23-29 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family
School holidays are coming! Check out the special biodiversity activities for kids and the family. And more school holiday events.

Special events
Walks in wild places
Talks this week
for Nature Society (Singapore) members only
Registration now open
Highlights of Singapore nature news
Highlights of Singapore nature blogs
Photo of the week: a sad one of a bird strangled by an abandoned kite string at Singapore’s Lorong Halus, shared R Subaraj on the Bird Ecology Study Group blog.
Subaraj shares "Another White-throated Kingfisher strangled on a kite string. With kite flying exploding in popularity, there are people flying kites everywhere. At nature areas, this poses a big problem. Fields at sites like Lorong Halus are absolutely littered with strings, making a simple walk through the grass difficult. For the birdlife, this can be fatal!"

29 Aug (Sun): Paint Along with Pui San at Sungei Buloh

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

Tham Pui San, a volunteer of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, is an avid artist who expresses his passion for nature through his art work.

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 and enjoy learning different drawing techniques at Sungei Buloh.

More in the art in the wetlands blog.

Time: 8.30-11.30am, meet at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve ticketing counter (Visitor Centre).
Venue: Platform 1.
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 info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

29 Aug (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: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

29 Aug (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 upcoming trip and to register online.

From the Hantu Bloggers: "The Hantu Blog Dives are integral to our work on the island. More than just an educational field trip, our dives are also our primary source of funding to develop and maintain public education work in schools and at national events. By joining our dives, you’ll not only be signing up for an insightful and eye-opening weekend, you’ll also be contributing to our efforts to safe guard Pulau Hantu and its marine life."

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

29 Aug (Sun): Birdwatching at Botanic Gardens

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

This walk is led by Wong Chung Cheong. We will take an early morning stroll through one of the best botanical gardens in the region. Many bird species call this place home, including colourful ones like the Long-tailed Parakeet, Crimson Sunbird, Banded Woodpecker, Common Iora, Pink-necked Green-Pigeon and Stork-billed Kingfisher. We might also get to see some early migrants.

Time: 7.30am
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

29 Aug (Sun): NSS Kids’ Visit to Green Circle Eco Farm

Been to an organic farm? This educational tour is suited for both adults and children (4 to 12 years old). Those without kids are welcome to join us. This tour will introduce participants to different farming methods including organic farming, and reveal how organic produce can benefit our body and the environment. Participants will be led around the farm to see how composts are made, observe the different practices adopted to control pest, and learn how to identify the wide variety of vegetables, herbs and fruit trees present. You can even purchase organic vegetables harvested on the spot.

Email Gloria at gloria_seow@yahoo.com , stating all participants’ names and ages, if NSS member or not, and give us your mobile number. A fee of $7 per participant (member) or $10 per participant (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Please note that fees apply to both adults and children. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

Time: 9-11am
Venue: Green Circle Eco Farm in Neo Tiew Road
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

28 Aug (Sat): Free Pasir Ris Mangrove boardwalk tour with the Vegetarian Society (Singapore)

Join the Vegetarian Society (Singapore)'s next outdoor adventure: a stroll along the boardwalk at Pasir Ris Park. The stroll will take us through a mangrove habitat, with the resident flora and fauna well-explained by Nparks’ signage.

Even better, guiding us will be Andrew Tay, who is amazingly knowledgeable about nature - maybe that’s one of the reasons why he’s vegan – and loves sharing from his treasure trove of knowledge.

With a bit of luck we’ll see mudskippers, crabs, mud lobsters, lots and lots of mangrove trees and much more. We’ll also visit the well-designed herb and spice garden patch in the park.

Please remember to wear long pants, bring a refillable water bottle, a snack, a cap, herbal mozzie repellent and whatever else will make the stroll enjoyable, such as a camera.

After the walk, if you've packed your food, you can enjoy a picnic at Pasir Ris Beach. Otherwise, you can visit Yummy Green restaurant at Downtown East, try the veg dishes offered by many non-veg eateries at White Sands Mall or travel one MRT stop to visit the veg stalls near Tampines MRT.

This activity is free, all are welcome!

Time: 3-5.30pm, Meet at Pasir Ris MRT. Look for George who will be wearing a red cap and blue shirt. If you are driving, you can park at Pasir Ris Park Car Park C and meet at the nearby snack kiosk. See map.
Website and contact: http://www.vegetarian-society.org/

28 Aug (Sat): Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

photo by Andy DineshThe Naked Hermit Crabs introduce you to Chek Jawa without getting your feet wet. Even though we are not going on to the shore, there is still much to see and enjoy. There are monitor lizards, fiddler crabs, spiders, rare plants, wild boars, mudskippers and lots of fruit trees. If we are lucky, we might even spot the Oriental Pied Hornbill, White-bellied Sea Eagle and the giant Atlas Moth.

Not more than five persons in a group, pre-register at nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com

More details on the event and how to get to Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin on the Adventures with the Naked Hermit Crabs blog.

Time: 9.30am meet at the Chek Jawa Info Kiosk, Pulau Ubin.
Duration: Two hours
Cost: no charge for now, but donations accepted.
Website: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/
Contact: nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com

28 Aug (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: 9.30am 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:
info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

28 Aug (Sat): Evolution Garden guided walk

Take a journey through time, from the fiery planet that our world was in ancient times before memory, through the planet of dinosaurs, and into the modern world of 250,000 different flowering plants we enjoy today.

Journey through time with our volunteer guides in this one-hour tour.

Suitable for kids.

This walk is held every fourth Saturday of the month. Please register 15 minutes before the tour. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Centre.

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

28 Aug (Sat): Guided walk at the Fort Canning Spice Trail

"Revisiting History, Embracing Nature"
Join us as we guide you along The Fort Canning Spice Trail and discover the fascinating world of spices.
This trail sits on the site of Singapore’s first experimental and botanical garden. A small replica of the 19ha garden, it now has a collection of more than a hundred species of plants - spice, herbs, medicinal, economical and ornamentals. Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) trees, which were planted extensively in the first garden, can be found there as well.

Other attractions along this trail also includes the Archaeological Dig, which showcases the actual excavation site, the only such exhibition in modern Singapore and Keramat, believed to be a tomb of Singapore’s last king, Sultan Iskandar Syah.

Whether it is botanical or historical, learning about our history is just a walk in the park.

Walk is moderately easy but will involve walking up slopes and steps so do come dressed comfortably. The tour lasts two and a half hours. This walk is held every last Saturday of the month.

You may also opt for the Heritage on the Hill tour, which will bring you around the park and discover the events that have changed and shaped the face of Fort Canning over the years.

Pre-registration required. Call 63321200 or 63321302 or email surinam_sumsudin@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 4-6.30pm
Venue: Meet courtyard opposite NParks Visitor Centre, Fort Canning Centre
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

26 Aug (Thu): Green Drinks talk on how climate change will affect Singapore

Green Drink's session this month features Loo Deliang from NUS who will talk about how climate change will affect Singapore.

The Sustainable Singapore Blueprint also states that “All cities, including Singapore, may experience more extreme temperatures, heat waves and heavy rainfall more frequently.” Besides rising temperatures, Singapore will face rising sea levels, water resource scarcity, worsening food security and spread of diseases such as dengue, to name a few.

The failure to anticipate, adapt and prepare for adverse climate impacts will have grave and profound implications for our country, our generation and generations to come. Therefore, the preparation to adapt to climate change is of paramount importance given our island's limited geographical boundary, scarce resources and increasing population.

Loo Deliang is a graduate student of environmental management with the National University of Singapore. He also holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Economics, with a focus on the Economics of Climate Change. On his free time, he serves as advisor to the NUS Students Against Violation of the Earth (SAVE) and is the interim Chairperson of the Youth Coalition for Sustainable Development (Singapore), a new youth environmental NGO. He currently works with the National Environment Agency.


Time: 7.30-9.30pm
Venue: to be confirmed
Website: Green Drinks Facebook Group
Contact: olivia@greendrinks.org

25 Aug (Wed): Talk on "Chek Jawa: Our Natural Heritage"

Located at the eastern part of Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa Wetlands consist of six eco-systems in an area covering approximately 100 hectares. These eco-systems include the sandy beach, rocky beach, seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, mangroves and coastal forest. Rich in biodiversity and full of nature wonders, she is regarded as one of Singapore's nature heritage areas.
Be intrigued and get to know more about this wonderful nature habitat once known as a dirty mudflat.

Alan Tan has been an avid volunteer in sharing his wealth of knowledge about Chek Jawa for a few years before joining the National Parks Board as a Senior Conservation Offiver. Alan also loves nature photography.

All are welcome.

The talk is free and admission is free, but registration is required. Please email nhb_nm_lectures@nhb.gov.sg.

Time: 7pm
Venue: The Salon, Level 1, National Museum of Singapore
Website: http://www.nationalmuseum.sg/

25 Aug (Wed): Talk on "Evolution of the Flora of Australasia – a tangled tale of ancient origins and modern migrations"

This talk will briefly cover the history of ideas on the origins of the Australasian flora, and emerging evidence which appears to support the view that Australia's tropical rainforest flora is largely of ancient Gondwanan heritage but with a significant number of species that are migrants from the Asian region. This tangled tale of ancient origins and modern migrations will be told against the backdrop of the geological evolution of the region, the making and breaking of land connections between drifting crustal fragments.

The talk is by Professor Darren Crayn, who is also one of the notable speakers at the 08th International Flora Malesiana Symposium at the Singapore Botanical Gardens held between 23rd and 27th of August 2010.

All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served after the lecture and admissions is free!

For reservations rsvp@jcu.edu.sg or 96778868.

Time: 7-9pm
Venue: A01-01, JCU Singapore Lecture Theatre, 600 Upper Thomson Road Singapore 574421
Website: http://www.jcu.edu.sg/home/events.aspx?EventID=14

24 Aug (Tue): "Turtles Towards Extinction: How late are we? Is it too late?"

Multidisciplinary Forum & Turtle Release@Big Sister Island: "Turtles Towards Extinction: How late are we? Is it too late?"
A forum, moderated by Professor Peter Ng with panelists from Japan, USA and Singapore will share their thoughts on turtle conservation issues and will welcome questions from the Forum participants.

Talks include:
  • "Turtles Towards Extinction: How late are we? Is it too late?" by Professor Peter
  • "Battle to Save Turtle Populations (Part 1): Captive Breeding at Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium" by Dr Tomomi Saito
  • "Battle to Save Turtle Populations (Part 2): Turtle Migration Study" Dr George Balazs & Mr Marc Rice
  • "Turtles, Shrimps and Beyond: A Trade and Environmental Rule" Associate Professor Simon Tay
Other members of the panel include Professor Leo Tan and Mr Anthony Chang

Your questions and inputs are important to Turtle Conservation.

Underwater World Singapore cordially invites you to join us at this Forum and to engage our passionate panel in this important discussion. Forum participants will also have the opportunity to witness the Hawksbill Turtle Tag and Release at Big Sister Island. The preliminary results will be presented at COP 10 (Tenth Meeting of the Convention of the Parties governing the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.) n Nagoya, Japan, in October 2010.

As places are limited, please RSVP by 13 August 2010 with your full name and contact number to Ho Xin Jie hoxinjie@uws.hawpar.com (65) 6279 9218.

More information on the Underwater World Sentosa website.

Time: Registration at 9.30 am, departure for Big Sisters Island 12.30am return to mainland 5.15pm.
Venue: Underwater World Singapore, Sentosa (map)

16-22 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family
Have a look at the fun family activities lined up for the September school holidays! Some require pre-registration.

Walks in wild places

Talks and film screening

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Registration now open

Highlights of Singapore nature news

Highlights of Singapore nature blog

22 Aug (Sun): "Our Home, The Freshwater Stream and Pond" by Cicada Tree Eco Place

The Common Greenback Frog and Malayan Box Terrapin live in this wet and wild world. While some water weeds grow underwater, others emerge as landing pads for winged visitors like the damselfly. In soft mud, under rocks, and among reeds, are found another community of wild friends. Join us to find out all about their freshwater world!

Just as we treasure Singapore as our home, so too do many native (local) plants and animals call Singapore’s wild habitats their home. Sadly, most kids and grown-ups know very little about our natural areas like our forest, grassland, freshwater swamp, mangrove and seashore habitats, where many species of native wildlife live. Through “Our Home” lessons on Singapore’s natural habitats, kids will learn about animals, plants and ecology of Singapore’s wild habitats.

This environmental education program is suitable for kids aged 5 to 10, from kindergarten to primary school.

Five topics will be offered in a series of 5 lessons. Children who register for all 5 sessions will enjoy a discount of $15 (Attend 5 lessons, pay for 4). Registration is subject to space availability. More details on http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

Time: 2.30-4.30 pm
Venue: HortPark
Cost: $15 which includes a custom-made button-badge and information pamphlet will be given to all registered kids.
Contact: Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

22 Aug (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: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

21 Aug (Sat): Charity screening of "Home"

This screening of the classic documentary HOME by Yann Arthus-Bertrand is part of the fund raising for the teams under the YMCA-Youth for Cases project.

Let us be reminded of the beauty that exists on and around our one and only planet. Yann Arthus-Bertrand takes us on a journey to 54 countries to highlight state of our planet and the challenges humanity faces.


More details on facebook and the Home website.

Time: 10am-2pm
Venue: Shaw Lido 3
Cost: Tickets at $10 each (further discount for bulk purchase of more than 6)
Website: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142522529110322

21 Aug (Sat): Forest of Elders at Yishun Park

Join us at this nature walk to learn about the beautiful and important forest trees in the Dipterocarp Arboretum of Yishun Park. Find out how the fauna life exists together with these giants in the forest!
To register, please contact Ms Nanthini at nanthini_elamgovan@nparks.gov.sg or call 62738602.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Yishun Park Amphitheatre
Cost: $4 per person
Wesbite: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

21 Aug (Sat): Mangrove walk at Pasir Ris

Eppy Walk What exactly is a mudskipper? And who is Fiddler crab or Sesamine crab? Does a dog-faced water snake look more like a dog or a snake? Join the team and discover answers to the questions above and more. And if we’re lucky, we may be able to see some of the seashore animals at the river mouth (depending on the tide conditions).

Suitable for kids.

Registration closes two days before the walk date.

This walk is held every third Saturday. More details on the Pasir Ris Park website.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Pasir Ris Park, Pasir Ris Green (Carpark C)
Cost: $4/person
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact:Lili at lin_lili@nparks.gov.sg

21 Aug (Sat): Guided walk at National Orchid Garden

Explore the beauty and diversity of orchids in the National Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Since 1859, orchids have been closely associated with the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The products of the Gardens' orchid breeding programme, which began in 1928, deserve a place where they can be displayed in their full splendour. The very design of these orchids is, one could say, 'hand-crafted' by the Gardens' horticultural staff, dedicated to bringing out the finest in any hybrid cross.

Over 1000 species and 2,000 hybrids are now found in the Gardens' collection, with about 600 species and hybrids on display. Every year, more vibrant and enduring hybrids are added on. So that all may admire and enjoy their diversity, richness and beauty, the National Orchid Garden now offers a permanent showcase, the largest display of tropical orchids in the world.

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

A tour in Mandarin is also conducted at 4pm.

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am (English) and 4pm (Mandarin), 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

21 Aug (Sat): Rainforest walk at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the largest surviving primary rainforest in Singapore. Come and join us on a fascinating journey of discovery to learn more about the natural wonders of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and why we should protect and conserve its complex ecosystem and diversity.

At this walk, the guide will introduce you to the common native flora and fauna found in the primary rainforest.

This guided walk is suitable for families with children and groups of not more than 5. Along a slightly undulating natural path, the trail is not accessible to prams and wheelchairs.

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 third Saturday of the month.

Registration is required at least a week before the walk. Contact Vanessa Chang at 6554 5127 or Vanessa_CHANG@nparks.gov.sg.

Time: 9.30am. Meet at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, at the ranger counter.
Tour duration: About one hour.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

21 Aug (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: 9.30am 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:
info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

21 Aug (Sat): Birdwatching at Kranji Marsh

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

This walk is led by Dr Ho Hua Chew. We begin with a pleasant walk along a countryside road to the scenic Kranji Marsh where we will continue to stroll along the lovely PUB bund. This marsh is designated as a Nature Park and is adopted by NSS under the PUB’s ABC Waters Programme. Interesting plants will be highlighted along the way. Bird species that can be seen here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Eagle and more.

Booking required by 13 Aug 2010 (maximum: 20 pax). To register, please email kranji@nss.org.sg or call Justin at Tel: 6741-2036.


Time:8am. Meet at Kranji Dam carpark near the tidal gates of Kranji Reservoir (off Kranji Way), reachable by Bus 925 from Kranji MRT Station. From here, a hired bus will fetch us to the starting point.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

21 Aug (Sat): Let’s Discover Plants & Animals - a guided tour for kids

Apart from plants, we often come across many animals in the Gardens, such as, birds, frogs, squirrels, butterflies, dragonflies, ants, earthworms. Be amazed by the many different types of animals in Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden! Learn fascinating facts about wildlife in the Garden and pick up tips on respecting them in nature and our environment. You may even have the chance to get up-close-and-personal with an oriental whip snake and a monitor lizard too!

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels.

For enquiry and registration, please contact the Education at 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg . Online registration is available on www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education")

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying parent
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

21 Aug (Sat): Guided walk at Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin

Experience Ubin's wonderful nature through your senses along our Sensory Trail, the trail will brought you to the patch of herbs and spices and a "Secret Garden" to feel the original garden used to be on the island. Much more along the trail for you to explore.

This walk is held every third Saturday of the month.

Booking now online until 14 Aug.

For more details about this walk, see the NParks website More about the Sensory Trail on the wildsingapore website and Ubin Volunteers blog

Time: Walks starts 9.30am and lasts for about 1.5 hours. Meet at the Pulau Ubin Main Information Kiosk next to the Ubin Jetty. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin.
Cost: $60 per group of 15 persons, maximum 6 groups
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

21 Aug (Sat): "My Neighbours Don't Like Me" for kids

Part of NPark's Nature Keeper Programme, kids will learn about tall trees in the forests of Singapore and their importance as forest habitats for various species of animals such as eagles and hawks.

Suitable for children aged 7 to 12 years old. The event is free but pre-registration is required with Jeanne Tan (Ms) at 65545123 or Jeanne_Tan@nparks.gov.sg

More about the Nature Keeper Programme.

Time: 9am - 12pm
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

18 Aug (Wed): "Our Home, The Rainforest" with Cicada Tree Eco Place

The rainforest is home to an incredible diversity of living things. Giant trees soar into the sky and the ground is thickly carpeted with a multitude of ferns, creepers, climbers, rainforest herbs and fungi. Colourful birds zoom from branch to branch high up in the canopy while the Mousedeer and Horned Frog live in the leafy undergrowth. Learn all about our rainforest friends in this lesson!

Just as we treasure Singapore as our home, so too do many native (local) plants and animals call Singapore’s wild habitats their home. Sadly, most kids and grown-ups know very little about our natural areas like our forest, grassland, freshwater swamp, mangrove and seashore habitats, where many species of native wildlife live. Through “Our Home” lessons on Singapore’s natural habitats, kids will learn about animals, plants and ecology of Singapore’s wild habitats.

This environmental education program is suitable for kids aged 5 to 10, from kindergarten to primary school.

Five topics will be offered in a series of 5 lessons. Children who register for all 5 sessions will enjoy a discount of $15 (Attend 5 lessons, pay for 4). Registration is subject to space availability. More details on http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

Time: 2.30-4.30 pm
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Cost: $15 which includes a custom-made button-badge and information pamphlet will be given to all registered kids.
Contact: Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

9-15 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Talks this week

Registration now open

Highlights of Singapore nature news

Highlights of Singapore nature blogs

Photo of the week is of otters at Pulau Ubin! These captivating creatures were seen near the Ubin Jetty and the photo and story shared on the Ubin.sgkopi blog. More about our Smooth otters. Seen interesting mammals in Singapore? Share your sightings here.

15 Aug (Sun): The Art of Paper Folding at Sungei Buloh

Origami is not only fun, but is also an artistic way of interpreting animals, plants, objects, or basically anything you can think of!
The focus of this origami workshop will be on animals that can be found in our nature areas.

For more details see the Purple Mangroves blog.

Time: 1.30-3.30pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, meet at the Information Counter at the Visitor Centre
Entry charges: While the event is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website and contact: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/

15 Aug (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.

Special Mandarin guided walk 9.30-11am.

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: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

14 Aug (Sat): PrawnWatch at Sungei Buloh

Free guided introduction to traditional prawn farming. Go on a journey back to the past, where the history of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as prawn and fish farms is one not to be ignored. The importance of mangroves as a spawning place and nursery for prawns and other life played an important role in shaping Sungei Buloh today. The traditional method of prawn harvesting will be demonstrated and how the tidal influence play a part in this activity will be brought to 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 9.30am at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Information Counter.
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: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

14 Aug (Sat): Talk on "Butterfly Garden@HortPark"

When was the last time you stopped to take a closer look at a butterfly, a sparrow or listened appreciatively to the toad croaking after a heavy rain? We are surrounded by nature but unless we learn to appreciate their existence and put in measures to safeguard the natural ecosystem, we stand to lose all of it one day, sooner than we think... HortPark's Butterfly Garden, with an enclosure showcasing more than 200 butterflies each month, was set up to promote the conservation message. Come with an open heart and find out from this talk how you too can do your part towards the conservation of our very own natural heritage.

About the Speaker: Mr Gary Chua has a B.Sc.(Hons) degree in Botany and has been with the National Parks Board for 15 years. He has extensive experience in implementing and managing a range of parks and streetscape landscape projects e.g. Orchard Road, Downtown Marina Bay, East Coast Park, Istana Park and HortPark. One of the latest projects that he worked on was the Butterfly Garden project at HortPark.

Time: 3-4pm
Venue: Choa Chu Kang Library
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

14 Aug (Sat): Roots, Shoots and Fruits! at Admiralty Park

The Plant Kingdom is made up of a large variety of plants that use different methods according to the habitats they thrive in for survival. This guided walk highlights how different plants have adapted to the environment to allow successful growth and reproduction in Admiralty Park.
To register, please contact Mr Tan at raem_tan@nparks.gov.sg or Ms Nanthini at nanthini_elamgovan@nparks.gov.sg.

Guided tour will go ahead once 15 persons sign up.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Amphitheatre, Admiralty Park
Cost: $4 per person
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

14 Aug (Sat): Wallace Education Centre Gallery walk

Learn more about our forests, from the 18th century until today and find out how you can play a part in biodiversity conservation.
Photo courtesy of Johnny WeeThis guided walk is held every second Saturday of the month.

More details about the Wallace Education Centre on the NParks website.

Please call 3 days in advance at 65545127 to register for the walk.

Time: 9.30-10.30am
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park, Wallace Education Centre
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

14 Aug (Sat): Trees of the Fort

Embark on this adventure and discover the secret lives of our heritage trees and more!
Our nature-loving guides from The Green Volunteers will walk you through this public park that has undergone a series of historical transformation through the centuries. Although much of the original vegetation has disappeared due to these changes, active greening efforts have converted this once formidable fort into an idyllic respite from the hustle and bustle of city life amidst lush and magnificent trees. Meet the Towering Kapok, Flaky Gelam, Gnarled Madras Thorn and many more.

Learn how plants and animals have co-existed and to a certain extent become co-dependant on one another for survival. Immerse yourself in the sounds of nature orchestrated by chirping birds and shrilling cicadas as you walk along the trail.

In a vastly developed urban jungle, Fort Canning offers that unique pocket of biodiversity to appreciate the greenery within our vibrant city.

This is a free public outreach programme in the park, held every second Saturday.

Time: 4-6 pm
Venue: Meet at courtyard, opposite NParks Visitor Centre, Fort Canning Centre
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6332 1200 or lee_weiling@nparks.gov.sg or or visit thegreenvolunteers.blogspot.com

14 Aug (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 (Enligsh) and 4pm (Mandarin); 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

14 Aug (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: 9.30am 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:
info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

14 Aug (Sat): HeART for Nature Workshop for kids

This art workshop helps children to delve deep into their hearts to express nature in various themed art activities like drawing, fingerprinting, origami, puppet making. The children will also learn about our natural heritage.
Photo courtesy of Vanessa ChangSuitable for children aged 5 to 10 (with parental supervision).

Limited spaces available. Please call 3 days in advance at 65545127 (Mondays to Fridays) to register for the activity.

Time: 9.30am - 11.30am
Venue: Lower Pierce Reservoir Park (big shelter next to fishing ground)
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12-20 Aug: The Fort Canning Spice Trail - a guided walk

In conjunction with the Heritage Fest, these free walks will introduce our heritage centered around Fort Canning Hill.

Come discover the fascinating world of spices in on the site of Singapore’s first experimental and botanical garden that was started in 1822. You can expect an assortment of spice, herbs, medicinal, economical, ornamentals, including Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) trees, which were planted extensively in the first garden.

Other attractions along this trail also includes the Archaeological Dig, which showcases the actual excavation site, the only such exhibition in modern Singapore and Keramat, believed to be a tomb of Singapore’s last king, Sultan Iskandar Syah.

Dates of walks
12 Aug: 9-10.30am
13 Aug: 4-5.30pm
16 Aug: 9-10.30am
17 Aug: 4-5.30pm
18 Aug: 9-10.30am
19 Aug: 4-5.30pm
20 Aug: 9-10.30am

Each walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours. The walk is free but pre-registration is required at surinam_sumsudin@nparks.gov.sg or call 63321200.

You may also opt for the Heritage on the Hill tour, which will bring you around the park and discover the events that have changed and shaped the face of Fort Canning over the years.

Venue: Meet courtyard opposite NParks Visitor Centre, Fort Canning Centre
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

2-8 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

It's a long weekend and there's lots to see and do!

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Talks this week

Continuing this week! Specially for Singapore shore guides: veteran, newbie, wannabe! A weekly series of intensive workshops (8 Jul - 5 Aug) that covers all our favourite shore ecosystems, and ends with a field session! This week: a workshop on our mangroves. Registration still open.

Go wild on your own!
This long weekend, why not explore our wild places free-and-easy? Great destinations include Pulau Ubin and a wide range of seashores, mangroves and forest destinations. Lots of info for visitors on wildsingapore with tips on how to prepare for a trip, how to get there and what to see and do.

A tip for a long-weekend trip
Our wild places and parks can get VERY crowded on long weekends. The best way to avoid the crowds is to arrive early in the morning and leave early. Our wildlife is generally more active in the morning too!

Registration now open

Highlights of Singapore nature news


Highlights of Singapore nature blogs