31 Jul (Sat): Talk on "Hornbill Nesting - The 'Intelligent' Nest"

Mr. Marc Cremades, Consultant Researcher Singapore Avian Conservation Project gives this talk.

With the many observations over the 5 years, much of the mystery surrounding the characteristic ‘confinement’ of the female Oriental Pied Hornbill during breeding has been revealed.

In 2008, the Intelligent Nest was build to create an artificial nest that is not only safe and suitable for the Oriental Pied Hornbills to nest in, but equipped with the technology to study them closely during this exceptional period of the year – where the female stays sealed inside the nest 24/7 for up to 3 months! Side view of the cameras close up reveals the exact laying of eggs, allowing more accurate data collection.

Come join us for the talk to gain more insights to what else the Intelligent Nest can offer.

About the Project: Initiated in 2004 by Marc Cremades and avid naturalist Prof Ng Soon Chye, the Singapore Hornbill Project studies the nesting ecology of the Oriental Pied Hornbill, such as the growth progression of nestlings, food requirements, and sensitivity to external disturbances. This is the first project in the world to document the breeding ecology of wild hornbills within the nest. The key objective is to enhance the population and distribution of this locally endangered bird in Singapore.

All are welcome.

Light refreshments will be provided.

The talk is free but pre-registration is require. Please RSVP by Friday 30 July 5pm to lim_wei_ling@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 10am-noon
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

31 Jul (Sat): Kranji Nature Walk with the Nature Society Singapore

Join this free nature walk at the beautiful Kranji Reservoir Marsh tucked in a remote corner of Singapore. Get away from it all and enjoy the interesting wildlife and the scenic landscape of Kranji Reservoir and the countryside.
Photo by Tsang KCThe walk is conducted by the Nature Society under the PUB's ABC Waters Programe.

The walk is free and open to all, but pre-registration is required. To register, email kranji@nss.org.sg

This walk is held every last weekend of the month.

For more information about the Nature Society Singapore's work on Kranji Marsh, see Happenings at Kranji Marsh

Time: 8am.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

31 Jul (Sat): Bird Walk at Kranji Marsh

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

This walk is led by Gerard Francis. 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 23 July 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.

31 Jul (Sat): HortPark Butterfly Garden guided tour

HortPark's latest attraction - Butterfly Garden - is an experimental project that supports efforts for a Butterfly Species Recovery Programme. It aims to breed various butterfly species, including locally extince species using suitable nectar and host plants in the enclosure.

Get up close and personal with the flying jewels, and learn their different stages of metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar into butterfly. Observe how pupae emerge into adult butterflies before taking their maiden flight within HortPark's Butterfly Garden.

This walk is held every last Saturday of the month

Time: 10am, please gather at the Butterfly Garden for the tour
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6471 5601

31 Jul (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/
Contact: 63321200 or 63321302 or email surinam_sumsudin@nparks.gov.sg

31 Jul (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 Jul (Wed): "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: Singapore Botanic Gardens
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

19-25 Jul: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Special event at Pulau Ubin

Walks in wild places

Talk this week

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Registration now open

NEW! Mega Marine Survey of Singapore! What do we have on our shores? We will soon find out as NParks has launched a Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey! And ordinary people too can make a difference by volunteering for this Mega Marine Survey. More about the survey and how to register your interest.

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 coral reefs. Registration still open.


Highlights of Singapore nature news


Highlights of Singapore nature blogs

Photo of the week is this awesome view of Cyrene taken by Russel and shared on his brand new blog into the wild. Check out his vibrant photos and stories of all kinds of nature things from bugs to books, and corals to koels.

25 Jul (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

25 Jul (Sun): Birdwatching at Bukit Brown

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

This walk is lead by Sutari Supari. We will take a casual bird walk around this unique and quiet corner of Singapore. The cemetery has both partially open areas and well-covered ones with huge trees. Expect to see a mix of parkland, open-country and forest birds such as babblers, bulbuls, doves, flower-peckers, parakeets, sunbirds and woodpeckers.

Time: 7:30am. Meet at junction of Sime Road and Kheam Hock Road, near the entrance to historic Bukit Brown Chinese Cemetery.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

24 Jul (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

24 Jul (Sat): Tree planting at Pulau Ubin with 350 Singapore

Join the 350 Singapore tree planting efforts in Pulau Ubin and leave a positive mark on Mother Earth. Enjoy a guided tour of the island and experience the beauty of nature at the same time.
Young NTUC organised Run 350 on 20 March this year to allow its members and friends to do something for Singapore and the world. Proceeds from Run 350 were channelled towards the PAT Programme. A total of $22,900 was raised by the 1,000 participants who took part in Run 350. The proceeds will go to planting of 229 tree saplings in Singapore this year. Looking for 50 volunteers to plant 50 saplings along a 300-metre biking trail (BLUE GRASS trail) at Pulau Ubin.

The event is free but pre-registration is required: online registration.

Time: 9am-3pm
Venue: Pulau Ubin, meet at Changi Point Ferry Terminal. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin.
Website: http://yntuc.sg/tree50.
Contact: JD Ang angjd@ntuc.org.sg

24 Jul (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.

There's also a Marine Fish Tour at 9.30am.

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

24 Jul (Sat): Evolution Garden guided walk

A free guided walk of the Evolution Garden at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a 1.5-hectare area dedicated to telling the amazing story of how plants gave us life, and how, long before we humans arrived, they started to evolve into the myriad complex life forms that we see today.

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

23 Jul (Fri): Talk on "Borneo's Last, Mysterious Civet"

The Hose’s civet is one of the world’s least known carnivores. Endemic to the rugged mountains of Northern Borneo, its preferred habitat is thought to be the extremely wet, mist-covered, mossy, mountainous forests in Sabah and Sarawak. It is a creature so rare that even the nomadic Penan who inhabit the area do not have a name for it in their native language.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Malaysia’s Upper Baram Project, however, has changed all that with a stunning 14 confirmed images, the highest encounter rate ever for this extremely rare species. This talk gives an introduction to the work of WCS Malaysia, focusing on the Upper Baram Project, and the small carnivores found there.

The talk is free, all are welcome.

This talk is organised by the National Parks Board and Wildlife Conservation Society - Malaysia as part of International Year of Biodiversity 2010 celebrations.

More information on the NParks facebook page.

Time: 11am–12pm
Venue: Botany Centre Classroom 1, Level 3, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Nanthini Elamgovan at nanthini_elamgovan@nparks.gov.sg

12-18 Jul: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Special events

Talks this week

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

NEW! Mega Marine Survey of Singapore! What do we have on our shores? We will soon find out as NParks has launched a Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey! And ordinary people too can make a difference by volunteering for this Mega Marine Survey. More about the survey and how to register your interest.

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 coral reefs. Registration still open.

Highlights of Singapore nature news

Highlights of Singapore nature blog

Photo of the week is of this sea turtle seen sleeping in the lagoon of Sisters Island, shared by Sam on facebook. We have awesome marine life! And ordinary people can see them if we take the trouble to visit our shores!

18 Jul (Sun): Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Join us for this monthly mission to rescue and study the Mangrove Horseshoe Crab (HSC). We have also started an ongoing HSC Training & Accreditation Programme for anyone keen to be a qualified HSC R&Rer. We recommend that you bring a cap, shoes/booties, sun block, repellent, cutter (for HSC rescue) and camera. Washing facilities available.

Pre-registeration required. Register with Dr Cartwright-Taylor at cartwrighttaylor@gmail.com, stating your name, if you are a NSS member or not, affiliations (eg. school/company), experience (if any) and contact details.

Time: 9.30am, meet at the extension of Kranji Road at the junction with Kranji Loop. Take bus 925 from Kranji MRT station and 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.

18 Jul (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

17 Jul (Sat): Living Earth Walk at Chek Jawa boardwalk with Cicada Tree Eco Place

We go on the extensive boardwalk at Chek Jawa on Pulau Ubin. Here we shall see a diversity of unique flora and fauna. At low tide, exposed seaweeds used to be collected by locals to feed their pigs. From the mangroves, Attap Palm leaves were harvested for thatching while durable Nibong Palm trunks were used to build kelongs. The shallow sea here was also a rich hunting ground. Many natural resources were depended upon, and used in sustainable ways by the kampong folk who lived at CJ.

Trails: Wooden boardwalk. Earth paths, some parts with gentle slopes.

For enquiries and registration, please contact Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg

Minimum 20 pax for walk to go ahead.

Time: 9am-noon
Venue: Chek Jawa Boardwalk, Pulau Ubin
Cost: $15 per person (adult or child), minimum 6 years of age, excluding the bumboat ride and mini-bus ride to Chek Jawa. The bumboat ride is $2.50 per person one way. The mini-bus ride is $4 return per person to and from the main village. Advanced payment required.
Website:http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

17 Jul (Sat): Butterfly Walk at Teck Whye

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

This walk is led by Steven Chong. Hidden behind the backyard of Teck Whye Secondary School lies a pretty butterfly garden fronted by a canal with a wooded area on the opposite side. Supported by NParks, this garden boasts no less than 20 butterfly species. Butterflies that can be spotted here include the Common Mime, Painted Jezebel, Striped Albatross, Lemon Emigrant, Common Grass Yellow, Plain Tiger, Leopard Lacewing and Peacock Pansy.

Time: 9:30am - 12pm. Meet at Park connector between Blk 160A and Gracefield Kindergarten just off Jalan Teck Whye
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

17 Jul (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

17 Jul (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

17 Jul (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 12 June.

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/

17 Jul (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/

17 Jul (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

17 Jul (Sat): Our Kitchen Garden tour for kids at Pasir Ris Park

Excite your senses with our Kitchen Garden Tour. Find out how vegetables are grown before it gets onto your plate! You will also learn about some natural remedies that our grandmothers might have planted in their own backyard.

Suitable for children from K1-P6 levels.

To register, please contact Wei Teng at 64653305 or email chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg

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

16 Jul (Fri): The Wallace Talk: "An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles" by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski

In conjunction with the International Year of Biodiversity 2010, the National Parks Board & Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research at the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore jointly present a public talk:

"An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles: Alfred Russel Wallace and the Theory of Natural Selection" by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski

Charles Darwin has been lionized as one of the giants of western thought for his theory of evolution. But what about Alfred Russel Wallace, a contemporary of Darwin’s who independently developed the theory of natural selection during his eight-year sojourn in Southeast Asia? Why did Darwin become a household name while Wallace became a historical footnote?

The speaker has been following Alfred Russel Wallace for some 30 years, retracing many of his voyages in the Amazon and Southeast Asia.

More about the talk and the speaker on The Biodiversity Crew @ NUS.

ALL ARE WELCOME

Please register for the talk with the registration form at this link

Time: 6pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre 22, Faculty of Science cience Drive 2, National University of Singapore. map to LT22

5-11 Jul: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Beginning 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! Registration still open.


Walks in wild places

Talks this week

Registration now open

Highlights of Singapore nature news

Highlights of Singapore nature blogs

Photo of the week: a rare view of a bat feeding on flowers by Chan Kwok Wai. Today it was announced that an NParks field survey has revealed a new bat record and rediscovered two bats in Singapore! One of them smells like 'stale socks soaked in engine oil'. Read more about the bat discoveries on the Celebrating Singapore's Biodiversity blog.
Common Fruit Bat feeding on nectar of Golden Penda flower.

11 Jul (Sun): The Art of Paper Folding at Sungei Buloh

Would you like to learn how to fold these amazing mangrove creatures?
Learn how to fold these and many more interesting creatures, or even boats which we used to fold during our childhood days! This is a good opportunity for us to bring ourselves back to our childhood days, or to pass on the skill to our children, or a new skill for us to pick up and pass on to others.

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: 2-3.30pm
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/

11 Jul (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.

Special Mandarin guided walk at 9.30-11.30am.

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

10 Jul (Sat): Talk on "Discover the Secret Garden on Pulau Ubin"

Jacky will share with you the secrets of herbs, spices and vegetables of the Secret Garden on Pulau Ubin. Jacky, Pulau Ubin Conservation Officer, has been involved in the Sensory Trail Project and Jelutong Butterfly Hill Project.
Time: 10-11.30am
Venue: Ubin Volunteer Hub, Pulau Ubin. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin.
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

10 Jul (Sat): Living Earth Walk at Sungei Buloh with Cicada Tree Eco Place

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is now a resting and feeding spot for migratory birds. But it also hosts a fantastic diversity of native fauna and flora. In the past, the area had several kampongs (villages) with the locals tending to vegetable and fruit tree plots. Many of these fruit trees and traditional herbs still survive and may be encountered along the trails. The people also constructed fish and prawn ponds in the mangroves. These are now used by the birds.
Of late, otters, civets & estuarine crocodiles have also made Sungei Buloh their home. Come see for yourselves!

Trails: Level dirt paths and boardwalks suitable for children, the elderly, disabled or participants using wheelchairs.

For enquiries and registration, please contact Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg

Minimum 20 pax for walk to go ahead. Minimum age of 6 years.

Time: 3-5pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Cost: $13 per person (adult or child), excluding park entrance fees. Park entrance fee is $1.00 for adults, 50 cents for children. Advance payment required.
Website:http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

10 Jul (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/

10 Jul (Sat): "Getting to Know MacRitchie" - a guided tour

"Getting to Know MacRitchie" is a free guided tour that starts at the roundabout within the park. The first portion of the walk will cover the history of MacRitchie and its relationship with water. The second portion of the walk will cover how the forests around the reservoir play a very important role in maintaining the water quality in MacRitchie and how the various flora and fauna, within the forests, are vital to life. The walk will weave through the forest trail and end at the bandstand. This walk is also available in Mandarin, upon request.

For registration, please email NParks_MAILBOX@nparks.gov.sg and put in the subject title - ATTN: MacRitchie Reservoir Park - Guided Walk. Upon registration, a confirmation email will be sent to you.

Time: 9-11am, meet at 8.55am.
Venue: Meet at amenities centre of MacRitchie
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

10 Jul (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

10 Jul (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

10 Jul (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

10 Jul (Sat): "A Forest No Less" in Bukit Batok Nature Park

Learn about the importance of the forest in your daily life! This one hour tour at Bukit Batok Nature Park highlights the interesting plants and wildlife found in an established secondary forest habitat.

To register, please contact Ms Dinu at dinushini_williams@nparks.gov.sg or call 62738602.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Meeting point 2, Bukit Batok Nature Park
Cost: $4 per person
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

8 Jul - 5 Aug: Weekly workshop series for all shore guides

Specially for Singapore shore guides: veteran, newbie, wannabe! A series of intensive workshops that covers all our favourite shore ecosystems, and ends with a field session!
The focus is on developing and learning guiding techniques. So that we can better raise awareness about our shores. The series is very hands on, with lots of discussion and sharing. The finale is a field assessment session on an actual shore!

All shore guides from all groups are welcomed to attend! So it's also a unique opportunity to meet other shore guides. Together, everyone can share, learn and DO!

7 Jul (Wed): Talk on "Tree vs. Tide - How mangroves colonise bare mudflats"

Colonization of a bare tidal flat by Avicennia spp. is an important and critical phase in the development of a mangrove forest. Early establishment success is determined by a strategy to quickly anchor the buoyant propagule in the soil to resist hydrodynamic forcing.

By flume and growth experiments we show that early establishment success of Avicennia propagules is depending on pre-establishment time with freedom from inundation and hydrodynamic forcing by waves during the first days. Once seedlings are anchored to withstand daily hydrodynamic forcing, dislodgement can only be caused by sheet erosion.

Present findings elucidate tipping points in mangrove colonization. The results of combined growth and flume experiments offer insight in natural mangrove colonization or regeneration and success of mangrove restoration projects.

About the speaker: Thorsten Balke is specialising in landscape evolution of the intertidal coastal zone due to interactions between hydrological and geomorphological processes with living organisms like salt marsh vegetation or mangrove trees. This is often called biogeomorphology or ecosystem engineering. For his PhD research (2009-2013) he is looking at biogeomorphic succesion of mangroves. He want to elucidate the biophysical processes and tipping points during colonisation of a bare tidal flat and furthermore the impact of established vegetation on sedimentation and stabilisation. To achieve this I will carry out flume studies, growth experiments in hydrodynamic mesocosms and a wide range of field methods. He studied physical geography in Hanover (Germany) and Salford (UK) in 2004-2009. He wrote his final thesis at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-CEME) in Yerseke with the title: Biogeomorphology of Spartina anglica tussocks - A GIS comparison of contrasting sites at the Westerschelde and Blackwater estuary.

More about the Singapore Delft Water Alliance.

Time: 3-4pm
Venue: E1-08-25 SDWA Conference Room National University of Singapore
Website and contact: http://www.sdwa.nus.edu.sg/

28 Jun - 4 Jul: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in our wild places

Film screening
  • 1 Jul (Thu): Preview screeing of 'Oceans' by DisneyNature

Talks 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! Registration now open.

Registration now open

Highlights of Singapore nature news

Highlights of Singapore nature blogs

4 Jul (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