31 May (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

31 May (Sat): Change! '08 Concert at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Change! '08 is modelled after Live Earth with the funds raised in aid of the Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (ACRES). Showcasing a local youth band who will belt out various Mandarin pop songs, they aim to create awareness towards the environmental issues we currently face.

Featured alongside the band, singers from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, River Valley High School as well as Hwa Chong Institution. Organised by Hwa Chong Institution's GeFang, Chinese Society.

Time: 7.30-9.30pm
Venue: Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

31 May (Sat): MIA Trail -- a special night tour

As part of International Museum Day celebrations, the Pasir Panjang Heritage Guides from the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, NUS (RMBR) and National Archives of Singapore (NAS) present The M. I. A. Trail on Saturday 31st May 2008

Discover secrets of Singapore's biodiversity at the Raffles Museum, stroll through picturesque Kent Ridge Park to Reflections at Bukit Chandu, which marks the defense of the ridge during WWII.

This tour is conducted on just one evening with experienced guides! Places are limited so hop over to the webpage for details and registration.

What happened at the event on the toddycats blog.

31 May (Sat): Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research Open House

The Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research at NUS is having an open house in conjunction with Singapore celebrates International Museum Day 2008 on the 31st May 2008.

Come for this rare opportunity to view Singapore's natural history. Find out more about the past and current biodiversity of Singapore. Some of the sections include:

Curious as to why the Museum is named so, and what does it do? Wondering what is Biodiversity, and why the need to study it?

A showcase of Surprising Singapore: Despite Singapore being a small island and highly urbanised, she plays host to many spectacular animals, including dugongs, turtles, pangolins and more. Even tigers once roamed her land.

Ranging from the Frigate Bird of Christmas Island to the Babirusa of Sulawesi to the Proboscis Monkeys of Borneo, this small section displays some of the animals found in Southeast Asia.

Things people eat: Feel like having some delicacies? Traditional Chinese Medicine? Health boosters? This section shows various types of food that we consume, which comes from interesting sources.

Conservation Issues: Our rich biodiversity of fauna and flora is constantly in struggle for survival, very much due to the acts of humans. Pollution, habitat destruction, over-exploitation and wildlife trade and collection are some examples. If we do not stop this trend, perhaps a 7th mass extinction could be underway and we are the cause of it. This section highlights the importance of conservation.

Raffles the Naturalist: Other than being the founder of Modern Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles is also known as an avid naturalist. This section reveals some of his work in the early days, when he described the fauna and flora of Southeast Asia during his stinct in the region.

More details on the RMBR news blog

Time: 10am-8pm
Venue: The National University of Singapore, Faculty of Science, Science Drive 2, Block S6, Level 3
Directions on how to get there on the RMBR website
with link to map
Website: http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/public_gallery/public_gallery.html
Contact: 6516-5082 or greasi@nus.edu.sg

31 May (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 or NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg

31 May (Sat): Nature Photography for kids @ Pasir Ris Park

Interested in nature photography but not too sure if you’ve got your techniques right? Get technical tips on how you can make most of your camera and personal insights from our professional photographer on what makes a picture speaks volume. Workshop is especially catered to children aged 13 yrs to 18 yrs old. Participants are to bring their own camera. Workshop includes a nature trail at Pasir Ris Park mangrove.

Register for two or more workshops and enjoy up to 20% discount per pax.

For more information about our activities or to register, please email Sunshine Sim at Sunshine_Sim@NParks.gov.sg

Time: 9-10.30am
Venue: Meet at interpretative centre
Fees: $25 per pax
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/CPage2.aspx?pg=194&prv=Y
Contact: Sunshine_Sim@NParks.gov.sg

31 May (Sat): How to Make Recycled Plant Containers

Trying to figure out what to do with your old household items ? Instead of discarding them, learn how to recycle them into beautiful containers for your plants.

Conducted by Lee Geok Pheng (NParks).

To register, please call the HortPark Hotline at 6471-5601 or email NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg. Registration closes 1 day before the event date.

Time: 3.30-4.30pm
Venue: HortPark - Fruit Room
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/CsubPage.aspx?prv=Y&pg=124
Contact: 6471-5601 or email NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg

31 May (Sat): Plant Highlights At The Children’s Garden

Love to eat chocolates? Seen a cherry tree? Here’s your chance to see cocoa trees, a local cherry tree and many more in this tour highlighting interesting and useful plants in the Children’s Garden. If you are lucky, you may even have a close brush with the animals and insects that live amongst the trees and plants in the garden.

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels

More details on the Singapore Botanic Gardens workshop page

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $6 per child or parent
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: 6471 9961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

30 May (Fri): Fund Raising for World Environment Day at Sungei Buloh

In recognition of our precious environment, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve together with their partner school, Hillgrove Secondary School, is having a small fund raising. Several different types of hand made craftwork will be on display and on sale at the Visitor Centre at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. This session is only for half a day. Proceeds from the sale of these craftwork will go to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve's Conservation Fund. We can all play our part of our earth and environment. We look forward to your support!

Time: 9am-12noon
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (Visitor Centre)
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: 67941401 info@sbwr.org.sg

30 May (Fri): The Begonias of Sumatra - The Gardens' Talk Series

Dr Mark Hughes,Senior Researcher,The Herbarium Singapore Botanic Gardens gives this talk.

The Indonesian Island of Sumatra contains some of the richest and yet unexplored primary rainforest in the world, and harbours much undescribed biodiversity. Hence, it comes as no surprise that many new species have been found during recent expeditions to the island, including many new Begonias. Join Mark on a tour of the island to discover some of these beautiful rainforest plants, and to find out why Begonia is one of the worlds largest flowering plant genera.

Time: 4-5pm
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre, Tanglin Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens (enter by Tanglin Gate)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/eventshub.asp
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

30 May (Fri): Young Naturalist Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh

This one day camp encompasses a series of fun-filled and educational indoor and outdoor learning of the wetlands and nature conservation issues through worksheets, nature walks and hands-on activities.

Children will earn a stamp for every completed activity, and a full collection of stamps will earn them a series of cloth badges.

Limited to 40 children between the age of 6-10 years old.

Each participant needs to purchase a young naturalist passport from our
Visitor Services Counter at 50 cents. Registration of $5 is applicable, and cheques will be returned upon attendance and completion of the camp. The fee will be donated to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve education fund if the child fails to turn up for the camp upon registration and confirmation. Admission charges (50 cents per child) apply.

Closing date for the YNP Camp registration: when we reach full capacity.

For more information and registration form on the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website.

Time: 8.30am to 5pm
Age group: 6-10 years old
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: 67941401

30 May (Fri): Free Stargazing at the Singapore Science Centre

The Science Centre Observatory is one of the few observatories in the world located next to the Equator. Its unique position allows constellations in both the northern and southern celestial hemispheres to be observed and thus opens up more vistas in the sky for observers.

View the night sky at our free stargazing sessions every Friday night, 7:50pm - 10pm.

Please note that all observations are weather permitting. In the event of cloudy skies, haze or rain observations may not be possible.

More details on the Singapore Science Centre website

Time: 7.50-10pm
Venue: The Science Centre Observatory, near the Omni-Theatre
Website: http://www.science.edu.sg/
Contact: General enquiry 64252 500 or enquiry@science.edu.sg

27 May (Tue): Art of Paper Making workshop for kids

Engage your child’s creativity in our fun and experiential papermaking workshop. A wonderful way to teach recycle waste into wonderful possibilities such as envelopes, greeting cards, artwork and more. Suitable for children aged 6 yrs to 12 yrs old. Materials are provided for. Participants get to bring home their own creation.

Register for two or more workshops and enjoy up to 20% discount per pax.

For more information about our activities or to register, please email Sunshine Sim at Sunshine_Sim@NParks.gov.sg

Time: 9-10.30am
Venue: D Space, Pasir Ris Park (carpark E)
Fees: $10 per child
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/CPage2.aspx?pg=194&prv=Y
Contact: Sunshine_Sim@NParks.gov.sg

26 May (Mon): Screening of "Remember Chek Jawa"

“Remember Chek Jawa” is an independent documentary by Eric Lim. It chronicles the efforts of individuals who volunteered to help out with Joseph Lai’s biodiversity survey of Chek Jawa, one of several efforts that would provide feedback to government.

Many efforts and factors eventually contributed to the deferment of reclamation at Chek Jawa. Eric Lim was particularly inspired by one element that he witnessed - the efforts of the ordinary, urban Singaporean’s efforts to help out a tiring, muddy and incomprehensible biodiversity survey, at a time when all hope had been lost.

The video shoot was sporadic and conducted between July 2001 - 2004. Post-production was an ongoing process from 2001-07 whenever my schedule allowed. It was finally completed in March 2007. The film was first unveiled at Wildlife Asia on 13 Mar 2007.

More about the film on the Remember Chek Jawa website.

Time: 9.30-10.30pm
Venue: Sinema Old School, 11B Mount Sophia, #B1-1.
Cost: $5/$4 student concession
Contact: 6336 9707 or oldschool@sinema.sg

19-25 May: Highlights of the week ahead

Latest update: Talk on "Singapore Hornbill Project" on 22 May (Thu) and Raffles Museum Open House on 24 May (Sat).

The highlight of the week:
Acre's Gala Dinner "Voices of the Wild" on Friday. Come for this special celebration of ACRES' 7th anniversary. This black-tie event promises an evening of fabulous food, wine and enthralling entertainment in support of wildlife.

Special highlight of the year: 18-23 May: Free traditional wayang at Pulau Ubin! Don't miss this among the last opportunities to view traditional wayang in a kampung setting, staged for the Gods and not for tourists or money.

New web resource: Discovering the Southern Ridges on the NParks website with links to more information about these features: Hilltop Walk, Forest Walk, Marang Trail, Alexandra Arch, Faber Walk, Floral Walk & HortPark - the gardening Hub, Henderson Waves, Canopy Walk

For wild kids! As the school holidays start, lots of wild events are lined up for the young ones.
On and about our wild shores this week!
In the gardens, choose from the Evolution Garden tour at the Botanic Gardens, Heritage and Nature Walk at Fort Canning Park, guided walk at HortPark and Seedy Tile a crafts workshop at HortPark.

In the mangroves at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, it's free admission on 24 May (Sat) in support of the national campaign 'National family Celebrations 2008 - Family Day Out'. Don't miss PrawnWatch, join Painting with Pui San to learn art and nature appreciation, or go for the guided walks at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Saturday and Sunday.

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only: Spices and Herbs walk at Fort Canning Park, birdwatching at Tagore Lane and Horseshoe crab rescue and research at Kranji.

Other events this week
Registration now open:

Visit the wildsingapore happenings blog for a full listing of upcoming events for the next three weeks and to search for events by your area of interest.

The Photo of the Week must surely be Uncle Tay's "Cod-liver Oil". Superb photography made even more memorable by priceless comments! :-)


Cod-liver Oil, originally uploaded by biodiversity711.

25 May (Sun): Free Chek Jawa Boardwalk tour

photo by Andy DineshThe 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.

What happened at the event on the adventures with the naked hermit crabs blog

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

25 May (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

25 May (Sun): Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only.

Led by Hsu Chia Chi. Please register (name; NSS member or otherwise; affiliations, eg. schools, company etc., if any; experience, if any; and contact details) for this monthly mission to rescue and study the Mangrove Horseshoe Crab. We have also started a training and accreditation program for anyone keen to be a Qualified HSC R&R Conservation Volunteer. Recommended to have cap/hat, shoes/boots/diving shoes, sun-block, insect repellant, cutter and camera. Washing facilites available.

Time: 8am, meet at the extension of Kranji Road at the junction with Kranji Loop. Take bus 925 from Kranji MRT, alight at the Chinese temple along Kranji Loop, cross the road and look for the nameless track that starts beside Leong
Soon Pte. Ltd., 251 Kranji Road.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

25 May (Sun): Birdwatching at Tagore Lane

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only.

Wing Chong leads a slow morning walk around this ex-kampong patch bounded by Tagore Industrial Estate and the Seletar Expressway (SLE). This woodland was part of the Lower Seletar Reservoir forest fringe that had been cut-off by Lentor Avenue and further dissected by SLE from the Springleaf area to become a small green island of its own. Nature is slowly reclaiming this area. Tall albizias with wild bushes among rambutans and durian trees are home to many of our kampong birds. Sunbirds, Flowerpeckers, Bublbuls, White-eyes, Common Iora, Woodpeckers, Parakeets are around. Surprises sometimes spillover from the nearby forest.

Time: 7.30am. Meet at the junction of Tagore Road and Upper Thomson Road. We will car-pool and drive to the end of Tagore Lane to start our walk. Note to drivers: There is
NO free parking at this area. Parking Coupons are required.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

25 May (Sun): Seedy Tile -- a 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.

To register, please call the HortPark Hotline at 6471-5601 or email NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg. Registration closes 1 day before the event date.

Time: 11am-12 noon
Venue: HortPark - Fruit Room
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/CsubPage.aspx?prv=Y&pg=124
Contact: 6471-5601 or email NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg

25 May (Sun): Go Potty -- a kid's event 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).

To register, please call the HortPark Hotline at 6471-5601 or email NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg, registration closes 1 day before the event date.

Time: 10-11.30am and 11.30am-12.30pm
Venue: HortPark - Fruit Room
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/CsubPage.aspx?prv=Y&pg=124
Contact: 6471-5601 or email NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg

25 May (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu!

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

25 May (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

25 May (Sun): 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: 6.30-11.30am
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

24 May (Sat): Spices and Herbs Walk at Fort Canning Park

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only.

This morning walk with Angie Ng and Evelyn Tan will lead you into part of the original grounds of the first Botanical Gardens established by Raffles in 1822. Here we will touch, smell and identify the large and lush collection of herbs and spices, all of which are often used in our local and Asian cooking.

Time: 9.30am, meet at the back of Fort Canning Centre, not too far from the Battle Box
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

24 May (Sat): First Singapore National Animal Welfare Symposium

The symposium aims to further the work already done and pave the way ahead for the animal welfare movement. It will be a vital platform for the various animal interest groups, animal-related organisations and the general public to convene and discuss issues affecting domestic, industrial and wild animals.

Acres will also be launching the “Animal Protectors Grant”, the first animal welfare grant in Singapore! 6 grants of up to $1,500 will be awarded in 2008.

Topic include:

Session 1: Domestic Animal Welfare
Overview: Domestic animal welfare issues in Singapore.
1. Should we buy from puppy farms and pet shops?
2. How can we ensure responsible pet ownership in Singapore

Session 2: Leading a cruelty-free lifestyle
Overview: Is it possible to lead a cruelty-free lifestyle in Singapore?
1. Are there more humanely produced meat and eggs in Singapore?
2. How can we make it easier to lead a cruelty-free lifestyle?

Session 3: Wildlife protection
Overview: How the wildlife trade in Singapore threatens animals.
1. How can we tackle the wildlife trade problem in Singapore?
2. What cultural beliefs in Singapore challenge wildlife protection efforts?

The symposium is a collaboration by Acres, NUS Students’ Animal Welfare Group, People for Animal Welfare (SMU) and NTU Animal Lovers’ Society.

Join us for this inaugural event!

The event is free, thanks to our sponsors, but pre-registration is required. More details and registration on the Singapore Animal Welfare Symposium website.

Time: 8.30am-6pm
Venue: Singapore Management University's Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium.
Vegan lunch and tea snacks will be provided.
Website and contact: http://www.animalwelfare.sg/

24 May (Sat): Paper Nature Craft Workshop for kids

Join us and learn how to make beautiful but simple nature displays that are all made with paper! Creations include a bat cave, bird sanctuary or a koi pond. Materials are provided. Participants get to bring home their own creations.

Suitable for children aged 6-12 yrs old.

Register for two or more workshops and enjoy up to 20% discount per pax.

For more information about our activities or to register, please email Sunshine Sim at Sunshine_Sim@NParks.gov.sg

Time: 9-10.30am
Venue: D Space, Pasir Ris Park (carpark E)
Fees: $10 per child
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/CPage2.aspx?pg=194&prv=Y
Contact: Sunshine_Sim@NParks.gov.sg

24 May (Sat): Guided Walk at 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 or NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg

24 May (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

24 May (Sat): Walk at Evolution Garden

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

24 May (Sat): A talk on "Life and death at Chek Jawa"

Mr. Loh Kok Sheng will talk about "Life and death at Chek Jawa: a UROPs research experience in Life Sciences"

Mr. Loh graduated from Serangoon Junior College and joined NUS in 2005, majoring in life Sciences with specialization in Biology. In July 2007, he received the MOE Teaching Award. Mr. Loh has great interests in ecological work and did an UROPS project under the supervision of N. Sivasothi, Peter Todd and Dan Rittschof. His project aimed to study the mass mortality and recruitment of macrofauna at Chek Jawa in Pulau Ubin. Since the project has application value in understanding and conserving the Singapore macrofauna at Chek Jawa, Mr. Loh’s achievement has been featured in Embracing passion, NUS Advertorial and The Straits Time (March 25 2008). In this talk, Mr. Loh will share with the audience his experience in project work (UROPS) in Life Sciences and highlight those qualities that he has developed through this project as a junior scientist.

More about the project and talk on the Chek Jawa Mortality and Recruitment Project blog

Time: 2-3.30pm
Venue: LT27, Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Singapore

24 May (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: 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre. (9.30am tour replaced by PrawnWatch)
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 May (Sat): PrawnWatch at Sungei Buloh

Free guided introduction to traditional prawn farming. It begins with a guided walk to learn about the history of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as prawn and fish farms. And the importance of mangroves as a spawning place and nursery for prawns and other life.

The highlight is a real hands-on demonstration of a prawn harvest. The kids will be thrilled to check out what comes up with the net, see real live prawns and learn more about our seafood and the tides.

The walk is approximately 5km on wide earthen trails. Suitable for older children who are reasonably fit.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups.

More about PrawnWatch on the Sungei Buloh website. More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website.

Time: Meet at 9am at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Information Counter, so that the walk to the Prawn Pond can begin at 9.30am.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for older 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 May (Sat): Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research open house

The Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research at NUS is having an open house in conjunction with the NUS Faculty of Science Open House.

Come for this rare opportunity to view Singapore's natural history. Find out more about the past and current biodiversity of Singapore. Some of the sections include:

Curious as to why the Museum is named so, and what does it do? Wondering what is Biodiversity, and why the need to study it?

A showcase of Surprising Singapore: Despite Singapore being a small island and highly urbanised, she plays host to many spectacular animals, including dugongs, turtles, pangolins and more. Even tigers once roamed her land.

Ranging from the Frigate Bird of Christmas Island to the Babirusa of Sulawesi to the Proboscis Monkeys of Borneo, this small section displays some of the animals found in Southeast Asia.

Things people eat: Feel like having some delicacies? Traditional Chinese Medicine? Health boosters? This section shows various types of food that we consume, which comes from interesting sources.

Conservation Issues: Our rich biodiversity of fauna and flora is constantly in struggle for survival, very much due to the acts of humans. Pollution, habitat destruction, over-exploitation and wildlife trade and collection are some examples. If we do not stop this trend, perhaps a 7th mass extinction could be underway and we are the cause of it. This section highlights the importance of conservation.

Raffles the Naturalist: Other than being the founder of Modern Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles is also known as an avid naturalist. This section reveals some of his work in the early days, when he described the fauna and flora of Southeast Asia during his stinct in the region.

More details on the RMBR news blog

Time: 9am-4pm
Venue: The National University of Singapore, Faculty of Science, Science Drive 2, Block S6, Level 3
Directions on how to get there on the RMBR website
with link to map
Website: http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/public_gallery/public_gallery.html
Contact: 6516-5082 or greasi@nus.edu.sg

24 May (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: 6-11am
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

24 May (Sat): The Birthday Party -- a guided tour for kids

Sara At The Children’s Garden

Sara is celebrating her baby brother’s birthday party. At the last minute, she realizes she forgot the birthday present! Help Sara search for the perfect gift at the Children’s Garden. Along the way, have a fun and memorable experience in this new Garden dedicated to children.

Suitable for children in K1 – P2 levels.

More details on the Singapore Botanic Gardens workshop page

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $8.50 per child (includes $2.50 “The Birthday Party. Sara at the Children’s Garden” workbook); $6.00 per accompanying parent.
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: 6471 9961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

23 May (Fri): Acres Gala Dinner “Voices of the Wild”

ACRES will be celebrating our 7th anniversary with a grand gala dinner,.

Filling a unique niche in Singapore, ACRES is a local wildlife and environmental protection charity and Institution of Public Character. Founded in 2001, ACRES aims to foster compassion and respect for all animals and the environment.

In celebration of ACRES' 7th anniversary, join us in this black-tie event, “Voices of the Wild”, for an evening of fabulous food, wine and enthralling entertainment!

ACRES would like to appeal to all supporters of the cause to extend your support to this event. This only happens once a year and it would be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the cause, meet like-minded people and help ACRES in our efforts towards wildlife protection. Please consider that every cent of your contribution will go a long way in making the world a better place for our animal friends!

For more information on ACRES, Voices of the Wild and exactly where the funds raised will be fully channeled to, please visit www.acres.org.sg or email leanora@acres.org.sg

Time: 6.30pm till late
Venue:
Orchid Country Club
Cost: Per seat: $150, per table of 10: $1350
*Price includes a 9-course dinner, free flow wine & beer, wacky show host, crazy games and a unique fashion show featuring Miss Singapore Universe 2007 and CLEO 2008 Bachelors! All contributions will receive a double tax exemption.

23 May (Fri): Free Stargazing at the Singapore Science Centre

The Science Centre Observatory is one of the few observatories in the world located next to the Equator. Its unique position allows constellations in both the northern and southern celestial hemispheres to be observed and thus opens up more vistas in the sky for observers.

View the night sky at our free stargazing sessions every Friday night, 7:50pm - 10pm.

Please note that all observations are weather permitting. In the event of cloudy skies, haze or rain observations may not be possible.

More details on the Singapore Science Centre website

Time: 7.50-10pm
Venue: The Science Centre Observatory, near the Omni-Theatre
Website: http://www.science.edu.sg/
Contact: General enquiry 64252 500 or enquiry@science.edu.sg

22 May (Thu): Talk on "Singapore Hornbill Project"

The Singapore Hornbill Project, now into its fourth year, is a collaboration among NParks, NTU and the Jurong BirdParks. The study looks into the nesting ecology of the Oriental Pied Hornbill to better understand the factors behind nesting success and failure.

The talk will cover some of the key initiatives of this year's work, including the development of a GPS system to track the ranging pattern of the male hornbill, capture techniques, analysis of blood smaples to determine genetic affinities, as well as other important findings.

About the speakers

Marc Cremades is the coordinator of the Singapore Hornbill Project and is also the Advisor (Conservation) of the Avian Department, Jurong BirdPark. Marc has worked for many years on bird breeding programmes in North America, Europe and Africa, and is currently involved in another study on the eco-physiology of birds in their natural habitats.

Prof Ng Soon Chye is an avid naturalist, as well as a former President of the Nature Society (Singapore. A co-initiator of the Singapore Hornbill Project, he is also one of Singapore's leading obstetrician and gyneacologist.

Nathalie and Edmund are final year Biological Sciences undergraduates under Prof Ng's supervision.

Time: 1-2pm
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Contact: Adelle Wang WANG_Shumin@nparks.gov.sg

19 May (Mon): Screening of "Remember Chek Jawa"

“Remember Chek Jawa” is an independent documentary by Eric Lim. It chronicles the efforts of individuals who volunteered to help out with Joseph Lai’s biodiversity survey of Chek Jawa, one of several efforts that would provide feedback to government.

Many efforts and factors eventually contributed to the deferment of reclamation at Chek Jawa. Eric Lim was particularly inspired by one element that he witnessed - the efforts of the ordinary, urban Singaporean’s efforts to help out a tiring, muddy and incomprehensible biodiversity survey, at a time when all hope had been lost.

The video shoot was sporadic and conducted between July 2001 - 2004. Post-production was an ongoing process from 2001-07 whenever my schedule allowed. It was finally completed in March 2007. The film was first unveiled at Wildlife Asia on 13 Mar 2007.

More about the film on the Remember Chek Jawa website.

Time: 9.30-10.30pm
Venue: Sinema Old School, 11B Mount Sophia, #B1-1.
Cost: $5/$4 student concession
Contact: 6336 9707 or oldschool@sinema.sg

18-23 May: Free traditional wayang at Pulau Ubin

from Adelle of NParks via the pulau ubin volunteers mailing list:

"If you have been to Ubin these few days you would have seen the many colourful flags and lanterns that line the jetty, the Ubin town and nearby temples.

In celebration of Vesak Day, there would be a 6 days Wayang performance organised by villagers on Ubin from 18 May (Sun). There are a few bumboats bringing visitors to and from Ubin in the evening 6.30pm / 7.30pm till 11pm for free. (more details see the below poster in chinese)

But do note that there is a non-traditional performance - "GE TAI" on the 23rd May. So if you want to see traditional wayang, come on other days"More about traditional wayang at Pulau Ubin and more details on the Pulau Ubin Stories blog

More about Pulau Ubin and how to get there and about wayang at Ubin on the wildsingapore website.

Time: 6.30pm/7.30pm till 11pm
Venue: Pulau Ubin wayang stage

12-18 May: Highlights of the week ahead

A special appeal: please support the Acres Gala Dinner “Voices of the Wild” on 23 Mar (Fri). There are still plenty of seats available for this special celebration of ACRES' 7th anniversary. This black-tie event promises an evening of fabulous food, wine and enthralling entertainment in support of wildlife.

Join the special Mad about Moths for kids event! Places are still available.

Two new bridges have just been opened, creating a 9km scenic walk linking Telok Blangah Hill Park with Mount Faber, Kent Ridge Park. Here's more details.

In the gardens, there's a free walk at the National Orchid Garden,

In the mangroves, join the guided walks at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Saturday and Sunday.

For the more active, this weekend is the last of the PowerWalk sessions at Sun Plaza Park.

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only, there's a Kent Ridge nature walk.

Other special events include the Go Green with Artworks at the Library.

Or try stargazing on Friday evening at the Science Centre.

Talks this week include
Now open for registration

The photo of the week is more intriguing stars of Cyrene Reef! We just can't seem to get enough of this marvellous reef! More about the reef on the facebook group

Seastar, originally uploaded by il_mare77.


18 May (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

18 May (Sun): PowerWalk at Sun Plaza Park

Want to keep fit and enjoy nature at the same time? Join the PowerWalk sessions every weekend morning at selected parks. PowerWalk is a brisk-walking activity led by fitness instructors at parks, park connectors and nature reserves. Apart from gaining many potential health benefits from brisk-walking such as reducing your risk of heart disease and strengthening bones, you can also enjoy the fresh morning breeze and make new friends in the park.

This event is held every Sunday from 30 Mar - 18 May at Sun Plaza Park

Time: 8-10am
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6296 0163 info@i-active.com.sg to register or simply turn up at the venue

18 May (Sun): Talk on "Family Holidays to Animal-Friendly Destinations" by Acres

Planning your next holiday and curious about what an animal-friendly holiday means? Being environmentally friendly these days goes beyond reducing, reusing and recycling.

Animal-friendly tours are all about being responsible and doing your part to say “No!” to animal exploitations while on the move. Learn more about how you can be a more responsible individual to our ailing planet in this sharing session.

The talk is held in conjunction with the “Saving the Wildlife” exhibition at the Tampines Regional Library. Brought to you by ACRES.

Time: 2-3pm
Venue: Changi/Simei Room at the Tampines Regional Library
Website and contact: http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg/Event.aspx?EventID=24751

17 May (Sat): Kent Ridge Nature Walk

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only.

Nature walk with Goh Si Guim at Kent Ridge Park. This forested hill is part of the southern ridges of Pasir Panjang that includes Kent Ridge, Telok Blangah Hill and Mt Faber. The mature secondary forest offers refuge to wildlife and respite for busy urban dwellers. This late afternoon walk will taper into the twilight for us to catch glimpses of bats starting their night shift. Please bring along a torch light and the recently launched Wild Animals of Singapore photographic guide published by the Vertebrate Group of NSS.

Time: 4 pm, meet at the first carpark left of Vigilante Drive (off South Buona Vista Road).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

17 May (Sat): Talk on "Moths: Emperor Moths & Friends from SE Asia & the Amazon"

To celebrate Earth Day and World Biodiversity Day this year, NParks Conservation Division is organising a four-week Biodiversity Talk Series.

As part of this Series, Dr Preston Murphy will talk about "Mad about Moths: Emperor Moths & Friends from SE Asia & the Amazon" to highlight the beauty of moths in Asia as well as in South America. This talk, targeted at adult nature lovers, will focus on the diversity of large moths and dispel the myth that all moths are dull in colour and unattractive.

Dr Preston Murphy is former President of Lectret Precision Pte Ltd., Singapore, and continues to consult with the company on communications products. He and his wife Mireille are avid eco-travellers and have been to places as wild as Papua New Guinea to look for the birds of paradise. He is a passionate nature photographer, specialising in moths and butterflies.

All are welcomed!

Time: 2-3pm
Venue: Classroom 3, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nbrcnparks.org/
Contact: Wei Ling LIM lim_wei_ling@nparks.gov.sg

17 May (Sat): Mad About Moths for Kids

To celebrate Earth Day and World Biodiversity Day this year, NParks Conservation Division is organising a four-week Biodiversity Talk Series.

As part of this Series, Cicada Tree Eco-Place will conduct Mad About Moths for Kids to share its fascination with our less-known friends, moths. We will offer two concurrent 1.5 hour sessions on moths called Mad about Moths—one for adults and one for kids.

Mad about Moths for Kids will teach kids aged between 5 and 9 how to recognize moths, the differences between moths and butterflies, the life cycle of a moth, why moths are important members of our living planet, and what we can do to make a difference to moths! Children will also get a chance to take quick walk in the Gardens to see some butterflies so as to learn the major differences between moths and butterflies. This session will be fun and engage a young learner.

Cicada Tree Eco-place is a new non-profit, non-governmental organization that promotes nature, culture and eco-living through environmental education. Founded in Singapore in 2007, and managed by volunteer educators and environmentalists, it is named after a native freshwater swamp plant whose habitat is locally endangered, Ploiarium alternifolium (Cicada Tree or Riang Riang).

All are welcomed!

Time: 2-3pm
Venue: Tanglin Core Information Counter, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nbrcnparks.org/
Contact: Wei Ling LIM lim_wei_ling@nparks.gov.sg

17 May (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