Green Community Calendar weekend events

Gulfport Growing Greener Gathering, fresh markets, guided hikes and more!

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

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 [email protected]. Starbucks Cafe- 4th St N and 89th Ave N, St. Pete. www.theworldcafe.com.

Dunedin Green Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (through July 30)
Featuring fresh, local produced goods such as baked good, ready-to-eat-foods, organic plants and herbs, coffee, honey, seafood, clothing, and so much more. The Dunedin Green Market is located in Pioneer Park at the cross streets of Douglas Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Dunedin. dunedingov.com

Winthrop Town Center Farmers Market: 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

St. Pete Saturday Morning Market: Every Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (through August 27)
Featuring locally grown fresh produce, prepared foods, baked goods, plants, flowers, herbs, handcrafted gifts, live music, and so much more under the shade trees in Williams Park. 1st Ave N between 3rd and 4th Streets, St. Pete, saturdaymorningmarket.com

Weeki Wachee Paddle Outing with the Sierra Club: Saturday, June 18, 9 a.m.
Learn about one of Florida’s 33 first magnitude springs while paddling 6 miles downstream all the while watching for manatees, otters, wading birds and other wildlife. Meeting at 9 a.m. at the canoe rental place adjacent to Weeki Wachee State Park on US 19. For the adventurous bring mask, fins and snorkel. Plenty of opportunities to jump in for a refreshing swim. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and water. Bring snacks, drinks and lunch. Bugs shouldn’t be a problem, but always come prepared. Please email [email protected] if you plan on coming or if you have any questions. If you don’t have email call 813-928-1412. 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, 352-592-5656

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

Gulfport Growing Greener Gathering: Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hosted by Peaceful Plate, this is a free family-friendly, community building event focused on growing food sustainably. Peruse the healthy living marketplace and informative displays, attend the various free seminars on permaculture and organic gardening, grab some good eats at the vegan food court, catch live performances by local musical acts and meet with like-minded local folks who are passionate about healthy eating and living. There will also be plenty of diversions for the kids, like the seed planing project and storytelling time. Find out more information and see thelist of musical acts and vendors at peacefulplate.org. 5500 Shore Blvd S., Gulfport.

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