Green Community Calendar weekend events: International Coastal Cleanup, organic gardening and permaculture classes, Green Building Expo and more

[image-1]Winthrop Town Center Farmers Market- Every Saturday; 8 am. 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.

Energize Tampa Bay Benefiting Tampa Bay Watch- Saturday, September 25; 9:30 am-7 pm. A day-long event featuring Yoga, Zumba, Kirtan, Sun Salutation "Yoga Jam", kids programs and more. Minimum donations: $10 for adults and $5 for kids (2 and under are free). Push Ultra Lounge- 128 3rd St. S., St. Pete. www.energizetampabay.com

Ybor Saturday Market- Every Saturday; 9 am-3 pm (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.

Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve- Every Saturday; 9-11 am. 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, FL 33702. (727) 453-6500.

Guided Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve- Every Saturday; 9-11 am. 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, FL 34688. (727) 453-6800.

USF Tampa Botanical Gardens Organic Vegetable Gardening Workshop- Saturday, September 25; 10-11 a.m. Growing our own vegetables is the new way to save money and eat healthier. It can be harder than it looks without some basic help from experienced gardeners This workshop, presented by Grace’s Hydro-Organic owners and growers, will give each participant an opportunity to learn the best plants to start and grow in our Tampa bay area for the Fall season. This workshop is $10 for general public and $5 for USF Botanical Garden members and students (with ID). Reservations not required but suggested, so please call to reserve your spot, (813) 910-3274. The Garden website: www.cas.usf.edu/garden

The 2nd Annual Green Building Expo- Saturday, September 25; 10 am-4 pm. The Green Building Expo, sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association, will be instrumental in bringing builders, trades, communities and the government together, sending a unified message to the public about Green Building. There have been published studies that Green Building will continue to be on the rise over the next few years.  Don't let your company miss out on defining Green Building for the Tampa Bay area! For more information contact: Donna Turner 813-220-4996 or [email protected]; or Sergio Terzado 813-376-2962 or [email protected]. Visit www.tbba.net. The Shops at Wiregrass- 28211 Paseo Dr, Wesley Chapel.

Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project- Saturday, September 25; 10:30 am. Pinellas County Extension is conducting a citizens’ education project with faculty from the University of Florida. This project aims to provide education and materials to our residents to help them save money on their energy bill. Energy savings benefit the end-user as well as the environment, everybody wins! This class will provide tips and incentives to making your home more energy efficient, while still maintaining the same level of comfort. Energy saving kits worth $200 will be provided to all participants. Free event. Register at: https://pinellas.obsres.com/botanical/Info.aspx?EventID=3006. Pinellas county Extension- 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo.

Gardening for Florida- Saturday, September 25; 1-3 pm. Gardening in Florida has its challenges. Permaculturalist, Robert Segundo addresses these issues and offers solutions at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve during a two-hour course on homestead gardening, and the challenges of gardening in Florida. Seasoned and aspiring organic gardeners can learn to plan and plant their own in home garden. This one-of-a-kind provides resources and tips for effective gardening in this unique landscape. Organic gardening saves resources, provide food, reduce environmental stress from the agricultural industry, and keep communities together. The course will take place on Saturday, September 25, 1-3pm. Course fee is $35 per person, students fee, $20 per student and $60 per couple. A portion of the proceeds benefit Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. For further information or a class schedule, visit www.FireofHope.org or 727-793-5766. Location: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve (Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center)- 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Pete.