Beyond Sustainability Conference at Hillsborough Community College: Thursday-Friday, November 3-4
This is an event for eco-preneurs who want to learn about green opportunities as well as those looking to invest or find a job with an eye on a sustainable future. With over 70 presenters, panels on green jobs, socially responsible investing and social justice, it will showcase the latest in research, policy and grassroots actions throughout the two days. With exceptional keynotes and deep dialogue, Beyond Sustainability will be one of the most diverse networking opportunities in 2011, as well as a place to meet others to plan actions into 2012. See the website for a list of forums, speakers and for tickets. Pre-registered HCC, USF and St Pete College Students, Staff, and Faculty: Free, $75 for both days, $50 for one day. John R Trinkle Conference Center of the HCC Plant City Campus: 1206 N Park Rd, Plant City, hccfl.edu/beyondsustainability
Marine Science Series at Weedon Island Preserve: First Thursdays, 7-8 p.m.
Take part in free monthly lectures at Weedon Island Preserve facilitated by Sea Grant Marine Extension Agent, Libby Carnahan. This month's talk: "Disappearing Silver: The hunt for the Antarctic silverfish" led by USF College of Marine Science's Dr. Jose Torres. Visit the website or call register or to find out more information. 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Pete, 727-453-6522, weedonislandpreserve.org
Tampa Downtown Market: Fridays (through May 27), 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The vision of the Tampa Downtown Market is to provide local residents and businesses of the community with the freshest, highest quality, most nutritious, and most reasonably priced food and gourmet products. This year the Tampa Downtown Market will be located on the 200 and 300 Blocks of Twiggs Street, spanning Franklin Street, in the heart of downtown Tampa. Parking is available at several locations throughout downtown including the Maas Bros. parking block, which is accessible directly across the street from the Market. tampadowntownmarket.com
Urban Oasis Hydroponic Farm Market: Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Get fresh, organically grown hydroponic veggies straight from this CSA farm in Carrollwood. Open to the public. Arrive early for best selection! 5416 West Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, 813-293-3276; urbanoasisfarm.com
World Cafe Discussions: Fridays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Awakening and engaging collective intelligence through conversations about questions that matter. RSVP to Pat at 727.421.2746 or goodpat@tampabay.rr.com. Starbucks Cafe- 4th St N and 89th Ave N, St. Pete. theworldcafe.com
"Give A Day For The Bay" Clean-up at Lake Seminole Park: Saturday, November 5
Help out with the removal of of invasive air potato plants at this park in Seminole. Click here to sign up. Visit website for times and location. tbep.org
Winthrop Town Center Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m.
Complete with more handcrafted goods, fresh fruits, veggies, and boiled peanuts than you can shake a stick at. 1109 Winthrop Market St., Riverview, 813-601-3129
Brooksville Saturday Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
An array of vendors offering food, goods, plants, organics and more at this weekly event. 20 N. Main St., Brooksville, 352-428-9275
Successful Urban Farming Workshop: Saturday, November 5, 8-10 a.m.
Do you want to become more independent and self-sustaining? Then grow your own food! A great refresher for garden veterans and solid advice for beginners. This 2-hour workshop is jam-packed with information for you to apply in your backyard vegetable patch as you prepare for fall planting and consider growing next summer. Check out stpete.locallygrown.net or call 727-515-9469 for more information. $35 per person or $60 when two family members attend together. 5305 20th St. N., St. Pete.
St. Pete Saturday Morning Market: Every Saturday (October-May); 9 am-2 pm.
Featuring locally grown fresh produce, prepared foods, tempting baked goods, plants, flowers, herbs, handcrafted gifts, live music, and more! Downtown St. Petersburg in the Al Lang Stadium parking lot: 1st Ave. S and 1st St. S., St. Pete, saturdaymorningmarket.com
Ybor Saturday Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (year-round)
You'll be sure to find great produce at great prices, gourmet foods and sauces, fresh baked breads, fresh eggs, prepared foods, orchids, herbs and plants, pet treats, honey, unique gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, bath and body products, candles, and so much more. Centennial Park at the corner of Eighth Avenue and 19th Street, Ybor, ybormarket.com
Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve: Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.
Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Preserve are held on most Saturdays of the month. Join us to learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. Be sure to bring water and a snack for this 2-hour hike. A hat and closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Reserve your space by 2 pm on the Friday prior to the tour of choice. This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Recommended ages: 6 and up. Weedon Island Preserve- 1800 Weedon Drive N.E. St. Petersburg, 727-453-6500.
Guided Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve: Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.
Take a walk through time each Saturday morning on a guided hike along the Education Center Trail. Join us for this 0.75 mile walk as we look at how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must, and water and a hat are recommended. Pre-registration is required by 12:00 noon on the Friday before the hike. Admission: Free. All ages welcome; children younger than 6 may find this hike challenging. 3940 Keystone Rd. Tarpon Springs, 727-453-6800
Introduction to Permaculture: Saturday, November 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Learn about Permaculture (Permanent Culture or Permanent Agriculture) — design method that utilizes ecology to plan and design human habitats that are regenerative and sustainable — and how to use permaculture to design our own homes to be more sustainable. Free, donations are welcome; Green Dreams: 14510 Black Lake Road, Odessa, 727-439-6700, greendreamsfl.com
Hernando Farmers Market: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fresh produce, homemade, handmade products, plants, crafts and more! Offering local small businesses a venue to sell their products and grow their business. St. Rd. 50 and Mariner Blvd. (Located behind Walgreens in the Western Way Plaza), Spring Hill, hernandocountyfarmersmarket.webs.com
Fresh Market at Wiregrass Mall: First and third Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
A short distance from the city's hub, The Shops at Wiregrass, a main-street style, pedestrian-friendly, outdoor lifestyle village hosts an open-air Fresh Market located on Paseo Drive and features 50+ Vendors selling only fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted and eco-friendly products. 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, TheShopsatWiregrass.com
Going Coastal – Marvelous Manatees Lecture: Saturday, November 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Come learn all about the Marvelous Manatees including the life history, why they are an Endangered Species, and what you can do to help protect them. Sign up online here. Free; Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center: 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Pete, 727-453-6500, weedonislandpreserve.eventbrite.com
Garden Design Workshop: Saturday, November 5, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Let Organic Living teach you how to create a succesful garden and landscape the natural way. Free; 1612 Gentry St., Clearwater, 727-433-1661, organiclivingforall.com
Green Acres Organics Aquaponic Farm: First Saturdays, 11 a.m.
Take a free tour of this unique aquaponics farm. Small and large groups welcome. 26452 Richbarn Road, Brooksville, 352-302-7395
Composting Workshop: Saturday, November 5, 1-4 p.m.
Learn how to build your own compost bin, as well as how to layer, turn, when to use it, vermicomposting and other topics. Free, donations are welcome; Green Dreams: 14510 Black Lake Road, Odessa, 727-439-6700, greendreamsfl.com
5th Annual Evening for the Bay: Saturday, November 5, 6-10 p.m.
Join the Tampa Bay Watch for their 5th Annual Evening for the Bay featuring live reggae music, dinner by Bonefish Grill, complimentary beer and wine, and one of the most spectacular waterfront views in Tampa Bay. Proceeds from the event directly support Tampa Bay Watch’s important restoration and education programs. Purchase tickets online here. $75; 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, 727-867-8666 ext. 222, tampabaywatch.org
Corey Avenue Fresh Market: Every Sunday, October 16-May, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Attend the new Corey Fresh Market's grand opening and see the new look and vendors it has to offer. This open-air market will feature local vendors, including Brady Johnson "Mr I Got 'em BBQ", who will have their wares set up for sale along with Corey merchants open during market hours for shopping and dining, as well as live music by local musicians. Free; Corey Avenue: Between Blind Pass Road and Boca Ciega Drive in Downtown St Pete Beach, 727-461-7674, coreyave.com
Sunday Morning Market of Tarpon Springs: Sundays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Enjoy the waterfront and sponge docks while perusing the many vendors at Tarpon Springs' weekly fresh market. Featuring prepared foods, natural skin care products, eco-friendly items, fresh fruits and veggies and more. 160 East Tarpon Avenue , Tarpon Springs.
Hyde Park Fresh Market: First Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., year-round
Modeled after the Tampa Downtown Market and the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market, this monthly market gives South Tampa folks (and beyond) access to a variety of locally produced products as well as cooking demos and a massage therapist. 742 S. Village Circle, Tampa, 813-251-3500, hydeparkvillage.net
Sweetwater Organic Community Farm Sunday Market: Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Nov. 6 through May
Every Sunday, Sweetwater's organic "urban farm" opens it gates to the public to share their bounty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables from both their gardens and from other local farms, as well as handmade goods, fair trade and artisan foods, farm-fresh eggs, local honey, environmentally-friendly products and more. Their Sunday Music Series features some of the best local musicians at their open mic and main stage sessions. 6942 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa, sweetwater-organic.org
This article appears in Nov 3-9, 2011.