The first weekend of April is the unofficial start of spring in Western Tidewater. A late and unexpected blast from Old Man Winter this week has us even readier than usual for pleasant weather.

Right on cue, the forecast calls for a high of 70 degrees Saturday, when two terrific events are on tap.

Clean Rivers Day will see hundreds of volunteers picking up trash along and on two of our community’s prized natural resources: the Blackwater and Nottoway rivers. Riverkeeper Jeff Turner annually organizes the event, which mobilizes the entire community to supplement his faithful, year-round efforts to keep the waterways clean.

Teams or individuals are encouraged to join the fun and can pick the time of day and length of time they participate. “Litter getters” and trash bags are available from Turner, who can be reached at blknotkpr@earthlink.net or 562-5173.

Another fun event awaits Saturday at Barrett’s Landing, where the Franklin Junior Woman’s Club, Southampton High School Key Club and the Downtown Franklin Association team up to host the annual “Day in the Park” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy the educational booths, games and other activities focused on teaching children about conservation, literacy, health and safety.

Activities planned include planting flowers, arts and crafts, story time with costumed characters Biscuit and Wild Thing, a moon bounce and slides, petting zoo, photos with the fire engine, and visits from Eddie Eagle and the State Trooper Bear. Refreshments will be available for purchase, but other activities are free.

Preceding Day in the Park will be the “No Excuse for Abuse” Child Abuse Prevention Walk. Registration is at 8:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 9. Participants will walk 1.3 miles to raise awareness of child abuse in the community. Those making a donation of $10 or more will receive an event T-shirt.

We encourage our readers to get out, enjoy the warmer weather and support two great community events.