Green World Path – Green Education Class: Thursday, January 5 (every Thursday); 6 p.m-7 p.m. It's a "green old time" at Green World Path's Green Education class, taught by various "eco-friendly businesses and leaders." Door prizes and light refreshments are offered, and a fun time will be had. This class is free. 1665 Donto Way, Brooksville, 352-799-0200, greenworldpath.com
Green Dreams – Introduction to Permaculture Class: Friday, January 6 (every Friday); 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn the basics of permaculture from Green Dreams Certified Permaculture Designer Eric Stewart, including production of your own food and energy, storage of rain water, and creation of sustainable habitats, through the practice of permaculture. This class is $15. 14510 Black Lake Road, Odessa, 727-462-5326, greendreamsfl.com
St. Pete Locally Grown – Sunday Lecture Series: Sunday, January 8; 2:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. Worm specialist Jane Maxwell will educate the value of earthworm castings and how to use them in your garden at this Growing with Earthworm Casting Organic Fertilizer lecture. Maxwell will also discuss vermicompost, and her popular worm castings fertilizers will be available for sale. This lecture is free. 5305 20th Street North, St. Petersburg, 727-515-9469, stpete.locallygrown.net
Green Acre Organics Aquaponic Farm: First Saturdays (year-round); 11 a.m.
Take advantage of this tour of Green Acre Organics' unique aquaponic farm, the first Saturday of each month. Small and large groups are welcome. This event is free. 26452 Richbarn Road, Brooksville, 352-302-7395, greenacreorganics.biz
Fresh Market at Wiregrass Mall: First and third Saturdays (year-round); 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A short distance from the city's hub, The Shops at Wiregrass, a main-street style. This pedestrian-friendly, outdoor lifestyle village hosts the open-air Fresh Market at Wiregrass Mall, and features over 50 vendors selling local, homemade, handcrafted and eco-friendly products. 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, TheShopsatWiregrass.com
Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market: Every Second Sunday (October through 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
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
Ybor Saturday Market: Every Saturday, (year-round); 9 a.m.-3 p.m. You'll 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
Land O’Lakes Saturday Market: Every Saturday, (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
Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve: Every Saturday; 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 N.E. St. Petersburg, 727-453-6500, weedonislandpreserve.org
Guided Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve: Every Saturday; 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 12:00 noon on the Friday prior to 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
Corey Avenue Sunday Market: Every Sunday (October-May); 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy produce vendors, local arts and crafts, live music by local musicians, food and fun at Corey Avenue Sunday Market. 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, 727-461-7674, coreyave.com
Sweetwater Organic Community Farm's Sunday Market: Every Sunday, (November through 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 jewelryand 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
This article appears in Jan 5-11, 2012.