University of Tampa - Clean Energy Forum: Friday, March 24; 11:00 a.m.-3 p.m.
You do not have to be a UT student to participate in this Clean Energy Forum; it is open to the public as well. So relive your college days and check it out. You will learn information pertaining to clean energy solutions in Tampa Bay, such as biodiesel, farming and solar energy. Representatives of Dancing Goat Dairy and Suncoast Electric Vehicles will be there, among others. Located in Plant Hall's Fletcher Lounge. Free; 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-253-3333, ut.edu
Organic Living - Pesto Workshop: Saturday, March 24; 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Become a pesto pro at this How to Make Homemade Pesto workshop. You will receive a basic recipe, but can customize it with different types of basil and/or additional herbs. Before you know it, you have the pesto technique mastered and will be saying "presto" to your family and friends. $15 including a basil plant; 1612 Gentry Street, Clearwater, 727-433-1661, organiclivingforall.com
Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center - Spring Open House: Saturday, March 24; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Gather the family and head to the Bayou; Camp Bayou, that is. This spring open house offers a day of fun, education, exhibits, crafts, games and activities. Join the river netting activity group at 10 a.m., or themed guided walk or cart tours, occurring throughout the day. Open house participants include Crocheted Coral Reef and Eagle Audobon Society. Learn about Camp Bayou's new non-profit organization. Located three miles south of SR674. Free; end of 24th St. S.E., Ruskin, 813-641-8545, campbayou.org
Garden Classroom - Container Gardening Workshop: Sunday, March 25; 11 a.m.
Do you have a restricted garden area and are not sure how to make the most of it? No problem, because gardening guru John Starnes will teach you how to grow crops, flower and produce in small spaces, at this WaterWise Container Gardening workshop. You will also get tips on water wisdom and on making water-saving receptacles from recycled items. $20 with seeds included; 3212 W. Paxton Ave., Tampa, 813-839-0881
Nature’s Food Patch - Energizing Food Class: Sunday, March 25; 3 p.m.
Make like the Energizer Bunny and go to this Energizing Food class. Peggy Kotsopoulos, RHN will explain how foods with certain vitamins and minerals energize your diet. Learn what types of food boost serotonin, and turn that frown upside down. Free; 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-443-6703, naturesfoodpatch.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
Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve: Saturdays; 9a.m.-11 a.m.
Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Preserve are held on most Saturdays of the month. 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. Pre-registration is required by 2 p.m. on the Friday prior to the tour of choice (pre-registration is required). This event is free and open to the public. Recommended ages: 6 and up. Weedon Island Preserve is located 1800 Weedon Drive NE St. Petersburg, 727-453-6500, weedonislandpreserve.org
Land O Lakes Saturday Market: Saturdays (through May); 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Land O Lakes Saturday Market is a weekly community event with live music. The market donates profits to the Heritage Park Foundation and the Suncoast Harvest Food Bank. They are located at Land O Lakes Community Center, on the west side of US 41 (Land O Lakes Boulevard), three miles north of SR 54 (across from the Land O Lakes Post Office), Land O Lakes, lolsaturdaymkt.com
Safety Harbor Farmers Market- Thursdays (November-May); 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Enjoy organic produce, plants and fresh flowers, gourmet foods, baked goods, snacks, plants and fresh flowers and handmade jewelry at Safety Harbor Farmers Market. Located at the Gazebo at John Wilson Park. 401 Main Street, Downtown Safety Harbor, 727-724-1572, cityofsafetyharbor.com
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
Tampa Downtown Market: Fridays (October- May); 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This market is a community of local farmers and producers, who take pride in providing local residents and businesses with quality, nutritious, reasonably-priced food and gourmet products. Tampa Downtown Market is located on the 200 and 300 blocks of Twiggs Street, spanning Franklin Street, in the heart of downtown Tampa. Metered parking is available on nearby streets, and several parking lots and garages are available throughout downtown, including MAAS Lot (across the street from the market), Jackson Street City Lot, Poe Garage and Fort Brooke Garage. Twiggs Street and Franklin Street, Tampa, tampadowntownmarket.com
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
