Janisse Ray's Ecology of a Cracker Childhood is Eckerd College Summer Reading: Thursday, September 8, 7:30-9 p.m.
Ecology of a Cracker Childhood introduces readers to the vast and diverse pinelands ecosystem that once covered most of Georgia and Florida. Through the autobiographical story of her childhood living in rural Georgia, Ms. Ray takes readers on her own personal journey of environmental awareness. Free. Fox Hall at Eckerd College: 4200 54th Avenue S., St. Pete, 727-864-7979, eckerd.edu

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

Successful Urban Farming Workshop: Saturday, September 10, 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.

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

Fall Vegetable Gardening Seminar: Saturday, September 10, 9-11 a.m.
Fall is the time to start a vegetable garden. Come discover some tricks to yielding a bumper crop. Free. Register here. Land O Lakes Community Center: 5401 Land O'Lakes Blvd. (US Highway 41), Land O' Lakes, 352-518-0156, 813-996-2411

Customer Appreciation Weekend at Whole Foods Market: Saturday and Sunday, September 10-11, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (both days)
Whole Foods Market is dedicating this weekend to their wonderful shoppers, offering special deals in every department. Look for sale pricing on meat, seafood, cheese, fresh produce, as well as free gift bags for the first 100 customers each day, free samples and demos, free 5-minute massages from 1-4 p.m., Earth Box Gardening for kids, reusable bags exchange and much more. For more information, please contact Maria.Gumina@wholefoods.com. Free. 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com

Organic Gardening 101: Saturday, September 10, 9 a.m.
An introduction to organic gardening basics and companion planting by Whitwam Organics. RSVP: 813-265-4951. Abby's Health and Nutrition 14373 N Dale Mabry, Tampa, whitwamorganics.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

Hernando Farmers Market: Every Saturday, 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

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop: Saturday, September 10, 11 a.m.
Learn how to open up the tree to let sunlight in to ripen the fruit, how to prune fruit when small to ensure large and delicious fruit, and which branches to remove to keep the trees healthy and strong. Call to RSVP. $10. 1612 Gentry Street, Clearwater, 727-433-1661, organiclivingforall.com

Transition New Port Richey General Meeting: Saturday, September 10, 1-3 p.m.
Join in to discuss transitioning the city of New Port Richey, including some upcoming events in the City like the Victory Garden Movement, Green Map, local food and more. New Port Richey Library: 5939 Main St., New Port Richey.

Raw Foods Class at Nature's Food Patch: Saturday, September 10, 3 p.m.
Learn about the health benefits of raw foods and see how to prepare raw, vegan Asian lettuce wraps and a berry creme parfait. Free. 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-443-6703, naturesfoodpatch.com

Stump Pass Kayak and Clean Up: Sunday, September 11, 8:30 a.m.
Join for a leisurely paddle around the scenic islands and waters of Stump Pass Beach State Park in Englewood. Lots of osprey and a family of dolphin often sighted here. This is also a clean up paddle so be sure to bring a garbage bag. Optional lunch at beach restaurant after outing. RSVP to Don Kirkley: 941-493-3085. Free. 700 Gulf Blvd., Englewood, 941-964-0375, floridastateparks.org/stumppass, florida.sierraclub.org/tampabay

Hike the Florida Trail in Hillsborough River State Park: Sunday, September 11, 9 a.m.
September is Literary Month and the State Park is offering free entrance with on this day with library card, library book or donation of family-friendly book. Learn about the CCC program that built the pavillions and park facilities in the late 30s. Bring lunch, snacks, drink, bug repellant and suncreen. RSVP to Gail Parsons: gailpar1@verizon.net or 813-928-1412. Meet at 9AM in the large parking lot at the picnic area on the river. Free. 15402 U.S. 301 N., Thonotosassa, 813-987-6771, floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver, florida.sierraclub.org/tampabay

This article appears in Sep 8-14, 2011.