up garbage in late July.

“The club is very passionate about giving back to the community,” said club president Master Corporal Tara Oliver. “We haven’t done this in a while but we were very eager this year.”

While divers were busy pulling up rusted metal bars, glass bottles and tires, cleanup crews picked up garbage on foot in the surrounding area. As for why the group decided to volunteer their time to the cause, MCpl Oliver said it came down to the need to respect the environment. “I have four kids, so I want them to have a greener tomorrow,” she explained, “so I feel strongly about doing things to improve the environment.”

Following the event, MCpl Oliver added the cleanup was a “tremendous success” and that strangers even stopped by to lend a hand once they found out about the cleanup effort.

Some of the more interesting ­finds at the bottom of the waterway included three shopping carts, a car radio, and an old hard drive. Despite low visibility in the waters due to disturbed sediment, MCpl Oliver noted the cleanup had been a safe and enjoyable way to give back to the community.

Those interested in learning more about 8 Wing’s recreational scuba club, which is open to military and civilian members, can do so by contacting the club at [email protected].