30 Aug (Tue): Istana Open House

The Istana grounds are open to the public in celebration of Hari Raya Puasa.

View the Istana gardens while a variety of performances on the grounds provide entertainment. You may also have the chance to have your photos taken with the President and First Lady when they come by to greet visitors.

Selected function rooms with displays of gifts presented to the President and Prime Minister by foreign dignitaries can be viewed for a fee of $2. All proceeds from entrance fees and the sale of Istana souvenirs will be donated to charity.

Time: 8.30am - 6pm
Venue: Entrance to the grounds is via the main gate at Orchard Road.
Charges: Admission to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents. Others, including foreign visitors, are charged an entrance fee of $1 per person.
Website: http://www.istana.gov.sg/

29 Aug (Mon): Talk on "Understanding the dynamics of the pangolin trade"

Pangolins have been hunted and consumed throughout Asia historically. In recent decades, however, there has been a shift from local utilisation to large scale commercial harvesting which is attributed to demand from East and Southeast Asian countries where pangolin meat is consumed and their scales used in traditional medicines. Despite national and international protection an illicit trade in Asian pangolins continues to persist and it is this that is threatening the very existence of the species. This talk comprises an introduction to the trade in Asian pangolins followed by a report of recent efforts to understand the dynamics of trade, in particular in Peninsular Malaysia, so that efforts to mitigate such activity can be informed and improved.

The funds raised by the pangolin gala dinner held on 18 April 2010 organised by Cicada Tree Eco-Place, Nature's Niche, Nature Society (Singapore), TRAFFIC and ACRES, and supported by National Parks Board, were used to fund research on an important study on the illegal trade in pangolins in the region. Here to give an update on the study to date, are Dan Challender and Nurul Bariyah Binti Babu.

Thanks to Singapore Botanic Gardens for kindly being the venue sponsor for this talk.

More about pangolins on the Celebrating Singapore's Biodiversity blog.

The speakers:

Daniel W. S. Challender, PhD Researcher, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), University of Kent, UK
Daniel Challender started studying pangolins in 2007 as part of his MSc research with the Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program, Vietnam. After spending two years working as an ecological consultant in the U.K, he returned to researching his favourite subject, the conservation of pangolins. He is currently a PhD researcher at the University of Kent’s Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) where he is studying the trade and conservation of pangolins in Asia.

Nurul Bariyah Binti Babu, Trainee Programme Officer, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia
Nurul Bariyah Binti Babu joined TRAFFIC Southeast Asia in early 2010 as a Trainee Programme Officer. She holds a Diploma in Landscape Architecture and a Bachelors degree in Park and Amenity Management. Since joining TRAFFIC Nurul has provided input into a variety of different projects but has most recently been involved in research exploring trade in timber and pangolins.

Time: 4-5pm
Venue: The Function Hall, Singapore Botanic Gardens

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

22-28 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family
Wondering what to do with the kids this coming September? Check out the many school holiday activities already lined up. Many require pre-registration, so do register early.

Walks in wild places

Talks this week

Announcements
  • 1-31 Aug: Free entry to museums for Singaporeans and permanent residents, and for all on Open House days. more details.
  • NParks photo and video competitions! “City in a Garden” Photography Competition: various closing dates. Share your favourite nature photo. Attractive prizes, worth more than $29,000, to be won! more details

  • 3-11 Sep: Free entry the National Orchid Garden for students and accompanying adults, a school holiday special. More details.

28 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

28 Aug (Sun): Public walk at Butterfly Trail @ Orchard

Let’s take a leisurely stroll along the newly-created Butterfly Trail @ Orchard, to witness the sight of butterflies living in an urban environment. We will start at the butterfly garden in Stamford Green, passing through SMU, Dhoby Ghaut Green, Istana Park and ending at the open space in Penang Road. Duration: 2.5 hours. We hope to see butterflies such as the Plain Tiger, Leopard, Tawny Coster, Autumn Leaf and more.

This walk is open to the public.

Time: 9:30am - 12pm. Meet Anuj in front of the National Museum at 93 Stamford Road. Stamford Green is accessible by the outdoor escalator next to the museum.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

28 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).
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

27 Aug (Sat): Talk on "Marine life in Singapore and the impact of marine debris"

As part of the annual International Coastal Cleanup Singapore Briefing, N. Sivasothi will be giving the talks on “Marine life in Singapore” and “The impact of marine debris”. In addition the operations of the International Coastal Cleanup will be discussed and what the data collected tells us.
More details on the News from the ICCS blog.

The talk is free, all are welcome, even if you are not part of ICCS – plenty of space in the Lecture Theatre. Please register online http://iccs-briefing.rafflesmuseum.net/

Time: 9am-11am
Venue: Lecture Theatre 25, Faculty of Science (next to the Science Canteen) National University of Singapore(map)

27 Aug (Sat): Fort Canning Spice Trail guided walk

"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 nurul_asyiqin_jaffar@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 4-6pm
Venue: Meet courtyard opposite NParks Visitor Centre, Fort Canning Centre
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

27 Aug (Sat): HortPark Butterfly Garden guided tour

HortPark's Butterfly Garden is a 150-sqm landscaped theme garden comprising an enclosure and an outdoor garden. Providing a visual feast of tropical plants and nearly 20 species of native butterflies, the Butterfly Garden enables visitors to learn about the different stages of metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar into butterfly. Within the enclosure, visitors are greeted with an up close and personal encounter with these flying jewels and can observe how pupae emerge into adult butterflies before taking their maiden flight.

The Butterfly Garden also serves as an experimental garden for National Parks Board to work on a Butterfly Species Recovery Programme to research on suitable nectar and host plants for breeding a variety of butterfly species, including locally extinct species such as Clipper (Parthenos sylvia) and Common Sergeant (Athyma perius).

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 free and is held every last Saturday of the month.

Time: 9-11am, please gather at the Butterfly Garden for the tour
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6471 5601

27 Aug (Sat): Evolution Garden guided tour

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 Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre.

Time: 9am (English tour)
Venue: Register at Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre before the tour starts.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

27 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 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

27 Aug (Sat): Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes

With Dr Ho Hua Chew. From the meeting place, a hired bus will ferry us to our destination. We begin at the NSS adoption pond followed by a pleasant stroll along the PUB Bund. Birding highlights here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, White-browed Crake, Osprey, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and more. If there is time, we will end the walk along Neo Tiew Lane 2 up to the vehicle-barrier. The marsh is designated by URA as a Nature Park and is currently adopted by NSS under the PUB’s ABC Waters Programme.

This walk is open to the public.

Pre-registration required. Click the 'ATTEND" button on the NSS website by 12 August 2011. A registration form will then be emailed to you. Max: 20 pax.

Time: 7.45am-12noon. Meet at 7:45 at Kranji Dam Carpark B near the Tidal Gates of Kranji Reservoir (off Kranji Way). Reachable by Bus 925 from Kranji MRT Station.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

27 Aug (Sat): Botanical Wonders of MacRitchie

Learn more about our natural heritage and treasures! Come on down to MacRitchie Reservoir Park and learn about our silent giants - the trees!

For registration enquiries, please contact Ms Mardiah Effendi Mardiah_Effendi@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9-10.30am
Meeting point: Amenities Centre. A minimum of 10 persons is required for the guided walk to commence. In case of bad weather, the guided walk will be cancelled one hour before the schedule time.
Cost: $60 per group (maximum 15 pax) or $4 per person.
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

24 Aug (Wed): Public Lecture on "Challenge of conserving dugongs in our region"

Come for this talk by Professor Helene Marsh and Dr Elizabeth Taylor to learn how you can help us discover more about Singapore’s wild marine mammals.

The dugong, the only plant-eating mammal that is strictly marine, is a threatened species that lives in the coastal waters of about 40 sub-tropical and tropical countries including south-East Asia. The cultural values of the dugong has resulted in it being a symbol of fierce conservation battles. Dugong populations are threatened by multiple global problems including coastal development, habitat loss, fisheries over-exploitation and climate change. Thus the challenge of conserving dugongs is not merely an issue of biodiversity, but an issue of cultural diversity and food security

Pilot studies by TMSI, NUS have confirmed that several species of coastal dolphins are seen quite often in Singapore waters. Finless porpoise and dugong sightings are becoming much rarer but anecdotal reports by marine biologists suggest these enigmatic marine mammals may still be found here.

The Singapore Wild Marine Mammal Survey (SWiMMS) is a research project supported by the Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund. MMRL’s research team aims to monitor dolphins, porpoises and dugongs in Singapore waters by establishing a volunteer network and reporting system, and by carrying out field studies. Reliable observations from South-east Asia are also welcome and will help us study whether Singapore contributes to seasonal trans-national migration routes.

About the Speakers:

Professor Helene Marsh, Distinguished Professor of Environmental Science, James Cook University

Helene Marsh is Distinguished Professor of Environmental Science and Dean of Graduate Research Studies at James Cook University, Townsville, Australia. She is an international authority on the conservation biology of dugongs, sea turtles and coastal cetaceans, and led the team that developed the United Nations Environment Programme Global Dugong Action Plan.

Dr Elizabeth Taylor, Head, Marine Mammal Research Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute, NUS

Dr Taylor has worked at the National University of Singapore for almost 30 years, initially as a medical research scientist, and later, following a long-standing interest in the sea, she helped found the Tropical Marine Science Institute in 1996-98. As the Deputy Director, she was involved in all aspects of the TMSI’s research programme – science, engineering and IT - and in building the research facilities on the NUS campus and St. John’s Island. Recognising the importance of education and public outreach in promoting environmental awareness, she founded the TMSI’s Education Programme. Dr Taylor has been developing marine mammal research since the early 1990’s and continues to head the Marine Mammal Research Laboratory (MMRL) which conducts inter-disciplinary scientific research ranging from marine sensing.

More details on the JCU Singapore website

RSVP to Ms Laiza Malit at rsvp@jcu.edu.sg or call 96778868 for further information.

Time: 3-5pm
Venue: Forest Lodge Function Hall, The Singapore Zoo (80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826)
Website: http://www.jcu.edu.sg/

15-21 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Talks this week

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only
Birdwatching at Bukit Brown

Announcements
  • 1-31 Aug: Free entry to museums for Singaporeans and permanent residents, and for all on Open House days. more details.
  • NParks photo and video competitions! more details
  • “City in a Garden” Photography Competition: various closing dates. Share your favourite nature photo. Attractive prizes, worth more than $29,000, to be won!
  • The Parks Festival 2011 Video Competition: closing date 31 Jul 2011: Celebrate our green spaces by producing a video with the theme ‘A Park for Everyone’, and stand to win attractive prizes!

21 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.

Free Mandarin Guided walk 9.30-11.30am. Call 67941401 to book this free guided tour. A minimum of 5 participants is needed to commence the tour. Limited to maximum 15 participants.

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 (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: 12noon-1pm
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/

21 Aug (Sun): Birdwatching at Botanic Gardens

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Wong Chung Cheong will take us on an early morning stroll through one of the best botanical gardens in the region. Many species of birds make this park their home and we may have a chance of spotting colourful species like Long-tailed Parakeet, Crimson Sunbird, Banded Woodpecker, Common Iora, Pink-necked Green Pigeon and Stork-billed Kingfisher. We may also get to see some early migrants. For members only.

Time: 7.30am-12noon. Meet at the Visitor Centre.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

20 Aug (Sat): A Public Forum on Forests

To celebrate the International Year of the Forest, 2011, the Singapore Institute of Biology (SIBiol) and Science Centre Singapore jointly present this public forum.
Full pdf on Sivasothi's blog.

“Climate Changes and the Ecological Impacts on Singapore”
by Professor Richard Corlett
(Dept of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Singapore’s National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) is projecting a warming of 2.7-4.2oC by 2100, with no clear trend in rainfall. Climatic uncertainties are compounded by our ignorance about the potential biological consequences of these changes in the equatorial tropics. In particular, we do not currently understand how rising temperatures will affect trees and forests which, recent evidence suggests, already operate near to a high temperature threshold above which carbon uptake declines sharply. Like the majority of the tropics, Singapore will soon be subject to climatic conditions that have not existed anywhere on Earth for millions of years. It’s a new world and all bets are off.

“Conservation of Forests in Singapore”
by Dr Shawn Lum
(Natural Sciences and Science Education Group of the National Institute of Education)
What we refer to as "Singapore's forests" is a diverse mix of different vegetation types. Despite their relatively small size and isolation, they support an impressive variety of plant - and animal - life. Where are these forest pockets, what can we find in them, and how are they faring? What measures have been taken to protect and preserve them, and what more can be done to conserve them? The talk will attempt to address these questions and more that might be raised at the session.

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

Time: 9.30am – 12.30 pm
Venue: Maxwell Auditorium, Science Centre Singapore map

20 Aug (Sat): National Orchid Garden guided tour

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

20 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 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

20 Aug (Sat): Birdwatching at Bukit Brown

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Sutari Supari will take us on a casual walk around this unique and quiet corner of Singapore. This area is partially open and well covered with huge trees. Expect to see a mix of parkland, open-country as well as forest birds such as babblers, bulbuls, doves, flower-peckers, parakeets, sunbirds and woodpeckers. For members only.

Time: 7.30am-12noon. Meet at the junction of Sime Road and Kheam Hock Road, which is near the entrance of Bukit Brown Chinese Cemetery.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

20 Aug (Sat): Guided walk at the 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 13 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/

20 Aug (Sat): Rainforest walk at the 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. Call 6554 5127 (Mon-Fri).

Time: 9.25am-10.30am. Meet at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, at the ranger counter.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

8-14 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only
Announcements
  • 1-31 Aug: Free entry to museums for Singaporeans and permanent residents, and for all on Open House days. more details.
  • NParks photo and video competitions! more details
  • “City in a Garden” Photography Competition: various closing dates. Share your favourite nature photo. Attractive prizes, worth more than $29,000, to be won!
  • The Parks Festival 2011 Video Competition: closing date 31 Jul 2011: Celebrate our green spaces by producing a video with the theme ‘A Park for Everyone’, and stand to win attractive prizes!

14 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

14 Aug (Sun): Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for kids

This 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 Sg. Buloh their home. Come see for yourselves!

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

Minimum 20 pax for walk to go ahead. Register with Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages & a mobile no.

Time: 4-6pm
Cost: $13 per person (adult or child), excluding park entrance fees. Park entrance fee is $1.00 for adults, 50 cents for children.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

13 Aug (Sat): NSS Kids' Fun with Dragons and Damsels

If you were a little insect, a dragon that flies is a terrifying thing. Find out more about dragonflies and damselflies, how they hunt in our freshwater streams, and learn how to recognise some of the more common species. Tang Hung Bun, author of the book "A photographic guide to the Dragonflies of Singapore", will lead us in a fascinating walk along the Venus Drive stream. Dragonfly enthusiasts Dr Cheong Loong Fah, Robin Ngiam, Cheong Yu Jia and Cheong Yiwei will also be our guides.

Please register your children (4 to 12 years old) with Gloria Seow at gloria_seow@yahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if they are NSS members or not, if you need us to loan you a pair of binoculars or not, and let us have your mobile number. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

Time: 9-11.30am
Venue: Venus Drive stream
Cost: $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to join in at no charge.

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

13 Aug (Sat): Butterfly watching and picnic at Rifle Range to Jelutong Tower

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Meet KC and Amy at 9am at the end of Rifle Range Road. We will walk and butterfly watch to an upper arm of Upper Pierce Reservoir. Expect to see butterflies like Cruisers, Fivebar Swordtails, Blue Jays, Blue Bottles, Crows and Sailors. Then halt for a 30mins picnic at the scenic water's edge. Bring along some snacks for the picnic and plenty of water. Thereafter trek to Jelutong Tower in MacRitchie Reservoir to look for some more butterflies, and then return back to the starting point by 1 to 1:30pm.

Time: 9.30am-1.30pm, Meet at the end of Rifle Range Road.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

13 Aug (Sat): Our Kitchen Garden Tour 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 email your name, contact number and total no. of participants to Yvonne yvonne_chee@nparks.gov.sg.

Registration closes 3 days before the event. The walk will only take place with a minimum of 15 persons.

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

13 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.

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

13 Aug (Sat): "Getting to Know MacRitchie" - a guided tour

Embark on this “Earth & Water” walk at MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Suitable for young children, this walk helps them to understand why forests are so amazing and their relationship with our most essential necessity – water.

This walk is held every second Saturday.

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 8.55am at the Amenities Centre.
Venue: Meet at amenities centre of MacRitchie
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 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

13 Aug (Sat): Wallace Education Centre Gallery walk

Join our volunteers for a Nature Gallery walk in Wallace Education Centre to learn about what have been done to protect our forest since the mid-18th Century. Through engaging show and tell stations, you will get to know more about our natural history and how you can play a part in biodiversity conservation. Suitable for adults and family groups with children 12 years and above.
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/

13 Aug (Sat): HeART for Nature - FREE workshop for kids

This FREE 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: 10.30am - 11.30am
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park- Wallace Education Centre
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 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 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

13 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

1-7 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Announcements

  • 1-31 Aug: Free entry to museums for Singaporeans and permanent residents, and for all on Open House days. more details.
  • NParks photo and video competitions! more details
  • “City in a Garden” Photography Competition: various closing dates. Share your favourite nature photo. Attractive prizes, worth more than $29,000, to be won!
  • The Parks Festival 2011 Video Competition: closing date 31 Jul 2011: Celebrate our green spaces by producing a video with the theme ‘A Park for Everyone’, and stand to win attractive prizes!

7 Aug (Sun): Istana Open House

The Istana grounds are open to the public in celebration of National Day.

View the Istana gardens while a variety of performances on the grounds provide entertainment. You may also have the chance to have your photos taken with the President and First Lady when they come by to greet visitors.

Selected function rooms with displays of gifts presented to the President and Prime Minister by foreign dignitaries can be viewed for a fee of $2. All proceeds from entrance fees and the sale of Istana souvenirs will be donated to charity.

Time: 8.30am - 6pm
Venue: Entrance to the grounds is via the main gate at Orchard Road.
Charges: Admission to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents. Others, including foreign visitors, are charged an entrance fee of $1 per person.
Website: http://www.istana.gov.sg/

7 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

6 Aug (Sat): Edible and Medicinal Plants tour at the Botanic Gardens

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

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

More information on the Singapore Botanic Gardens website.

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

6 Aug (Sat): Up Close and Personal @ Peirce

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

Suitable for young children.

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

Please register at least three days before the walk at 65545127 or email Paul_Cheng@nparks.gov.sg. Walks will be cancelled in the event of bad weather.

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

6 Aug (Sat): HeART for Nature - FREE workshop for kids

This FREE 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 - 10.30am
Venue: Lower Peirce Reservoir Park (big shelter next to fishing ground)
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

6 Aug (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 Adelle at adelle_wang@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/

6 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 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