Grow Vertically and Sustainably Workshop: Thursday, December 1, 6-7 p.m.
In this class guest speakers Kerry and Bobby Broe will demonstrate how to grow your own food vertically using organic and sustainable growing methods. Free; 1665 Donto Way Brooksville, 352-799-0200, greenworldpath.com
Lecture – Do Coral Reefs have a Future?: Thursday, December 1, 7-8 p.m.
Dr. Pam Hallock Muller of the University of South Florida College of Marine Science will discuss the geologic record and modern coral reefs. Pam and her students gain insight not only into environments of the past and present, but also the effects of human activities on future tropical benthic ecosystems. Register here. Free; Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center: 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Pete, 727-453-6500.
Dunedin Green Market: Fridays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 11 through April
This popular market in Pioneer Park was in such high demand that it's been extended to two days every week with different vendors each day (listed on their website). You'll find an array of fresh local produce, plants, organic and eco-friendly items, and a ton of gourmet foods and drinks in the heart of Downtown Dunedin. Come hungry! Douglas Ave. and Main St., downtown Dunedin, dunedingov.com
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
Introduction to Permaculture: Friday, December 2, 11 a.m.-1 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. RSVP. $15. Green Dreams: 14510 Black Lake Road, Odessa, 727-439-6700, greendreamsfl.com
Organic Vegetable Gardening Workshop: Friday, December 2, 2-4 p.m.
In this fact filled class you will learn about pH, minerals, natural fertilizers, and companion planting for pest control, seasons & placement. This class will cover it all to allow you to create an abundant backyard vegetable garden. RSVP. $15. Green Dreams: 14510 Black Lake Road, Odessa, 727-439-6700, greendreamsfl.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
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
Bike Starkey Park: Saturday, December 3, 9 a.m.
This 20 mile round-trip bike ride will take riders north along the Suncoast Parkway bike trail and into Starkey Wilderness Park. The final destination will be the picnic area in the park for lunch. After lunch, hike down to the nearby river and stretch our legs before heading back. Learn how Starkey Park became a part of our region's water supply system and it's acquisition history. Bring water, lunch, snacks and bug spray. Meet at McDonald's on SR 54 and Suncoast Parkway. Reserve with leader Gail Parsons at 813-928-1412, gail.parsons@florida.sierraclub.org. Free.
Tampa Bay Terrapin Symposium: Saturday, December 3, 9 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
Environmental professionals, conservationists and educators are invited to join to learn about the natural history and conservation needs of this imperiled coastal species. This symposium will focus on connecting ongoing research to coastal aquatic management efforts. The goal is to encourage sound management decisions that will benefit this species. Attendees will receive a set of newly developed educational material and sample bycatch reduction devices. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Space is limited and advance registration is required. For more information,contact George Heinrich: george@heinrichecologicalservices.com or 727-865-6255. $10 (includes lunch); Weedon Island Preserve: 1800 Weedon Drive N.E. St. Petersburg, 727-453-6500.
Dunedin Green Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 29 through July
This popular market in Pioneer Park was in such high demand that it's been extended to two days every week with different vendors each day (listed on their website). You'll find an array of fresh local produce, plants, organic and eco-friendly items, and a ton of gourmet foods and drinks in the heart of Downtown Dunedin. Come hungry! Douglas Ave. and Main St., downtown Dunedin, dunedingov.com
St. Pete Saturday Morning Market- Every Saturday (October-May); 9 am-2 p.m.
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
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
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
Suncoast Waldorf School's Victorian Holiday Faire: Saturday, December 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
It's an old-fashioned Victorian Holiday Faire on the campus of Suncoast Waldorf School, complete with natural crafts and toys, children's crafts, live holiday music and scrumptious food. This event is a festive, yet calm way for families to enter the holiday season. Free; 1857 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, 727-786-8311, suncoastwaldorf.org
Green Acre Organics Aquaponic Farm: First Saturdays, 11 a.m.
Free tours of this unique aquaponics farm. Small and large groups welcome. Free. 26452 Richbarn Road, Brooksville, 352-302-7395
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
Hyde Park Village Fresh Market- First Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
This is a monthly event giving the people of Tampa Bay yet another opportunity to buy a variety of locally-produced products. Modeled after the Tampa Downtown Market and the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market, this market will feature over 70 vendors offering fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, delicious food, live music, cooking demonstrations and a local massage therapist. Admission and parking are free to the public and friendly dogs on leashes are always welcome at the Fresh Market and in Hyde Park Village. For more information, visit www.hydeparkvillage.net or call 813-251-3500. 742 S. Village Circle, Tampa.
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 Dec 1-7, 2011.