ATLANTA -- This year's Sweep the Hooch event is expected to be the biggest one yet.

The annual Chattahoochee River clean-up to slated to attract nearly 600 volunteers at a number of locations along the water.

Last year, Sweep the Hooch participants gathered up nearly four tons of trash.

"This is the kind of hands-on work that Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and our partners do that reaffirms our commitment to keeping our river clean," Chattahoochee Riverkeeper executive director Sally Bethea said in a statement. "We'll have volunteers paddling the river, wading in the water and combing the shoreline for trash."

Clean-up locations along the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area run from Buford Dam to Paces Mill.

Sweep the Hooch will be Saturday, Apr. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To sign up as an individual or with a group, visit sweepthehooch.org.

ATLANTA -- The 2013 "Georgia Rides to the Capitol" event will be held through the city on Tuesday, March 26.

A spokeswoman for the ride said more than 1,000 cyclists are expected to participate, as part of the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association "GEORGIA BIKES!" program. The bike ride will be escorted by police, and run track through Decatur and Roswell. Leading the pack will be Commissioner Fred Boykin and Mayor Jere Wood, along with more city officials. 

During the "Georgia Rides to the Capitol" event, cyclists hope to raise support for other types of transportation through the metro region. Plus, they hope conditions will improve to allow easier cycling, including the development of regional systems and both on-road bicycling facilities and multi-use trails. 

The Environmental Club at Centennial High School started a campus garden and outdoor learning area five years ago. "The Rock Garden" is named for two large boulders in the area. Thanks to the fund-raising efforts of the students, the grassy area has grown to include nine raised vegetable beds, fruit trees and shrubs.

Michael Joseph, a project manager with MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers], recently volunteered his time and expertise to help build an attractive pergola to mark the entrance to The Rock Garden. MOSAIC Group also provided supplies for the construction project.

The nearly 50 students who are members of the Environmental Club raised funds from paint recycling events to purchase the Lawn Master do-it-yourself kit from Home Depot.

Centennial High School is located off Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell. The club sponsor is Julie Burroughs, a math/TAG teacher. Additional assistance is provided by Anne Kennedy, a master gardener and parent volunteer.