28 Feb (Thu): Green Drinks Singapore

An informal get-together for those involved in the environment. Because you want to engage in a greater conversation about the environment, and steer it towards a positive outcome for the world.

Hosted by Green Drinks International, a monthly get-together for those who work in the environmental field for informal sessions. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organising network.

This time, don't expect too many chair around. We'll make it more conducive for you to WALK and MINGLE about.

Do bring along as many friends as you like.

Time: 8-11pm
Location: Food #03 109 Rowell Road
Website: Green Drinks on facebook
Contact: olivia@greendrinks.sg or 96887449

27 Feb (Wed): "Managing A Sustainable Global Environment"

It is increasingly clear that climate change is one of the major challenges of our time. Increasing scientific evidence suggests a link between global warming and natural disasters. This call for greater efforts around the world to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

This seminar by Professor Chris Cocklin, James Cook University aims to create an awareness among business and industry leaders on the issues and opportunities in addressing climate change:
-Causes and regional effects of Global Climate Change
-Overview of the fourth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report
-Education for the future and the links with industry requirements

Admission is free. Please RSVP early to avoid disappointment: 8222 6833 or email rsvp@jcu.edu.sg

More details on the James Cook University Singapore website

Time: 3-6pm
Venue: SPRING Singapore Auditorium
Website: http://www.jcu.edu.sg/
Contact: 8222 6833 rsvp@jcu.edu.sg

26 Feb (Tue): Free talk on "The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh"

Professor Stephen Blackmore will share with on the scientific role of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. RBGE's recent development of research strategies in relation to the major environmental challenges of our times will also be discussed.

All are welcome!

Time: 10am
Venue: Function Hall, Singapore Botanic Gardens Botany Centre
Contact: Janice_YAU@nparks.gov.sg

26 Feb (Tue): On TV "Once Upon A Tree" episode 2

From the arts central website:

"The Following is a Note From the Director: Episode II is a historical piece. History is not difficult to tell. The information is there, all 600 years of it, beginning circa 1400, I believe. All I needed was someone with a deep voice to voice it. Somewhere along the way, I discovered history of a different kind, history that has no documentation. My advice? Take as many photos as you can of this island. Assign all you can to memory. Not everything remains. Shawn? Of course! Our host was ever the professional..ever since the first season.."

Time: 9.30pm Arts Central
Website: http://artscentral.mediacorptv.sg/

24 Feb (Sun): Free Chek Jawa Boardwalk tour

The Naked Hermit Crabs introduce you to Chek Jawa without getting your feet wet. Enjoy the great view and find out more about rare coastal plants, cute fiddler crabs, aggressive mudskippers, sturdy mangrove trees, interesting bugs and more!

The free walk will be held every the last Sunday of the month. You don’t even have to sign up. On each public walk day, a few of the volunteer guides will be stationed at the Chek Jawa Info Kiosk in front of House No. 1 at Chek Jawa. The Crabs will trial this format for 4 months and then review it after that.

Group size? Come in small friends and family groups of around 6 people or fewer. We expect to have a few guides volunteering each time, but cannot guarantee that we will have a lot of guides. Please …. don’t organize a huge company group and show up at our free walk-in tours. We will be overwhelmed and you will go away very disappointed.

Time: 3 pm, meet at the Chek Jawa Info Kiosk
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: no charge for now, but donations accepted.
Website: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/
Contact: nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com

18-24 Feb: Highlights of events this week

This Tuesday is the first episode of Once Upon A Tree Part 2 that focuses on our shores. Wildfilms crew and footage are part of this series. On Arts Central at 9.30pm, get a glimpse of our living shores and the people that are a part of it.

Lots of activities for kids this week!
Kids' Fun with Orchids with Joseph Lai
Free Chek Jawa Boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs
Tall Seed Story and Go Potty! at HortPark

In the gardens choose from a nature and heritage tour of Fort Canning Park and free guided tour of HortPark and Evolution Garden tour at the Botanic Gardens

Get in touch with the inner artist in you and join Painting with Pui San at Sungei Buloh. Or just go for the mangrove guided walks at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.

For NSS members there's a walk at Labrador Nature Reserve with Shawn Lum and birdwatching at Springleaf Woodlands with Ho Hua Chew.

Weekday talks include a series of talks on ecotourism in Brunei at the Heart of Borneo.

Learn more about wildlife trade and what you can do for the issue at the Acres roadshow at Tampines Mall.

For those who really want to get wild, there's a TeamSeagrass monitoring session at Semakau this Wednesday.

Now open for registration
23 Mar (Sun): Hantu Bloggers Anniversary Dive at Pulau Hantu with night dive!
1 Mar (Sat): Pedal Ubin a special tour of the nature and heritage on our last unspoilt island.

Want to make a difference?
See the latest Green Volunteers Network newsletter asking for help at Pulau Ubin Green House, nature guiding at Pasir Ris Park. Help also needed with whale shark campaign, carpentry, topiary, saplings and planting, rat infestation. As well as with Orang Aslis in Johor.

More of the latest volunteer opportunities on wildsingapore news.

Have a wild week ahead!

24 Feb (Sun): Tall Seed Story at HortPark

Once upon time, there was a seed that wished to be taller than the tallest giant ...

Hey kids, are you the next famous performance artist ? Draw an interesting picture of the seeds provided, and tell us a very special story about your seeds. Suitable for kids from 5 –12 years old.

Time: 11am-12.30pm
Venue: HortPark, Fruit Room
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 64715601

24 Feb (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Sunday morning, subject to availability of guides.

Time: 9.30 am (subject to availability of guides) for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

24 Feb (Sun): Painting with Pui San at Sungei Buloh

Free art-and-nature appreciation at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Pui San welcomes artists of all ages or anyone who wants to learn. His objective is to encourage creativity while enjoying nature at the same time. Bring along your favourite drawing or painting supplies.

More in the art in the wetlands blog.

Time: Meet 8.30am at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve ticketing counter (Visitor Centre). Session usually lasts until about 11am.
Admission charges: While the art session is free, usual admission charges to Reserve apply. $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://artinwetlands.wordpress.com/
Contact: Tham Pui Sam at thampuisan@hotmail.com or the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve at sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

24 Feb (Sun): Birdwatching at Springleaf Woodland with Ho Hua Chew

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only.

This is a good time to venture into this forgotten charming nook in the Singapore countryside with the migratory season in full swing. Interesting species that can be seen are the Violet Cuckoo, Grey-headed Fish eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Straw-headed Bulbul, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, etc. A walk along the very pleasant Sg Seletar will be followed by a walk through the woodlands, coming out at the Springleaf housing estate. Bring mosquito repellent and wear preferably long-pants.

Time: 7.30am, meet at Nee Soon Road, Junction of Nee Soon Road and Sembawang Road.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

23 Feb (Sat): Go Potty! at HortPark

Wish to learn how to transform simple flowerpots into exciting creatures for your garden? Then join this hands-on session to make your very own animals ! You are allowed to bring back your own creations after the workshop. Suitable for kids (6-12 years old). This free one-hour workshop is conducted by Lewell Siow and Lim Wan Jo (NParks).

Time: 10-11.30am
Venue: HortPark - Fruit Room
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6471 5601

23 Feb (Sat): Guided Tour @ HortPark

This free tour of HortPark features HortGardens, a collection of 20 theme gardens and the GardenPatch, a patchwork of display plots showcasing garden designs, concepts and products by local gardening-related companies. See nurserymen at work, propagating plants for our garden city.

This tour is conducted every last Saturday of the month.

Please register 15 minutes before the tour. Registration is on a first-come-first served basis.

Time: 10-11.30 am
Venue: Register at Visitor Information Counter @ HortPark
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 64715601

23 Feb (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30 am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

23 Feb (Sat): Heritage and Nature Walk at Fort Canning Park

Free guided walk to discover the most historic part of Singapore. Malay & Chinese historical records point to this hill as the centre of a kingdom that arose around 1300AD. Previously a "Forbidden Hill", Fort Canning Park once housed some ancient Malay rulers as well as Sir Stamford Raffles who had his house built in 1823 during his 3rd and last visit to Singapore.

This walk is conducted by volunteer guides every last Saturday of the month.

Time: 4-5.30pm
Venue: Meet at Cox Terrace, in front of Fort Canning Centre, Fort Canning Park
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Lili at 63321302 or Goh_lili@nparks.gov.sg

23 Feb (Sat): Evolution Garden tour

A free guided walk of this unique garden in the Botanic Gardens, that tells the story of how our plants came to be. An easy stroll on paved paths among strange plants.

Suitable for kids.

The 4pm tour is conducted in mandarin.

This walk is held every fourth Saturday of the month.

Time: 9am (English tour) 4pm (Mandarin tour)
Venue: Register at Visitor Centre before the tour starts.
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

23 Feb (Sat): Intertidal walk at Pulau Semakau

This half-day guided walk will take you through the operations of the landfill and the pristine intertidal area of Pulau Semakau. Guided by Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research Semakau volunteer guides, participants will explore the richness of the seagrass meadows and coral reefs without having to dive in our waters.

Booking required. Reservations not accepted. Booking is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Please register early: email Luan Keng dbswlk@nus.edu.sg your name, organisation (if any), number of participants. To confirm your booking, a non-refundable pre-payment is required.

More about the walks on the RMBR website. More about Pulau Semaku on the wildsingapore website.

Time: 5-9pm
Departure point: participants will be advised
Cost: $53.50/adult, $40.60/child (age 7-18); all cost is inclusive of 7% GST, boat rides (return), guiding fees, guidesheets and coordinating fees.
Website: RMBR website
Contact: Luan Keng dbswlk@nus.edu.sg

23 Feb (Sat) Kids' Fun with Orchids -- Cancelled

Latest update from the NSS Education Group: Kids Fun with Orchids with the NSS Education Group is CANCELLED due to insufficient interest. We apologise and encourage kids to consider coming to our next event instead, Fun with Wetland Birds, on 23 March at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, details to be announced soon.

Joe Lai and the Education Group shares about orchids!

What has vanilla ice cream got to do with orchids? Well, vanilla comes from a type of orchid! What makes an orchid an orchid? How are they different from other plants? Come find out with NSS Kids at the National Orchid Garden. We will walk around this lush orchid garden where you will come face to face with Singapore's National Flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim and other fascinating orchids. Meet at

Suitable for kids 5 to 9 years old.

Time: 3.30pm, meet outside the Botanic Gardens Shop
Costs: $5 (Nature Society (Singapore) members); $10 (non-members). A nominal entrance fee to the National Orchid Garden will apply.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

23 Feb (Sat): Walk at Labrador Nature Reserve with Shawn Lum

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only.

A great way to discover and see the sights of this fabulous confluence of sea, forest and park. Join
the Plant Group for a leisurely walk through this botanical gem of a park.

Time: 9.30am, meet at Car Park B, Labrador Nature Reserve
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

22-24 Feb (Fri-Sun): ACRES at Tampines Mall

ACRES will be having a booth to raise awareness on the illegal wildlife trade in Singapore and other animal protection issues. There will be exhibits on different animal welfare issues through informative educational panels and physical displays/replica models depicting the issues, for example toy animals crammed into crates showing how animals are smuggled for the illegal pet trade. Visit us at our booth and learn how you can help by living a cruelty-free lifestyle.

Time: 11am-9pm
Venue: 4 Tampines Central 5, Promo Area map
Website: http://www.acres.org.sg/
Contact: info@acres.org.sg

20 Feb (Wed): TeamSeagrass monitoring at Pulau Semakau

Ordinary people CAN make a difference! This team of volunteers from all walks of life regularly monitor our seagrasses. The data gathered will help us better understand and manage our seagrass meadows.

Pre-registration and interview required to join the Team. Please contact the team ONE MONTH before the trip.

More details on the TeamSeagrass blog

Time: 2.30-8pm
Website: TeamSeagrass blog
Contact: Ria Tan hello@wildsingapore.com please put 'teamseagrass' in the subject line.

20 Feb (Wed): Intertidal walk on Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin

An easy stroll along seagrass meadows to view rich marine life. Large sea anemones, sea stars, strange crabs and more! Also learn more about the other rare marine habitats on one of our last vast natural shores. You will get your feet wet, and must wear covered footwear for your safety.

Suitable for young children 5 years and above.

Pre-registration required. See the Ubin NParks website for booking instructions.

As of 1 Jan 08, the intertidal tour will be charged at $60 per group of a maximum 15 participants.

More about Chek Jawa on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. The intertidal walks at Chek Jawa are conducted by the volunteers of Ubin NParks.

Time: 4pm
Venue: Meet at the Chek Jawa Information Kiosk.
Cost: $60 per group of a maximum 15 participants
Contact: Ubin NParks at 6542-4108

19 Feb (Tue): on TV "Once Upon a Tree part 2" featuring our shores with wildfilms

After a successful first series exploring our natural heritage and learning the importance of forest trees and their intrinsic values, Once Upon a Tree returns to the screen again, this time turning its attention to our waters.

The Sea is a proverbial window to the rest of the world. It was also what brought commerce, stories, culture and life to our island. Its this theme of "together-ness that will be our main focal point in the first episode.

What similarities does a research doctor have in common with a retiree? Host Dr. Shawn Lum finds out. Shawn also explores the abundant marine life found along our financial hub and speaks to an engineer behind the Marina Barrage. A construction that will affect both humans and the inhabitants of the water.

Co-host Sue-Lyn is off to investigate the inter-tidal habitats of Kusu Island with guest expert Yu-Chen. What will they find in the muddy waters? Find out in Once Upon a Tree - Tides & Coastlines.

Wildfilms footage and crew are contributing to their series. More about wildfilms

Time: 9.30pm Arts Central
Website: http://artscentral.mediacorptv.sg/

19 Feb (Tue): “Brunei at the Heart of Borneo: What it means for Ecotourism, the Region and the World”

Session II of the Brunei Forum held on 19 to 20 Feb.

This session would be of interest to those interested in environmental and nature conservation issues, those working in the tourism and ecotourism sectors, travel writers, environmental NGOs, and civic organisations.

The main address of the session will be delivered by Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and Chairman of the Brunei Tourism Board, Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah bin Haji Abdul Wahab.

It will then be followed by these presentations

"The Heart of Borneo Project"
by Dato Dr Mikaail Kavanagh, WWF Special Advisor to the Heart of Borneo initiative.

"Sustainable Tourism in Southeast Asia"
by Associate Professor Victor Savage of the National University of Singapore (NUS)

"The Role of Biodiversity in Ecotourism: Practicalities, Pitfalls and Potentials - The Singapore Experience" by Dr Lena Chan of National Parks (NParks)

Attendance at the forum is free but registration is required by 15 Feb (Fri)

More details and registration form on the ISEAS website

Time: 4.30-6pm
Venue: Grand Hyatt Singapore
Website: http://www.iseas.edu.sg/
Contact: Ms Karthi Nair 6870-2413 / 6778-0955 or karthi@iseas.edu.sg

Latest update: Cancelled - "Kids Fun with Orchids" 23 Feb (Sat)

A message from the NSS Education Group:

The Kids Fun with Orchids with the NSS Education Group originally scheduled for Saturday 23 Feb afternoon at Botanic Gardens is CANCELLED due to insufficient interest. We apologise and encourage kids to consider coming to our next event instead, Fun with Wetland Birds, on 23 March at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, details to be announced soon.

19 Feb (Tue); Intertidal walk on Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin

An easy stroll along seagrass meadows to view rich marine life. Large sea anemones, sea stars, strange crabs and more! Also learn more about the other rare marine habitats on one of our last vast natural shores. You will get your feet wet, and must wear covered footwear for your safety.

Suitable for young children 5 years and above.

Pre-registration required. See the Ubin NParks website for booking instructions.

As of 1 Jan 08, the intertidal tour will be charged at $60 per group of a maximum 15 participants.

More about Chek Jawa on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. The intertidal walks at Chek Jawa are conducted by the volunteers of Ubin NParks.

Time: 3pm
Venue: Meet at the Chek Jawa Information Kiosk.
Cost: $60 per group of a maximum 15 participants
Contact: Ubin NParks at 6542-4108

Latest update: Registration open for the Hantu Anniversary Dive

23 Mar (Sun): Pulau Hantu Anniversary Dive with the Hantu Bloggers

The Hantu Blog celebrates its fourth birthday! To commemorate four years of great diving, we'll be doing 4 dives for our next trip, which includes a night dive. As such, you'll require at least Advanced Open Water Certification (or its equivalent).

A unique and educational dive experience in our local waters. Discover what is truly, uniquely Singapore! Your support helps us monitor and document Hantu's reef on a regular basis! Let's see what's waiting for us out there this time!

Organised by the Hantu Bloggers, check out their blog for more details of the trip and past exciting encounters.

Here's a slideshow of sightings on the last Annniversary Dive.

Join the The Hantu Bloggers Yahoo Group to read the trip itinerary, and to be informed of future dives.

Pre-registration is required. More details on the Hantu Blog

Cost: S$95.00 (excl gear rental)
Time: 0900-2100hrs, departure venue to be confirmed
Website: http://www.pulauhantu.org/
Contact: hantublog@gmail.com

Latest update: "Brunei at the Heart of Borneo" forum

Registration closes 15 Feb (Fri)

19 Feb (Tue): “Brunei at the Heart of Borneo: What it means for Ecotourism, the Region and the World”

Session II of the Brunei Forum held on 19 to 20 Feb.

This session would be of interest to those interested in environmental and nature conservation issues, those working in the tourism and ecotourism sectors, travel writers, environmental NGOs, and civic organisations.

The main address of the session will be delivered by Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and Chairman of the Brunei Tourism Board, Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah bin Haji Abdul Wahab.

It will then be followed by these presentations

"The Heart of Borneo Project"
by Dato Dr Mikaail Kavanagh, WWF Special Advisor to the Heart of Borneo initiative.

"Sustainable Tourism in Southeast Asia"
by Associate Professor Victor Savage of the National University of Singapore (NUS)

"The Role of Biodiversity in Ecotourism: Practicalities, Pitfalls and Potentials - The Singapore Experience" by Dr Lena Chan of National Parks (NParks)

Attendance at the forum is free but registration is required by 15 Feb (Fri)

More details and registration form on the ISEAS website

Time: 4.30-6pm
Venue: Grand Hyatt Singapore
Website: http://www.iseas.edu.sg/
Contact: Ms Karthi Nair 6870-2413 / 6778-0955 or karthi@iseas.edu.sg

17 Feb (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers

A unique and educational dive experience in our local waters. Discover what is truly, uniquely Singapore!

Your support helps us monitor and document Hantu's reef on a regular basis! Let's see what's waiting for us out there this time!

Pre-registration is required.

Organised by the Hantu Bloggers, check out their blog for more details of the trip and past exciting encounters.

Join the The Hantu Bloggers Yahoo Group to read the trip itinerary, and to be informed of future dives.

Website: http://www.pulauhantu.org/
Contact: hantublog@gmail.com

11-17 Feb: Highlights of the week ahead

This week dive our very own wild reefs at Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers.

Hankering to explore our mangroves? Join the mangrove walk at Pasir Ris or go for the
mangrove boardwalk tours at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.

In the gardens there's a guided tour of the National Orchid garden. There's also a seed tile workshop at HortPark

To learn more about climated change, join the talk on Monday "WWF Living Planet Report @ NUS" part of the Multi-Discplinary Perspectives on Climate Change Series.

Have a wild week ahead!

17 Feb (Sun): Seedy Tile workshop at HortPark

Let your creative juices flow and your artistic imagination run wild in this free one-hour handicrafts workshop conducted by Vijayakumar (NParks). Learn how to make your own decorative graphic tiles with seeds and other colourful materials. You can bring back your own creation after the session.

Art materials will be provided.

Time: 11am - 12 noon
Venue: HortPark - Fruit Room
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6471 5601 NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg

17 Feb (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Sunday morning, subject to availability of guides.

Time: 9.30 am (subject to availability of guides) for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

16 Feb (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30 am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

16 Feb (Sat); Mangrove Walk at Pasir Ris Park

A free guided walk through this precious pocket of mangrove around Sungei Tampines which was preserved when Pasir Ris Park was created. A boardwalk weaves through this important ecosystem, bringing visitors closer to its plants and animals.

More about the walks on the NParks website.
The free guided walks are conducted every third Saturday of the month.

Time: 9am
Venue: Pasir Ris Park
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Wei Teng chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg

16 Feb (Sat): Walk at the National Orchid Garden

A leisurely stroll through a garden of orchids and other special plants.

This walk is conducted by the volunteers of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and is held every third Saturday of the month.

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am and 4pm, register at Visitor Centre 15 minutes before the tour starts. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Tour duration: One hour.
Cost: While the tour is free, admission charges to the Orchid Garden applies: $5/adult, $1/student, $1/senior citizens (above 60 years) , Child below 12 years - Free
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

11 Feb (Mon): "WWF Living Planet Report @ NUS"

Part of the Multi-Discplinary Perspectives on Climate Change Series, Chris Hails presents the WWF Living Planet Report.

More details on the Champions of the Environment blog

Time: 6-8pm
Venue: NUS Alumni House, Saffron Hall, National University of Singapore map
Attire: Smart Casual

4-10 Feb: Highlights of the week ahead

The Lunar New Year holidays are ahead but volunteeers are still working hard to bring you guided walks at our wild places.

The special walk for the weekend is the The Battle of Pasir Panjang Commemorative Walk at Kent Ridge.

There's also a forest walk at the Lower Peirce Boardwalk and at the MacRitchie Prunus Trail as well.

Or go for the Mangrove Boardwalk tours at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.

Although the Chek Jawa intertidal tour is already fully booked, you can go on your own to explore the area on the boardwalk. More about the Chek Jawa boardwalk and what you can see and do there.

There's also a seminar on "Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives on Climate Change: Economics and Business" at NUS this weekday.

The holidays are a great time to visit our wild places. But these tend to get very crowded during the Lunar New Year. To avoid the crowds come early and leave early. There's more wildlife up and about anyway, early in the morning.

For more about our wild places, visit the wildsingapore website for info for visitors, what to see and do at these places:

Pulau Ubin our last unspoilt island! Go for a leisurely walk or cycle through Singapore's very own kampung.
Kranji Countryside farms and other fascinating rural activities
Tree Top Walk an aerial adventure at the Central Nature Reserve
and more!

Wild places update
Bliss Cafe at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve closed on 7 and 8 Feb for the Lunar New Year from the SBWR website

Now open for bookings!
17 Feb(Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers.

10 Feb (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Sunday morning, subject to availability of guides.

Time: 9.30 am (subject to availability of guides) for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

10 Feb (Sun): Nature walk at MacRitchie Prunus Trail

Free guided nature walk along boardwalks hugging the MacRitchie Reservoir. Learn about this mature secondary, spot forest and aquatic wildlife, enjoy panaromic views of waters surrounded by luxuriant forest.

Suitable for young children.

Pre-registration required.

More about the MacRitchie Prunus Trail on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks Central Nature Reserve and is held every second Sunday of the month.

Time: 9.25am. Meet at entrance of the trail, about 50m after the canoe kiosk on the eastern side of MacRitchie Reservoir Park.
Tour duration: About one hour.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg or call 6554 5127.

10 Feb (Sun): The Battle of Pasir Panjang Commemorative Walk at Kent Ridge

The Pasir Panjang Guides of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, NUS presents a walk through history.

13th February 1942 - the Japanese troops that stormed through Malaya have invaded Singapore. Approaching Singapore City from the west, a seasoned Japanese army is forced to engage the small force of the Malay Regiment on the high ground of Pasir Panjang Ridge.

All are welcome. Pre-registration required.

Interested individuals should be physically fit enough to walk 3km at a moderately quick pace.

Registration and other details on the habitatnews blog

Time: 7pm- 12pm
Meeting and ending points: Meet the Pasir Panjang Guides at the University Cultural Centre, National University of Singapore. Walk ends at the World War II Interpretative Centre, Reflections at Bukit Chandu (RBC) via Kent Ridge Road, The Gap and Kent Ridge Park.

9-10 Feb (Sat-Sun): ACRES @ HarbourFront "Year of the Rat"

ACRES is celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year at the HarbourFront with a roadshow to usher in the year of the rat. Find out more about animal welfare issues and how you can make a difference for these animals in the start of the lunar new year.

If you would like to volunteer for any of these two days, please email your name and your convenient time slots to volunteer@acres.org.sg

DID YOU KNOW? Baby rats are called "kittens", while a group of rats is called a "mischief". A happy rat will chatter or grind its teeth. Rats play, groom each other, and cuddle up to sleep together, keeping each other warm. They are highly social animals which gain a great deal of enjoyment and stimulation from each other's company. Rats take care of the injured and sick rats in their group, and they communicate by touch and smell, and by sound at frequencies we can't hear. Rats don't have thumbs, canine teeth, gallbladders or tonsils, but they have bellybuttons, and they sure enjoy being tickled! More about rats

Time: 11am-9pm
Venue: Harbourfront Centre, 1 Maritime Square map
Website: http://www.acres.org.sg/
Contact: info@acres.org.sg

9 Feb (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30 am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

9 Feb (Sat): Forest walk at the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail

A free guided nature walk through a rainforest right in the heart of the city! Along paved trails, under the shade of giant trees, learn about our rainforests, spot forest creatures and strange plants.

Suitable for young children.

More about the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail on the wildsingapore website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NPark's Singapore Botanic Gardens and is held every second Saturday of the month.

A special Mandarin version of this tour is at 4pm.

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am, 4pm; Register 15 minutes before the tour at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One hour.
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services, 64717361 or NPARKS_SBG_Visitor_Services@NPARKS.GOV.SG

8 Feb (Fri): ReefWalk on Kusu Island with the Blue Water Volunteers

Our wild and wonderful coral reefs are just too exciting to be enjoyed by divers only! Non-swimmers are most welcome, as we only visit the reefs during low tide, so you only expect to get wet around your ankles at most.

Trained and enthusiastic volunteer guides will introduce you to the marine life found on Kusu Island and share reef stories.

Suitable for children.

Pre-registration is required. Places are limited, registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis and will close on 29 Jan 08.

Time: 4.30-8pm
Venue: Meeting point, those who sign up will be advised.
Cost: $15
Website: http://www.bluewatervolunteers.org
Contact: reefwalk@bluewatervolunteers.org

8 Feb (Fri): Istana Open House

Istana opens to public during Lunar New Year on Feb 8
Channel NewsAsia 5 Feb 08;

SINGAPORE: The Istana will be opened to the public on Friday, 8 February, for the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Opening hours are from 8.30am to 6.00pm.

Bands from Loyang Secondary, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and St Patrick's School will be performing at the Open House.

There will also be a lion dance performance by Nam Sieng Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe.

Admission is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, but other visitors will need to pay a S$1 entrance fee at the main gate on Orchard Road.

The public can also tour some of the Istana's function rooms and view a display of selected gifts presented to the president and the prime minister by foreign dignitaries.

Tickets for this tour cost S$2 each.

Istana souvenirs will also be sold during the Open House. Proceeds from the sales and entrance fees will be donated to the Community Chest.- CNA/so

6 Feb (Wed): Intertidal walk on Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin

An easy stroll along seagrass meadows to view rich marine life. Large sea anemones, sea stars, strange crabs and more! Also learn more about the other rare marine habitats on one of our last vast natural shores. You will get your feet wet, and must wear covered footwear for your safety.

Suitable for young children 5 years and above.

Pre-registration required. See the Ubin NParks website for booking instructions.

As of 1 Jan 08, the intertidal tour will be charged at $60 per group of a maximum 15 participants.

More about Chek Jawa on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. The intertidal walks at Chek Jawa are conducted by the volunteers of Ubin NParks.

Time: 4pm
Venue: Meet at the Chek Jawa Information Kiosk.
Cost: $60 per group of a maximum 15 participants
Contact: Ubin NParks at 6542-4108

4 Feb (Mon): "Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives on Climate Change: Economics and Business"

Students Against the Violation of the Earth (S.A.V.E), in collaboration with Campus Sustainability Committee (CSC) and Office of Provost, has organised: Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives on Climate Change: Economics and Business.

This interactive and engaging session will be a good platform for individuals and organizations to share their thoughts on environmental issues and to foster a clearer understanding of the multifaceted and interconnected nature of climate change.

Climate Change and Kyoto Protocol
Speaker: Professor Parkash Chander
Head of Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

When is Green Gold?
Speaker: Dr Scott Valentine
Researcher, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy & Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law

Chaired by: Professor Daniel Chan, Associate Provost (Graduate Education)

Registration is required
Deadline for registration: 31 Jan 08 (Thu)

From the Champions of the Environment blog

Time: 6-8.30pm (Dinner will be provided)
Venue: University Hall Auditorium Level 2 Lee Kong Chian Wing
Attire: Smart Casual
Registration and Enquiry: nus.gwcc07.register@gmail.com

28 Jan-3 Feb: Highlights of the week ahead

A special event this week is the launch of the NSS butterfly field guide. Also on this weekend is a whole series of fun gardening activities for the family at Spring Celebrations@HortPark

You can also go for a rainforest walk at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or a walk on the boardwalk along the reservoir and forest at Lower Peirce Reservoir.

Or go for a tour of a vegetable garden at Bishan or of edible and medicinal plants at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

In the mangroves, there's a Marine Fish tour at Sungei Buloh, or go for their mangrove walks on Saturday and Sunday.

This week, there's a free talk about Eco Friendly and Recyclable Textiles on Friday.

Have a wild week ahead!

3 Feb (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Sunday morning, subject to availability of guides.

Time: 9.30 am (subject to availability of guides) for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

3 Feb (Sun): Rainforest walk at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Free guided nature walk along natural winding hillside trails under tall rainforest trees. Learn about our only substantial patch of primary rainforest, spot forest creatures and strange forest plants.

Suitable for children aged 9 and above. The trail is not accessible to prams and wheelchairs.

Pre-registration is required.

More about the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Central Nature Reserve and is held every first Sunday of the month.

Time: 3.55pm. Meet at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, gather at the ranger counter.
Tour duration: About one hour.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg or Tel:6554 5127

2 Feb (Sat): Edible and Medicinal Plants Tour at the Botanic Gardens

Join this free tour by our volunteer guides and spice up your knowledge of Edible and Medicinal Plants.

Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Centre, 15 minutes before the tour starts.

More information on the Singapore Botanic Gardens website.

Time: 9am and 10am, register 15 minutes before the tour at Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services (6471 7361)

2 Feb (Sat): Marine Fish Tour at Sungei Buloh

Free guided tour to spot and learn more about the marine fishes at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 3.30 pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: 30 mins. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

2 Feb (Sat): Green Vibes at Bishan Park

A free educational tour of a vegetable garden with more than 100 species of vegetables and herbs. Don't just eat your vegies, learn more about them. Something for everyone in the family.

More details on the NParks website.

This event is held every first Saturday of the month.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Bishan Park (next to Bishan Road)
Contact: Register with Gin Chua at 64597744 or chua_tiong_ghim@nparks.gov.sg

2 Feb (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30 am for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre. (The Marine Fish Tour will be conducted at the 3.30pm time slot)
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

2 Feb (Sat): Launch of NSS Butterfly Field Guide

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only.

Participants will be fore-mostly treated to a talk cum slide presentation of our winged wonders in their full splendour. The presentation will focus on the characteristics of the butterfly families and the ten most common butterflies found in Singapore. Thereafter we will launch the pocket sized butterfly field guide that BIG has been working on for the past year. This will culminate with a butterfly race where participants with the help of the guide will be able to identify butterflies almost immediately!

Time: 9-11am
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens at the Gardens Briefing Room (located at the Visitor Center at Cluny road, next to Nature's Niche bookshop)
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

2 Feb (Sat): Nature walk at Lower Peirce Trail

Free guided nature walk along boardwalks through cool, shady forests and by the Lower Peirce Reservoir. Learn about our forests, spot forest and aquatic wildlife, enjoy panaromic views of waters surrounded by luxuriant forest.

Suitable for young children.

Pre-registration required.

More about the Lower Peirce Trail on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks Central Nature Reserve and is held every first Saturday of the month.

Time: 9.25am and 10.25am. Meet at Casuarina Entrance of the trail along Old Upper Thomson Road, which is a 2-minute walk from Casuarina Road.
Tour duration: One-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg or call 6554 5127.

1-3 Feb: Spring Celebrations @ HortPark

Get into the mood for Spring Celebrations at HortPark where there would be plant sales, chinese new year goodies sales, pressed flower workshops, ideas for Festive Home Decor, cookie-making and many more!

Workshops include
  • Yummy Fun with Cookies for parents and kids
  • How to Make Pomanders & Scented Bags
  • Making lanterns and Lucky Lunar Fishes using ang pows

Free talks include
  • HortPark Gardening at Home - Getting it Right!
  • All about Trees, planting them at your home

More details on the NParks website

Time : 9 am-7 pm
Venue : HortPark
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

1 Feb (Fri): Talk on Eco Friendly and Recyclable Textiles

Dr. Charu Jain of Gap International Sourcing Pte Ltd Singapore will discuss various eco friendly and recycled textile fibers available in the industry, their production, processing, consumer response, international market scenario, certification standards and policies and the sustainable and possible uses in various related industries.

The talk is free but registration is required. More details and online registration on the SEI website

Time: 3-5pm
Venue: SEI Training Room , Environment Building, #06-00, Singapore 228231
Website: http://www.nea.gov.sg/cms/sei/
Contact: 67319208 or email nea_seicustomer@nea.gov.sg