Oyster Reef Construction on Tarpon Key: Thursday, July 21, 9:00 a.m.-12 p.m.
Tampa Bay Watch will create an oyster shell bar on the shoreline of Tarpon Key. The project involves shoveling oyster shells into mesh bags to be transported and placed on the shoreline to create a series of oyster bars. This project is an effort to restore lost habitat systems to the bay, prevent further erosion of the shoreline and improve water quality through natural biological filtration. This year Tampa Bay Watch will construct 250 feet of oyster shell bar along the shoreline of Tarpon Key. Meet inside Fort De Soto Park at the shell pile which is located inside the entrance to the boat ramp, the first right hand turn once you enter the park. The shell pile is located on the south side of the road on the way into the Fort De Soto boat ramp. Visit tampabaywatch.org or email rarndt@tampabaywatch.org for more information.
Free Environmental Education Teacher Training: Friday, July 22, 9 a.m.
Tampa Bay Watch, a nonprofit organization specializing in restoring the Tampa Bay estuary, invites educators to a free environmental education teacher training day on July 22, August 4 or August 5 from 9 am-4 pm. Participants will learn about the Estuary EDventures curriculum and participate in field trip opportunities for students which include seining in seagrass beds, kayaking through mangrove islands and visiting on-site habitat restoration projects. During the training, all of the lesson plan options will be reviewed, teachers will learn about ways to involve your classes with Tampa Bay Watch's habitat restoration efforts and receive a copy of the curriculum. Visit tampabaywatch.org to download the training flyer, agenda and to register online for the training. Twenty-five educators will be offered to participate in the kayak ecotour session at the end of each training. Free event. Tampa Bay Watch is located just before the tollway entrance to Fort De Soto Park at 3000 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, 727-867-8166.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Workshops: Friday, July 22, 10 a.m.
Attend the Compost Happens Workshop at 10 a.m. and learn to turn trash to treasure. Each household will receive a free compost bin and thermometer. Then check out the Water-Wise Workshop at 11 a.m. to to have a healthy and attractive lawn and landscape while conserving water. Tips on installing and using micro-irrigation are also presented. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not as restricted by current water restrictions as traditional in-ground irrigation systems! Hillsborough County residents attending this workshop for the first time will receive one free micro-irrigation kit. Register at www.eventbrite.com/directory/Florida/Seffner. For additional information, contact Hillsborough County Extension at 813-744-5519. 5339 County Road 579, Seffner.
Flow: For Love of Water Screening: Friday, July 22, 6 p.m.
The South Florida Museum is offering a six-film series that gives people and opportunity to learn about water through documentaries. This week features a 93-minute unrated film called Flow: For Love of Water. This movie shows the harsh reality behind the Earth's mounting water crisis. $5, $3 for museum members. 201 10th Street W. Bradenton, 941-746-4131, southfloridamuseum.org
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. www.theworldcafe.com.
Dunedin Green Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (through July 30)
Featuring fresh, local produced goods such as baked good, ready-to-eat-foods, organic plants and herbs, coffee, honey, seafood, clothing, and so much more. The Dunedin Green Market is located in Pioneer Park at the cross streets of Douglas Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Dunedin. dunedingov.com
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.
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
St. Pete Saturday Morning Market: Every Saturday 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (through August 27)
Featuring locally grown fresh produce, prepared foods, baked goods, plants, flowers, herbs, handcrafted gifts, live music, and so much more under the shade trees in Williams Park. 1st Ave N between 3rd and 4th Streets, 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
Local-paloosa!: Saturday, July 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Join Whole Foods Market as they invite the local artisans, growers, cheese-makers and fisherman whose products they carry to showcase their artisanal foods and homegrown stories. Food is their passion and they want to share it with you. Taste these local products for yourself at Local-paloosa! Free; 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com
"Why Organics are Better and Not All Organics are Equal": Saturday, July 23, 11 a.m.
Listen to Laura Pfiffer, Licenced Heath Coach, talk about "Why Organics are Better and Not All Organics are Equal". This informative talk is perfect for people just beginning to get into organics as well as those who regularly eat organics. Come and get all your questions answered. Call 727-433-1661 to confirm your seat. Free. 1612 Gentry St., Clearwater, 727-433-1661, organiclivingforall.com
Corey Ave. Sunday Market: Sundays, 10 a.m.-2p.m.
Visit Corey Avenue's European-style, open-air market with local vendors offering produce, plants and flowers, prepared foods, arts and crafts and more. Plus, live music and free parking! Free; Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach, coreyave.com
This article appears in Jul 14-20, 2011.