Green Community Calendar weekend events: Intro to permaculture workshop, green markets, solar power workshops and more

St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market- Every Saturday; 9 am to 2 pm (through May). 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. Open October 3 through May 29.

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.

Land O Lakes Saturday Market- Every Saturday; 9 am-2 pm. The Land O Lakes Saturday Market is a weekly community event with live music. Land O  Lakes Saturday Market donates profits to the Heritage Park Foundation and the Suncoast Harvest Food Bank. We are located at the Land O Lakes Community Center, on the west side of US 41 – Land O Lakes Blvd., three miles north of SR 54 (across from the Land O Lakes Post Office- Directions).

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.

[image-1]Solar Power in the Sunshine State Workshop- Saturday, February 20; 10 am-12 pm. Join University of Florida Faculty, Doug Gregory, a leading Florida solar energy technology specialist, and learn how to make use of this free and renewable energy source. Extension Specialist will provide information on incentives and programs that are aimed at getting you the most for your money. The cost is $15.  As space is limited, registration MUST be completed by 9:00am Friday, February 19, 2010; no day-of registrations will be made. To register, visit www.pinellascountyextension.org, click on the 'Online Class Registration' button and then click on the 'Sustainable Living' tab. Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo.

Sweetwater Organic Community Farm’s Sunday Market- Every Sunday (through May); 12-4 pm. Our on-site market features organic produce harvested fresh from our 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, homemade soaps, handmade jewelry, organic coffees, veggie burgers and fruit smoothies. You can also enjoy our wonderful Sweetwater Sunday Music Series featuring some of the best local musicians and our popular open mic. So come check it out! Shop for your produce and environmentally-friendly products, have a picnic lunch, meet like-minded individuals, and enjoy our orchard and gardens under the trees all while listening to some great live music! Bring your friends, family, and leashed dogs. It’s a great way to support local programs, agriculture and business. 6942 W. Comanche Ave, Tampa.

Solar Power Workshop at Sweetwater Organic Community Farm- Sunday, February 21; 12-2 pm. The seminar will cover how solar electric systems work, what they cost and, and what you can expect from them.  Design considerations, federal and state incentives, calculating the return on investment. The different types of panels and how to choose what will work best for your application. Permitting and how to qualify for rebates. Fee: $10-20 based on ability. 6942 West Comanche Avenue, Tampa. www.sweetwater-organic.org 

Be sure to check out our guide to the weekly green/farmers' markets in the Tampa Bay Area!