30 Jun (Sat): ABC Waters Learning Trail @ Sengkang Floating Wetland with Compassvale Secondary School

Discover more about the largest floating wetland in Singapore and the unique flora and fauna that helps in the treatment of the reservoir water

This event is part of Youth@Singapore International Water Week.

The walk is free and is suitable for all age groups. Limited to 40 persons. Pre-register with pub_watershowcases@pub.gov.sg

Time: 8.30-10am
Venue: Sengkang Floating Wetland (near Anchorvale Community Club)
Website and contact: http://www.siww.com.sg/youth/programme_Showcases.php

30 Jun (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

30 Jun (Sat): Free Pasir Ris Mangrove boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

There are fascinating mangroves at Pasir Ris Park! Easily explored through the boardwalks  and it's open even at night! Join the Naked Hermit Crabs for an evening stroll through this interesting but often overlooked mangrove.
Here, we are sure to see lots of crazy tree climbing crabs, delightful giant mudskippers and cool monitor lizards. Pasir Ris is also one of the few places where nesting herons are easily observed. And as the sun sets, we might spot some nocturnal animals like watersnakes. If we're lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the rare Mangrove pitta or the family of otters that have been seen here! More details on the Naked Hermit Crabs blog.

Register through this online form. A confirmation note will be sent.

Time: 5pm. We should end at around 6.30pm, just before sunset.
Meeting point: Pasir Ris Park, Carpark C, meet near the first toilets nearest the entrance to the carpark. The meeting point is a short stroll from the Pasir Ris MRT station. Map
Website and contact: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/

18-24 Jun: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family
LOTS more fun activities for kids and the family during the June school holidays!

The school holidays are also a great opportunity to go wild on your own! 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. Check out NParks' many DYI trails guides.

Walks in wild places


For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

24 Jun (Sun): Butterfly Walk at Upper Seletar Reservoir Park

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Meet Simon Chan at Upper Seletar Reservoir Park for an unforgettable walk. Rare species like the Plane, Aberrant Oakble, Dark Blue Jungle Glory have been spotted here before. In fact an extinct species now, the Red Base Jezebel was last seen here in the 1990s. Please remember to bring along your NSS Butterfly Field Guide and enough water to last for three hours as the nearest coffeeshop is about 4km away!

Time: 9.30-12 noon
Venue: Upper Seletar Reservoir Park
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg 
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

24 Jun (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 Information 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.sgor call 6794 1401

23 Jun (Sat) Birdwatching at the Southern Ridges

If you are a bird-lover, be sure to join us for a chirpy experience at Southern Ridges! Comprising a chain of green-open spaces and forested areas spanning the rolling hills of Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park, the Southern Ridges is home to numerous species of flora and fauna yet to be fully explored. 43 species of birds have been recently surveyed in this area, and some of them are even rare and uncommon.

This free session is conducted by Kenneth Kee, a volunteer bird guide with the Nature Society (Singapore) and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

This event is part of the Connecting with Nature programme at the Southern Ridges. Pre-registration is required, closing date 1 week before the programme. Programme will commence only with a minimum of 15 participants. Contact 6471-5601 or NParks_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg.

Time: 7.30-9am
Venue: Meet at Mount Faber Park, entrance to the Henderson Waves

Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

23 Jun (Sat): Green Corridor Ramble

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Begin the morning with The Nature Ramblers by exploring the iconic cast iron rail bridge located along Upper Bukit Timah Road. We hope to see interesting flora and fauna as we ramble along the Green Corridor. Come prepared with adequate sun protection and water. The trip will take around three hours and will end at Kranji MRT station. For members only.

Time: 7.30-10.30am
Venue: Meet Benjamin Ho at the Rail Mall's Coffee Bean outlet.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg 
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

23 Jun (Sat): Race Against Time – Science behind a Botanic Garden Tour

Join this free one-hour tour by our staff to learn more about the Gardens’ research work.

Come and explore the hub of the Gardens' research facilities at the Singapore Botanic Gardens to learn about botanical research. Find out about the urgency of plant exploration, collection and scientific documentation as species and habitats continue to be lost in the region. Visit the Orchid Micro-propagation and hybridisation display and find out how new hybrids are produced. You can also enter the restricted domain of the Herbarium and Library to learn about the valuable historical treasures they hold for science and posterity.

Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Green Pavilion, Botany Centre. Limited to 20 participants.

Time: 10-11am
Meeting point: Green Pavilion, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: NParks_SBG_Visitor_Services@nparks.gov.sg.

23 Jun (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
Venue: Register at Visitor Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens before the tour starts.
Website and contact: http://www.sbg.org.sg/ Visitor Services 6471 7361

23 Jun (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

23 Jun (Sat): FREE evening Pasir Ris mangrove boardwalk tour with the Mangrove Action Squad

Join in the fun with the Mangrove Action Squad to explore the magnificent Pasir Ris mangroves and its wildlife. Learn more about the the mangrove ecosystem as you take a stroll on the boardwalk!
Besides the tour, children visitors will also have a chance to express their creativity and thoughts on the amazing plants and animals of Pasir Ris mangrove with a coloring session. Colour pencils and papers will be provided.

The walk is limited to 50 visitors including children. Families, small groups or individuals are welcomed. For children, children ages 7 and above are mostly preferred to join these walks.

Online registration on this form.

More details on the Mangrove Action Squad

Time: 6-7pm
Meeting point: Pasir Ris Park, Carpark C, meet near the first toilets nearest the entrance to the carpark. The meeting point is a short stroll from the Pasir Ris MRT station.
Website: http://mangroveactionsquad.wordpress.com/

22 Jun (Fri): Adventure with Plants - Sara at the Evolution Garden

In this guided tour for kids, join a giant prehistoric dinosaur, Sara, who lost her friends in the Evolution Garden. Travel back through time with Sara and help her search for her squirrel friends. By going through the thematic trail, you will also learn about some ancient plants which emerged on earth millions of years ago!

Suitable for children in K1 – P2 levels.

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

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $8.50 per child (includes $2.50 "Adventure with Plants, Sara at the Evolution Garden" workbook) and $6 per accompanying adult.
Venue: Evolution Garden, Central Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/

20 Jun (Wed): A Trail Of Colours - guided tour for kids

Our beautiful garden would not be complete without the colourful blooms! In this tour, children will be able to learn about colours and the different parts and function of a flower.

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
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Fee: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg

11-17 Jun: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family
LOTS more fun activities for kids and the family during the June school holidays!

The school holidays are also a great opportunity to go wild on your own! 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. Check out NParks' many DYI trails guides.


Walks in wild places

Talks this week

17 Jun (Sun): Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes

Open to the public.

From the meeting point, a hired bus will ferry us to our destination. We begin with a pleasant stroll along a countryside road to the Kranji Marshes where we will continue our walk along the PUB Bund. The marsh is designated by URA as a Nature Park and is currently adopted by NSS under PUB's ABC Waters Programme. Birding highlights here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and more.

Pre-registration required, click on the 'ATTEND' button on the NSS website to register by 8 June 2012. A registration form will then be emailed to you. Limited to 20 persons, children below 12 are not allowed for safety reasons.

Time: 7.45-11am
Venue: Meet Ee Ling 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.

16 Jun (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

16 Jun (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

16 Jun (Sat): Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin

Experience Ubin's wonderful nature through your senses along our Sensory Trail. This is an excellent introduction to the rustic and natural character of the island. You will be able to touch, see or smell fruit trees, spices and herbs for cooking, plants used in traditional medicine and native plants of the mangrove forest.

Booking now online until 9 Jun.

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/

16 Jun (Sat): Talk on "The Secret Life of Chek Jawa" by Joseph Lai

Hidden shoals, rocky islands and rugged coasts, mysterious sandbars and spits, mangroves and coastal hill and Singapore’s largest seagrass lagoon... Chek Jawa’s secret is indeed a picture of completeness and so it should be. This talk reviews Chek Jawa in its entirety as a timeless marriage between a great river and the sea, and show off her magnificent dowry of intertidal treasures sparkling with undisputed biodiversity and inter-dependency of habitats found nowhere else in Singapore today.
About the Speaker: Joseph Lai, 52, a botanist and a volunteer at heart, was the first to bring public attention to Chek Jawa which subsequently led to the deferment of land reclamation at Pulau Ubin in 2002. He is currently an officer with National Parks Board (Conservation Division) stationed in Pulau Ubin.

This talk is free of charge and registration is not required. For enquiries, please contact Ms Zheng Jiahui at zheng_jiahui@nparks.gov.sg.

Time: 3.30-4.30pm
Venue: Jurong Regional Library
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

16 Jun (Sat): A Trail Of Colours - guided tour for kids

Our beautiful garden would not be complete without the colourful blooms! In this tour, children will be able to learn about colours and the different parts and function of a flower.

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
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Fee: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg

16 Jun (Sat): Fun walk along the Southern Ridges

Take your family on a leisurely stroll through the Southern Ridges, a soothing sanctuary of greenery that is steeped in history and home to some of nature's greatest gifts of flora and fauna. Highlights of the free tour include the Henderson Waves, Sembcorp Forest of Giants, Forest Walk and Singing Forest.

This free walk is conducted by the Sembcorp volunteer guides. The walk is free and made possible by Garden City Fund and Sembcorp.

This event is part of the Connecting with Nature programme at the Southern Ridges. Pre-registration is required, closing date 1 week before the programme. Programme will commence only with a minimum of 15 participants. Contact 6471-5601 or NParks_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg.


Time: 9-11am
Venue: Mount Faber Park, entrance of Henderson Waves.
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

16 Jun (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

4-10 Jun: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Other activities

LOTS more fun activities for kids and the family during the June school holidays!

The school holidays are also a great opportunity to go wild on your own! 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. Check out NParks' many DYI trails guides.

Walks in our wild places

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

10 Jun (Sun): Birdwatching at Pulau Ubin

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Pulau Ubin is an island that never fails to surprise and always with new things to be discovered. We will explore the rural areas of Ubin to look for island specialities such as the Red Junglefowl, Oriental Pied Hornbill and the globally endangered Straw-headed Bulbul. NSS Kids who are attending the walk with their parents will have a dedicated kids guide.

Time: 7.30-11.30am
Venue: Meet Willie Foo at Changi Jetty and we will take a bumboat to Pulau Ubin. The bumboat fare is $2.50 per person, payable to the boatman.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg 
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

9 Jun (Sat): FREE film screening of "OceanWorld"

Come for this free outdoor screening of OceanWorld! Experience the beauty of our oceans, be inspired to take action to save our seas.

It's the school holidays, so come along with your family members and friends. Come early to get a good spot and to check out the WWF booths to learn more about our marine conservation programme. Bring a picnic basket and mat to enjoy the sea breeze and sunset.

Make your picnic an ocean-friendly one. Make sure any seafood you bring is sustainable - here's the WWF Singapore Seafood Guide to help you along.

Time: 6.30-9.30pm, screening at 7.30pm
Venue: East Coast Park, Dalbergia Green location map
Website: http://www.wwf.sg/what_we_do/save_our_seas/celebrate_our_world_s_oceans/
Contact: schng@wwf.sg (Serene)

9 Jun (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 8 years (with parental supervision).

Limited spaces available. Register online or email vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9.30-10.30am. The workshop will be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park- Wallace Education Centre
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

9 Jun (Sat): Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh

This one day camp encompasses a series of fun-filled and educational indoor and outdoor learning of the wetlands and nature conservation issues through worksheets, nature walks and hands-on activities. Children will earn a stamp for every completed activity, and a full collection of stamps will earn them a series of cloth badges.

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

More information on the programme and online registration form on the Reserve website.

Time: 9am- 5pm
Cost: Each participant needs to purchase a young naturalist passport from the Visitor Services Counter at 50 cents. Registration of $5 is applicable, and cheques will be returned upon attendance and completion of the camp. The fee will be donated to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve education fund if the child fails to turn up for the camp upon registration and confirmation. Admission charges (50 cents per child) apply.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: 67941401

9 Jun (Sat): Walk With Nature at Tampines Eco Green

How did the acrobat ant get its name? How many blades of grass make up a Baya Weaver’s nest? When does the Changeable Lizard change its colours? What do dragonflies tell us about ponds? Which is the largest bird in Singapore? Take a walk with nature at Tampines Eco Green and discover the answers for yourselves!

To register, please contact Miss Nanthini at nanthini_elamgovan@nparks.gov.sg.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Shelter near entrance, Tampines Eco Green
Cost: $5 per person
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

9 Jun (Sat): Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research

Open to the public

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-registration required, by clicking on the 'ATTEND' button on the NSS website.

Time: 8am, 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.

9 Jun (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 a boardwalk, 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.

Tours in Mandarin are available at 10am and 4pm.

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

9 Jun (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

9 Jun (Sat): Free morning Pasir Ris mangrove boardwalk tour with the Mangrove Action Squad

Join in the fun with the Mangrove Action Squad to explore the magnificent Pasir Ris mangroves and its wildlife. Learn more about the the mangrove ecosystem as you take a stroll on the boardwalk!
Besides the tour, children visitors will also have a chance to express their creativity and thoughts on the amazing plants and animals of Pasir Ris mangrove with a coloring session. Colour pencils and papers will be provided.

The walk is limited to 50 visitors including children. Families, small groups or individuals are welcomed. For children, children ages 7 and above are mostly preferred to join these walks.

Online registration on this form.

More details on the Mangrove Action Squad

Time: 11am-12pm
Meeting point: Pasir Ris Park, Carpark C, meet near the first toilets nearest the entrance to the carpark. The meeting point is a short stroll from the Pasir Ris MRT station.
Website: http://mangroveactionsquad.wordpress.com/

9 Jun (Sat): Nature Journeys Environmental Forum with Zeb Hogan

Zeb Hogan will be hosting a public seminar on the beauty of Semakau Landfill as he presents an eye-opening introduction on the rich bio-diversity of flora and fauna that can be found on the Semakau Landfill following his first visit to the island. Dr. Hogan will also share about his exciting experiences as a National Geographic Explorer, and take his audience through an insightful session on our environment and his work in conservation.
Semakau Landfill is the world’s first-of-its-kind offshore landfill showcasing the unique co-existence with rich biodiversity. Pulau Semakau boasts of natural habitats that have been carefully preserved to be home to more than 300 species of plants and animals, some of them rare in this region.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has partnered National Geographic Channel (NGC) to present Nature Journeys, featuring Semakau Landfill’s eco-haven in new light, through the eyes of National Geographic Explorer, ecologist and host of NGC television programme Monster Fish, Dr. Zeb Hogan.

More about Pulau Semakau.

Time: 10am-12noon
Venue: Republic Polytechnic, Lecture Theatre W2
Website and contact: www.naturejourneys.com.sg




8-15 Jun: Wiggles and Giggles - Singapore International Children's Film Festival

Wiggles and Giggles is a combination of nature-themed films and guided tours at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden. A collection of 7 nature-themed and eco-friendly films, for ages 3 to 9, is paired with a guided tour of the gardens at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
Get to see adorable potatoes sing and dance in the rousing musical number Small Potatoes Rock or learn how a resourceful inchworm measures a robin’s tail, a flamingo’s neck, a toucan’s beak, a heron’s legs, and a nightingale’s song to keep itself from being eaten in Inch by Inch. The festival aims to provide kids with educational, enriching and value-affirming content through film and provide families with an enjoyable and enriching cultural experience.

These two different guided tours are available on alternate day of screenings.

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

Pond Life Discovery
How do aquatic plants survive when they are submerged in water? What are the special characteristics that aquatic plants have which enable them float on water surface? Aquatic plants are also habitats to many animals. Discover the fascinating pond ecology and be introduced to food chains and the ecosystem. You will be amazed by the many different types of aquatic plants and animals that could be found in ponds.

This event is a collaboration of The Singapore Botanic Gardens and Big Eyes, Big Minds

Dates: 8 to 15 Jun (except 11 Jun)
Venue:  Film screenings at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. Each screening is 35 minutes and paired with a 30 minutes guided tour of the gardens.
Cost: $12.50 each (excluding ticketing fees) and available through the festival website www.bigeyesbigminds.com In the event of inclement weather, guided tours will be cancelled for safety reasons. The Gardens will make arrangements for alternate programmes.
Website and contact: www.bigeyesbigminds.com and hoots@bigeyesbigminds.com

28 May-3 Jun: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family
LOTS more fun activities for kids and the family during the June school holidays!

The school holidays are also a great opportunity to go wild on your own! 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. Check out NParks' many DYI trails guides.

Walks in wild places

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Announcements
  • NParks Chek Jawa intertidal tours cancelled: 1 Jul to 31 Dec 2012 due to upgrading works for the floating pontoons more details

3 Jun (Sun): NSS Kids' Fun at Tampines Eco-Green

For this school holidays, traipse across the open green grasslands and poke around the ponds of Tampines Eco-Green. It is filled with birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Learn how its habitats have a place in the great web of life. We may spot the Asian Golden Weaver, a beautiful escapee caged bird that is nesting in the park's Acacia trees. What's wrong with these foreign plants and animals? Why are we worried about them? Listen to their stories and find out.

This event is open to the public.

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 Nature Society (Singapore) members or not, if you need us to loan you a pair of binoculars or not, and let us have your mobile number. A fee of $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. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

Time: 8.30-11am
Venue: Tampines Eco-Green
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg 
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

2 Jun (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 8 years (with parental supervision).

Limited spaces available. Register online or email vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9.30-10.30am. The workshop will be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
Venue: Lower Peirce Reservoir Park (big shelter next to fishing ground)
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

2 Jun (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.

Sign up on this online form. 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. Location map
Tour duration: One-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

2 Jun (Sat): Adventure with Plants - Sara at the Evolution Garden

In this guided tour for kids, join a giant prehistoric dinosaur, Sara, who lost her friends in the Evolution Garden. Travel back through time with Sara and help her search for her squirrel friends. By going through the thematic trail, you will also learn about some ancient plants which emerged on earth millions of years ago!

Suitable for children in K1 – P2 levels.

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

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $8.50 per child (includes $2.50 "Adventure with Plants, Sara at the Evolution Garden" workbook) and $6 per accompanying adult.
Venue: Evolution Garden, Central Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/

2 Jun (Sat): Birdwatching along the Railway Corridor, Part 1

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

The railway corridor is now open to the public and this walk will allow us to sample the birdlife of Clementi Forest that abuts the railway along this stretch. Several endangered and interesting bird species have been spotted here, making the area valuable for conserving our forest-associated species. These birds include the Asian Drongo Cuckoo, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Red-legged Crake, Straw-headed Bulbul and Malayan Night Heron.

Time: 7.45-11am
Venue: Meet Dr Ho Hua Chew at the former Bt Timah Railway Station. Parking is available at the basement carpark at MacDonalds or the roadside of King Albert Park.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg 
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

2 Jun (Sat): Nature Sketching in the Park

Join us for this art-and-nature appreciation workshop and draw at leisure in a beautiful garden setting. The workshop will cover basic landscape and nature drawing, as well as colour theory, with emphasis on understanding the unique characteristics of our gardens, nature, flora and fauna.

This workshop is conducted by Tham Puisan, an avid artist who expresses his passion for nature through his artwork. He welcomes participants of all ages or anyone who wants to learn.


Suitable for adults and youths 12 years and above.

This event is part of the Connecting with Nature programme at the Southern Ridges. Pre-registration is required, closing date 1 week before the programme. Programme will commence only with a minimum of 15 participants. Contact 6471-5601 or NParks_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg.

Time: 9.30am-11am
Venue: HortPark, The Lab at Hands-on House
Cost: $18 per person, materials included.
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

2 Jun (Sat): Tour of the Healing Garden, Botanic Gardens

A free guided tour of the newly launched Healing Garden which showcases over 400 varieties of plants used medicinally. It is laid out thematically relating to component parts of the body such as head, respiratory and reproductive systems. Spread over 2.5 hectares, this garden is designed as a tranquil retreat with medical plants traditionally used in Southeast Asia as the main focus.

This walk is conducted every first Saturday of the month.

Time: 9am and 10am, please register 15 minutes before the tour
Venue: Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services (6471 7361)

2 Jun (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

2 Jun (Sat): Free Pasir Ris Mangrove boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

There are fascinating mangroves at Pasir Ris Park! Easily explored through the boardwalks  and it's open even at night! Join the Naked Hermit Crabs for an evening stroll through this interesting but often overlooked mangrove.
Here, we are sure to see lots of crazy tree climbing crabs, delightful giant mudskippers and cool monitor lizards. Pasir Ris is also one of the few places where nesting herons are easily observed. And as the sun sets, we might spot some nocturnal animals like watersnakes. If we're lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the rare Mangrove pitta or the family of otters that have been seen here! More details on the Naked Hermit Crabs blog.

Register through this online form. A confirmation note will be sent.

Time: 5pm. We should end at around 6.30pm, just before sunset.
Meeting point: Pasir Ris Park, Carpark C, meet near the first toilets nearest the entrance to the carpark. The meeting point is a short stroll from the Pasir Ris MRT station. Map
Website and contact: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/