The first day of spring was welcomed yesterday by green groups across the island.

Speakers from five environmental advocacy groups met at the Bermuda National Trust’s Waterville property in Pembroke to share their events planned for the change in seasons.

Glenn Fubler, of Imagine Bermuda, welcomed the warmer weather and encouraged people to take this time to appreciate nature.

He added: “We can all take advantage of a hug from the sun, and pass on that warmth to our neighbour, to a friend or even to people that we don’t know.”

Karla Lacey, the executive director of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, said that the institute would celebrate World Water Day tomorrow with a symposium for senior schools and Bermuda College.

The annual celebration carries the theme “Water for peace”, which emphasises the human right of clean water and how better sanitation could lead to less conflict over resources.

The symposium will be followed by an open house on Saturday that will be held in tandem with the BUEI’s monthly Kid’s Hour.

Ms Lacey encouraged people to “connect with the ocean” through personal study and investment.

Eugene Dean, the chairman of Greenrock, reminded the public that Earth Hour takes place on Saturday at 8.30pm.

He encouraged participants to turn off electronics for an hour to conserve resources, and to spend the day learning about nature and attempting to restore it.

Mr Dean added that a discussion about what it means to live sustainably in the modern day will be aired on the Greenrock website and Channel 82.

Greenrock will also hold a “sacred earth circle” at Spirit House on Middle Road, Devonshire, from 7pm to 10pm.

Mr Dean said: “Recognising the importance of nature is not just about the symbolism of turning off your lights for the hour, it’s about giving an hour for Earth.”

Myles Darrell, a member of the BNT, said that the trust will have its annual Palm Sunday Walk, which will take participants through several nature reserves in Warwick.

The walk, which starts and ends at Lindo’s Family Foods and should take about two hours to complete, will begin between 1pm and 2pm.

Mr Darrell said that the BNT will also hold a children’s nature walk on April 2 at 9.30am.

He said it was the perfect time for people of all ages to “come out and learn about our natural heritage right at Spittal Pond”.

William Campbell, speaking on behalf of Bermuda is Love, encouraged the public to participate in as many outdoor activities as possible this weekend.

He added that Bermuda is Love was in the middle of its Right to Learn campaign, which underscores learning and access to education as a human right.

Mr Campbell said: “We must recognise our responsibility in advocating for and championing action in the spaces of the environment and fighting against climate change.

“Let’s do what we can to ensure that we can be educated and take better care of the environment.”