Honeymoon Island State Park – Make n' Take Rain Barrels: Saturday, February 11; 10 a.m.
If you have ever wanted to make your own rain barrel, you are in luck. This Saturday, you will be able to make a rain barrel, and then take it home to collect and reserve water for use in your garden. You will also learn about planting and watering. Registration is requested, but walk-ins will be welcomed. Class is $35, but park admission is included. 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, 727-738-2903, islandparks.org
Largo Cultural Center – Natural Birth and Baby Expo: Saturday, February 11; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bring your natural-minded family and show them that learning, supporting the local community and fun can go hand-in-hand. Demonstrations include "babywearing," cloth diapering and family yoga. Many vendors will be present, including photographers, retailers, educators and even midwives and doulas. The kids will enjoy face-painting and frolicking in the recently revamped Largo Central Playground. This expo is brought to you by Tampa Bay Birth Network. A $5 donation is suggested (per family). 105 Central Park Drive, Largo, 727-587-6751, birthbabyexpo.com
Organic Living – Garden Design: Saturday, February 4; 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Obtain the garden of your dreams this Saturday. If you are not completely satisfied with the look of your current garden, this workshop is for you. Soon, your neighbors will be envying your garden. Workshop is free. 1612 Gentry Street, Clearwater, 727-433-1661, organiclivingforall.com
Weedon Island Preserve – For the Love of Weedon: Saturday, February 11; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Today, Weedon Island Preserve is a coastal preserve for hikes, other activities and education, but that was not always the case. Learn about the prehistoric and historic heritages of the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. Registration is requested. This panel discussion lecture is free. Light refreshments will be served. 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727-453-6500, weedonislandpreserve.org
Farm Day at Magnolia Organics: Second Saturdays (through May); 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Spend a day at the farm, Magnolia Farm. Shop for USDA organic produce and Florida native plants, and sample some vegetables for free. Learn agricultural tidbits from Magnolia Organics' educational seminars. Free. 33601 Kiefer Road, Wesley Chapel, 800-449-2363, magnoliaorganics.net
Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market: Every Second Sunday (October- May); 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
This market helps circulate local trade and Florida foods by showcasing a variety of the seasonal and locally-farmed produce, all-natural ready-to-eat foods and specialty foods. Enjoy the works of the local artists who are often in attendance. Seminole Heights Sunday Market is held on the front lawn of historic Hillsborough High School. 5000 North Central Avenue, Tampa, sundaymorningmarket.com
Corey Avenue Sunday Market: Sundays; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Shop for fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants, kettle corn, arts and crafts, and listen to live music. Corey Avenue will be blocked off for a safe shopping experience at the market. Corey merchants and restaurants will be open for business as well, lending a fabulous addition to your normal market venues. From antiques to boutiques, dog stores and more, this open-air market is the one to visit every Sunday during the fall and winter seasons. Always free parking, within walking distance. Located just off Gulf Boulevard, between Blind Pass Road and Boca Ciega Drive in Downtown St. Pete Beach, 727-498-8778, coreyave.com
Dunedin Green Market: Fridays; 8 a.m.-1p.m.; Saturdays; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Enjoy a craft show, in addition to the usual market highlights of fresh, local produced goods such as baked good, ready-to-eat-foods, organic plants and herbs, coffee, honey, seafood and clothing. Dunedin Green Market is located in Pioneer Park at the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Dunedin.
Guided Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve: Saturdays; 9 a.m-11 a.m.
Take a walk through time each Saturday morning on a guided hike along the Education Center Trail. Observe how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes during this 0.75 mile hike. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must, and water and a hat are recommended. Pre-registration is required by noon on the Friday before the hike of your choice. This event is free. All ages welcome, but children younger than 6 may find this hike challenging. 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, 727-453-6800, brookercreekpreserve.org
St. Pete Saturday Morning Market: Every Saturday, (October-May); 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Featuring locally-grown fresh produce, prepared foods, tempting baked goods, handcrafted gifts, plants, flowers, herbs, live music, and more. Downtown St. Petersburg in the Al Lang Stadium parking lot (1st Avenue S. and 1st Street, St. Petersburg, saturdaymorningmarket.com
Sweetwater Organic Community Farm's Sunday Market: Sundays (November -May); 12p.m.-4 p.m.
This on-site market features organic produce harvested fresh from their own farm, as well as organic fruits and veggies from other farms. Every week you can enjoy native plants, organic vegetable transplants, and unique products from green vendors and artisans including; fresh baked goods, local honey, organic coffees, veggie burgers and fruit smoothies, homemade soaps, handmade jewelry and organic cotton T-shirts and bags. Sweetwater Live Music Series features local and internationally-known musicians, and their popular open mic. Veg and learn with Sweetwater Workshop Series, with workshops by guest presenters on sustainable living skills, organic gardening, holistic healing and more. Shop, have a picnic lunch, meet like-minded individuals, and enjoy the orchard and gardens all while listening to some great live music. Bring your friends, family, and leashed dogs, and support local programs, agriculture and business. 6942 W. Comanche Avenue, Tampa, sweetwater-organic.org
Urban Oasis Hydroponic Farm Market: Fridays 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Get fresh produce grown organically and hydroponically, straight from this CSA farm in nearby Carrollwood. No chemical pesticides are used. Urban Oasis Hydroponic Farm opens to the public for this weekly market. 5416 West Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, 813-293-FARM (3276); urbanoasisfarm.com
Ybor Saturday Market: Saturdays (year-round); 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
You will be sure to find great produce at great prices, gourmet foods and sauces, fresh baked breads, fresh eggs, prepared foods, honey, herbs and plants, orchids, pet treats, unique gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, bath and body products, candles, and much more. Centennial Park at the corner of Eighth Avenue and 19th Street, Ybor, ybormarket.com
This article appears in Feb 2-8, 2012.