The St. Pete Eco-Village, located at 302 15th Street North, is a hidden gem just a stone’s throw from downtown. Featuring a lush garden, model tiny homes, brilliant murals, a bike co-op, a biodigester, and pop-up farm to table dinners, it is the embodiment of living local.

The non-profit’s mission is to be an educational center that imparts methodologies in sustainable living practices. Through workshops, formal education and volunteer opportunities, the Eco-Village strives to foster a love of nature in the Burg.

Free lunch for Pinellas County kids and teens

At the beginning of April, the Eco-Village made a major splash with the inaugural Tampa Bay Tiny Home Festival — an event that was equal parts educational and entertaining. This summer, the group has partnered with the Pinellas County School Board to provide free lunch for children and teens, ages 18 and younger.

The Pinellas County School Lunch Truck will be at the Eco-Village Monday through Friday, from noon until 12:30pm. All those who visit are invited to tour their facility and garden.

It is our hope that this will provide food for any bellies that may be needing satiated, as well as spark some interest in the youth about gardening and encourage more young visitors.

Fresh vegetables, fruits and eggs fill the plates at the Eco-Village

Fennel, okra, tomatoes, bananas, pineapple and more can be seen growing in the garden. Every Wednesday and Sunday, from 9am-2pm, residents are invited to take part in community garden work days. Visitors learn from founders Emmanuel Roux and Bill Bilodeau on how to grow, nurture, and cook with fresh herbs and veggies.

This partnership is the first step in the Eco-Village’s fight against urban food deserts. Out front, the Eco-Village has a community cabinet for canned food. Passersby are encouraged to donate items to the cabinet when they can. It also features farm fresh eggs from the village’s chickens.

Donations are always appreciated to help the Eco-Village continue to do good work in the St. Pete community. Follow the group on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with their latest events and community dinners.

Community events on the horizon

Anthony Paglino of Raincube will visit the Eco-Village on June 11 for a rainwater harvesting workshop. It will run from 1-5pm and is free to attend, but donations are welcome. At this workshop you’ll learn how to build and install an internet connected rainwater harvesting system for your home garden.

On June 23, the Eco-Village will host a silent auction to raise money for bike tools and parts for their co-op.

The Holistic Attunement Festival takes place on June 24 at the Eco-Village Peace House. Holistic Attunement is an intimate day filled with raising the community’s collective vibration and tuning to the natural holistic rhythm of well-being. Tickets range from $25-$30.

On June 28, the community is invited for dinner and a movie at the Eco-Village. The evening will feature a plant-based dinner sponsored by Solutionary Events and a garden fresh salad, along with a screening of PlantPure Nation. Tickets to the event are $20 and include the dinner, presentation by Bill Bilodeau and film screening.