24-30 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

It's the Christmas season. While everyone else is busy creating trash this season, why not make a difference and help clear it up and do something about it? ECO Singapore needs volunteers for a post-Christmas party clean up at Orchard Road on 24 Dec (Mon). Join them and make a difference this Christmas!

Other events this coming weekend include a cycling tour to Chek Jawa with the Green Volunteers Network.

Always wanted to take up art? Join Pui San as he introduces art and nature appreciation on his Painting with Pui San at Sungei Buloh.

Or join the heritage tour and nature walk at Fort Canning or mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh.

All the best for the new year from all of us at wild happenings!

29 Dec (Sat): Heritage and nature walk at Fort Canning Park

Free guided walk to discover the most historic part of Singapore. Malay & Chinese historical records point to this hill as the centre of a kingdom that arose around 1300AD. Previously a "Forbidden Hill", Fort Canning Park once housed some ancient Malay rulers as well as Sir Stamford Raffles who had his house built in 1823 during his 3rd and last visit to Singapore.

This walk is conducted by volunteer guides every last Saturday.

Time: 4-5.30pm
Venue: Meet at Cox Terrace, in front of Fort Canning Centre, Fort Canning Park
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Lili at 63321302 or Goh_lili@nparks.gov.sg

29 Dec (Sat): Cycling tour to Chek Jawa

Join the Green Volunteers Network on a leisurely three-hour cycling tour of Pulau Ubin on the way to the famous Chek Jawa. You should be reasonably fit and you can rent bicycles at Pulau Ubin from $5 to $8 depending on the quality.

Pre-registration required. Register by emailing Grace (see below) and giving her your name, mobile number and date of birth.

More about Chek Jawa and Pulau Ubin on the wildsingapore website, including how to get to Pulau Ubin.

Time: 10am sharp, meet at Ubin Green House which is a 3-minute walk from Ubin Jetty.
Cost: $3 coordination charge per person ($5 non-GVN members)
Contact: grace_ang@singnet.com.sg

29 Dec (Sat): Painting with Pui San at Sungei Buloh

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

Pui San welcomes artists of all ages or anyone who wants to learn. His objective is to encourage creativity while enjoying nature at the same time. Bring along your favourite drawing or painting supplies.

More in the art in the wetlands blog.

Time: Meet 8.30am at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve ticketing counter (Visitor Centre). Session usually lasts until about 11am.
Admission charges: While the art session is free, usual admission charges to Reserve apply. $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://artinwetlands.wordpress.com/
Contact: Tham Pui Sam at thampuisan@hotmail.com or the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve at sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

29 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30 am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

24 Dec (Mon): Christmas Cleanup@Orchard

Make a difference this Christmas!
Instead of adding to the trash, help clean up.

This email just in from ZengRong from ECO Singapore

"Hi I am ZengRong from ECO Singapore , I have just gotten approval from PURECHEM VEOLIA , the cleaning contractor for "Celebrate Christmas in Singapore" to join them in their clean up operation after the party at orchard.

Our aim is to experience and observe the cleaning operation and also the magnitude of the littering problem. We also hope to a write up on the event and also a discussion to improve the situation after the event. They are allowing me to bring along anyone who is interested to join in the operation.

This is a rare chance, and due to the short notice , i am sending this invite to all interested volunteers.

Attire: T-shirt, long pants, covered shoes
Also bring along: drinking water, towel and change of clothing.

Sign up asap with ZengRong hengheng84@yahoo.com.sg by 24 Dec (Mon) 5pm, or call him 97941914 so that he can send you the exact details and indemnity forms for anyone under 21 years.

Tentative details are
Time: 11pm (24 Dec) to 3am (25 Dec)
Venue: Meet at Orchard MRT Control Station (11pm)
Contact: Heng ZengRong hengheng84@yahoo.com.sg or call 97941914
Website: http://www.eco-singapore.org
Transport home: Via Nite owl or Night Rider at own expense

17-23 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

More holiday fun for the kids! Take them to Pasir Ris Park for Green Fingers & Eco-Walk to learn about plants, or their Up Close and Personal with mangrove creatures tour. For an indoor event, take the kids to the library story-telling session about pets to learn more about pets.

Spend a day outdoors and make a difference! Join the Green Volunteers in their blitz on non-native weeds that are threatening our wild places on Pulau Ubin.

For creative nature lovers, join Pui San's Creative Christmas Art Workshop at Sungei Buloh.

There are also the walks at Evolution Garden and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. The walks at Chek Jawa are already fully booked.

23 Dec (Sun): Intertidal walk on Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin

An easy stroll along seagrass meadows to view rich marine life. Large sea anemones, sea stars, strange crabs and more! Also learn more about the other rare marine habitats on one of our last vast natural shores. You will get your feet wet, and must wear covered footwear for your safety.

Suitable for young children 5 years and above.

Pre-registration required.

More about Chek Jawa on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. The intertidal walks at Chek Jawa are conducted by the volunteers of Ubin NParks.

Time: 3.00pm
Venue: In front of the Volunteer Hub at Pulau Ubin (formerly the basketball court)
Contact: Ubin NParks at 6542-4108

22 Dec (Sat): Creatures Up Close and Personal

A guided walk at Pasir Ris Park Mangrove. 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.

Pre-registration required.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Pasir Ris Park, Pasir Ris Green (Carpark C)
Cost: $5/person
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg

22 Dec (Sat): School Holiday Special - Storytelling Session On Pets

Introduce the kids to pet responsibility. Action for Singapore Dogs will be bringing about greater awareness to the pet responsibility message through the 45 minute engaging story.

Limited to 40 children (4-12 yrs).

Admission is free and no registration is required.

Time: 2-4pm
Venue: Bishan Community Library - Activity Room
Website: http://www.nlb.gov.sg/
Contact: Use contact form on the NLB website

22 Dec (Sat): Ubin Blitz on Micanta and Acacia

Make a difference and have a great day out on our last unspoilt island with a fabulous bunch of volunteers. The Green Volunteers Network is looking for help to get rid of these two invasive species of plants that are slowly encroaching the path of the sensory walk. We need volunteers to help weed them out. These weeds can be easily pulled out by hand, cotton gloves will be provided.

If you can help please email grace_ang@singnet.com.sg and further details will be provided on this effort.

22 Dec (Sat): Intertidal walk on Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin

An easy stroll along seagrass meadows to view rich marine life. Large sea anemones, sea stars, strange crabs and more! Also learn more about the other rare marine habitats on one of our last vast natural shores. You will get your feet wet, and must wear covered footwear for your safety.
An easy stroll along seagrass meadows to view rich marine life. Large sea anemones, sea stars, strange crabs and more! Also learn more about the other rare marine habitats on one of our last vast natural shores. You will get your feet wet, and must wear covered footwear for your safety.

Suitable for young children 5 years and above.

Pre-registration required.

More about Chek Jawa on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. The intertidal walks at Chek Jawa are conducted by the volunteers of Ubin NParks.

Time: 2.00pm
Venue: In front of the Volunteer Hub at Pulau Ubin (formerly the basketball court)
Contact: Ubin NParks at 6542-4108

22 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30 am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

22 Dec (Sat): Evolution Garden tour

A free guided walk of this unique garden that tells the story of how our plants came to be. An easy stroll on paved paths among strange plants.

Suitable for kids.

The 4pm tour is conducted in mandarin.

This walk is held every fourth Saturday of the month.

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

20 Dec (Thu): Creative Christmas Art Workshop at Sungei Buloh

Join local artist and volunteer, Tham Pui San, as he shares with you the art of turning pebbles and wood blocks into beautiful gifts and decorations for the festive season!

Registration required. Maximum 30 persons.

Time: 9.30am-12.30pm
Cost: $5 per person(materials included)
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or 67941401

19 Dec (Wed): What do bats see with their sonar?

A talk by James A. Simmons from Brown University who shares how echolocating big brown bats determine target distance and target shape.

Time: 4pm
Venue: Department of Biological Science Conference Room, the National University of Singapore
Website: http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/index.php

18 Dec (Tue): Green Fingers & Eco-Walk at Pasir Ris Park

Learn about the different types of soil, fertilisers and organic soil we can use for plants. Participants will each get to plant their own plant and bring it home to continue caring for it.

Suitable for children aged 3 to 12 yrs.

Fees appliable (cost unspecified on NParks website)

Time: 2pm to 6pm
Venue: Pasir Ris Park (carpark E)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Stephanie Anne at 6582 4982 or stephanie@clubkangaroo.sg

10-16 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

Yet more holiday activities for the kids! Choose from two children's plant activities at the Botanic Gardens: Colours in the Garden or Shapes, Sizes and Textures. Or take them on a special kid's mangrove walk at Pasir Ris.

Fun for the entire family! Join the Native Plant Hunt at Hindhede Nature Park (next to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve), go for a free tour of the National Orchid Garden, or the inaugural mangrove walk at Pasir Ris Park or the weekly mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh.

For a really exciting trip, go for the night tour of the mangroves at Pasir Ris Park.

Special events include a birdwatching tour of Seletar. Go now as this area is targeted for development.

For NSS members only, there's a birdwatching trip to Pulau Ubin.

16 Dec (Sun): Birdwatching at Pulau Ubin

for NSS members only.

Join Ali Jaafar on this pre-Christmas trip to check out the migrants that seek temporary abode in this idyllic island and not forgetting our resident birds Oriental Pied Hornbill and many others. Also, do remember to look out for the Peregrine Falcon that is often sighted near the Pulau Ubin jetty.

Time: 7.30am, meet at Changi Point Jetty.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: To join the Nature Society (Singapore), email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

16 Dec (Sun): Birdwatching at Seletar's disappearing habitats

The Nature Society (Singapore) will be leading a tour to spot as many of the 80 species of bird that reside at Seletar. As their habitat and food chain disappear, so will they. Make the most of the opportunity while it is still available.

And while you're there, pick up these lovely greeting cards and be part of the community that keeps memories of Seletar alive.



Time: 8-11am
Venue: Meet at the car park of the former Seletar Airbase Golf Course.
Website: Postcards from Seletar
Contact: Ho Hua Chew hohc@starhub.net.sg or call 64571196.

15 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Pasir Ris Park

A free guided walk through this precious pocket of mangrove around Sungei Tampines which was preserved when Pasir Ris Park was created. A boardwalk weaves through this important ecosystem, bringing visitors closer to its plants and animals.

More about the walks on the NParks website.
The free guided walks are conducted every third Saturday starting from December 2007.

Time: 9am
Venue: Pasir Ris Park
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Wei Teng chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg

15 Dec (Sat): Hantu Swamp Adventure at Pasir Ris Park

A different mangrove emerges upon nightfall. Join us into a night of adventure as we journey into the infamous location in Pasir Ris.... the Pasir Ris Park Swamp. An event for the brave-hearted, you will be on a mission to search for clues to solve a mystery question. The haunting stories we heard about the swamp may come alive for the night!

Time: 8-10pm (7.30pm registration)
Venue: Pasir Ris Park, Pasir Ris Green (Carpark C)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Wei Teng chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg

15 Dec (Sat): Free tour of the National Orchid Garden

A leisurely stroll through a garden of orchids and other special plants.

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

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am and 4pm, register at Visitor Centre 15 minutes before the tour starts. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Tour duration: One hour.
Cost: While the tour is free, admission charges to the Orchid Garden applies: $5/adult, $1/student, $1/senior citizens (above 60 years) , Child below 12 years - Free
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

15 Dec (Sat): Shapes, Sizes and Textures

A guided tour for kids at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden.

Waxy, hairy, smooth or rough. Big, small or tiny. Compound or singular. From this tour, learn about the many shapes, sizes and textures of leaves and other parts of interesting plants in the Children's Garden.

Suitable for K1 - P2 levels.

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $6 per child/parent
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/education/workshopchi.asp
Contact: Singapore Botanic Gardens 6471 9961

15 Dec (Sat): Native Plant Hunt

A free fun activity among the tall shady trees of Hindhede Nature Park, overlooking scenic quarry views. Form a team of three to five members, pick up your clues at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, and you're on your way to learn more about at least eight native plant species! You have one hour to complete your hunt.

Pre-registration is required. Limited to maximum of 10 people per registrant.

This activity is conducted by the Building and Environment Green Volunteers from Ngee Ann Polytechnic's School of Engineering and the volunteers from NParks Central Nature Reserve.

More about the activity on the NParks website.

Time: 10 -11am. Start at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg
Contact: vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg or 6554 5127.

15 Dec (Sat): Mangrove Walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30 am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

14 Dec (Fri): Talk at NUS on "Mixed-species bird flocks"

Talk by Eben and Uromi Goodale on "Mixed-species bird flocks: Linking communication, community ecology and conservation" discusses collaborative projects in Sri Lanka, India and Papua New Guinea. Hosted by the Biodiversity and Ecology Journal Club of the Department of Biological Science, the National University of Singapore

More details on the habitatnews blog

Time: 10.30-11.30am
Venue: Department of Biological Sciences Conference Room, the National University of Singapore; Block S2 Level 3

12 Dec (Wed): Creatures Up Close and Personal

A guided walk at Pasir Ris Park Mangrove. 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.

Pre-registration required.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Pasir Ris Park, Pasir Ris Green (Carpark C)
Cost: $5/person
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg

12 Dec (Wed): Colours in the Garden!

A children's workshop at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Indoor and outdoor sessions including a trail of colours, and a planting session. Suitable for K1 and K2.

Suitable for P4-P6.

Time: 9am-1pm
Cost: $50 per child includes all materials, refreshment and lunch
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/education/workshopchi.asp
Contact: Singapore Botanic Gardens 6471 9961

10 Dec (Mon): Intertidal walk on Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin

An easy stroll along seagrass meadows to view rich marine life. Large sea anemones, sea stars, strange crabs and more! Also learn more about the other rare marine habitats on one of our last vast natural shores. You will get your feet wet, and must wear covered footwear for your safety.

Suitable for young children 5 years and above.

Pre-registration required.

More about Chek Jawa on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. The intertidal walks at Chek Jawa are conducted by the volunteers of Ubin NParks.

Time: 4.00pm
Venue: In front of the Volunteer Hub at Pulau Ubin (formerly the basketball court)
Contact: Ubin NParks at 6542-4108

3-9 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

More special events for kids this week, with Flower Power and Plants and Me, workshops at the Botanic Gardens.

This week there are two ways for you to make a difference for wildlife trade and the plight of animals affected by them.

For the party animals, come for the ACRES' Wild, Green 'n Rouge Party on Friday night!

Or register for the Charity Guided Tour of Raffles Museum by the volunteer guides of the Raffles Museum; a one-day event in aid of Acres Wildlife Rescue Center. Learn more about wildlife trade in Singapore and make a difference on this issue!

For those who love the sun, sand and sea, join the Pasir Ris to Ubin kayaking trip.

Forest lovers can choose from walks at MacRitchie Prunus Trail and Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail or the mangrove forest at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

For the young environmentalist, check out the forum on Making $ense Of The Changing Climate which includes a tour of a NeWater plant.

Have a wild week ahead!

Latest updates: Chek Jawa walks Jan-Mar 08

Bookings for the Chek Jawa intertidal walks in Jan - Mar 08 opens on 1 Dec 07.

As of 1 Jan 08, the Chek Jawa intertidal walks will be charged at $60 per group of maximum 15 participants.

Dates of walks in Jan-Mar 08
8 Jan 08 (Tue): 4pm
20 Jan 08 (Sun): 2pm
21 Jan 08 (Mon): 3pm
22 Jan 08 (Tue): 4pm
6 Feb 08 (wed): 4pm
19 Feb 08 (Tue): 3pm
20 Feb 08 (Wed): 4pm
7 Mar 08 (Fri): 4pm
13 Mar 08 (Thu): 8am
14 Mar 08 (Fri): 9am
19 Mar 08 (Wed): 3pm

from the NParks Ubin website
To book a tour:
Call the Pulau Ubin Hotline (Tel: 6542-4108) or visit the Ubin Information Kiosk between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm to book a tour. You will be given a booking number to register with on the actual day of the tour. As demand for the guided tours is high, please book early to avoid disappointment.

Make payment by cheque to “National Parks Board” (indicate your booking number, name and mailing address at the back of the cheque) at least one week prior to the tour and send it to

National Parks Board
Headquarters (Raffles Building)
1 Cluny Road , Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore 259569
Att: Adelle Wang (Pulau Ubin)

Your booking will only be confirmed upon receipt of your payment. Bookings will be canceled if payment is not received at least one week before the tour.

Please visit the Ubin NParks website for more details.

9 Dec (Sun): Nature walk at MacRitchie Prunus Trail

Free guided nature walk along boardwalks hugging the MacRitchie Reservoir. Learn about this mature secondary, spot forest and aquatic wildlife, enjoy panaromic views of waters surrounded by luxuriant forest.

Suitable for young children.

Pre-registration required.

More about the MacRitchie Prunus 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 second Sunday of the month.

Time: 9.25am. Meet at entrance of the trail, about 50m after the canoe kiosk on the eastern side of MacRitchie Reservoir Park.
Tour duration: About one hour.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg or call 6554 5127.

9 Dec (Sun): Intertidal walk on Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin

An easy stroll along seagrass meadows to view rich marine life. Large sea anemones, sea stars, strange crabs and more! Also learn more about the other rare marine habitats on one of our last vast natural shores. You will get your feet wet, and must wear covered footwear for your safety.

Suitable for young children 5 years and above.

Pre-registration required.

More about Chek Jawa on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. The intertidal walks at Chek Jawa are conducted by the volunteers of Ubin NParks.

Time: 3.00pm
Venue: In front of the Volunteer Hub at Pulau Ubin (formerly the basketball court)
Contact: Ubin NParks at 6542-4108

9 Dec (Sun): Sungei Buloh Anniversary Walk

Come for a leisurely stroll and hear stories about the mangroves. It will be a rising tide and you will see tree-climbing crabs, mudskippers, water monitors, Archer fish, Halfbeaks and Garfish. Learn about economic uses of the plants and animals in the region, Mandai mangroves, the invasion of WWII and enjoy the view of Johor.

It's also time for the migratory birds that have winged down from the north and if we are luck, we will see the gems - the resident family of Smooth-coated otters and the crocodile!

Suitable for young children.

Pre-registration required, for 60 participants only. Please email toddycats@gmail.com with following details:

1. Full name.
2. Email address.
3. Phone number.
4. Number of people in group.
5. Is this your first time to Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve?

This walk is traditionally held annually in celebration of the anniversary of the official opening of Singapore's first wetlands reserve at Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve. It is conducted by the volunteers of NUS' Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research (Toddycats!).

More details on the habitatnews blog

Time: 8am
Venue: Meet at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Visitor Centre
Website: http://sbaw.rafflesmuseum.net/
Contact: toddycats@gmail.com

8 Dec (Sat): Charity Guided Tour of Raffles Museum

The Raffles Museum Toddycats, volunteer guides with Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research will be holding a one-day charity, gallery guiding event in aid of Acres Wildlife Rescue Center. The main purpose of this event is to raise awareness on the wildlife trade while raising funds for the only wildlife rescue center in Singapore.

The theme for this guided tour is the 'Wildlife trade in Singapore'. The guiding will be focused on the Wildlife Trade and Animal Welfare with guides to enthrall us with the various shady and appalling tricks of the wildlife trade.

Please express your interest and RSVP the number of people attending and a contact person by 3rd Dec.

Time: 10am - 3pm, Visitors are welcome to come anytime between 10am to 3pm.
Duration: This is a free and easy guiding session and visitors are welcome at their own time.
Venue: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research (RMBR), National University of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, #03-01, Faculty of Science
Cost: Donations. This event is being done free-of-charge and so visitors are encouraged to donate whatever they choose to the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Center. This is a special, one time Gallery event focusing on the plight of animals, so do come for a tour of a natural history museum and show your support for Acres.
Contact: nanthineej@gmail.com or call 91279479

8 Dec (Sat): Intertidal walk on Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin

An easy stroll along seagrass meadows to view rich marine life. Large sea anemones, sea stars, strange crabs and more! Also learn more about the other rare marine habitats on one of our last vast natural shores. You will get your feet wet, and must wear covered footwear for your safety.

Suitable for young children 5 years and above.

Pre-registration required.

More about Chek Jawa on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. The intertidal walks at Chek Jawa are conducted by the volunteers of Ubin NParks.

Time: 3.00pm
Venue: In front of the Volunteer Hub at Pulau Ubin (formerly the basketball court)
Contact: Ubin NParks at 6542-4108

8 Dec (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, 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

8-9 Dec (Sat-Sun): Kayaking Expedition in Singapore!

Join this Kayaking-Camping Expedition and enjoy a unique weekend of fun and sun, as well as get to get know more about one of our natural treasures: Pulau Ubin!

Limited vacancies!

Registration required.

No kayaking certification is required, but participants are expected to be able to swim 50m confidently. No age limit, however, for participants younger than 18 years old, parental consent is required.

This event is organised by the Bukit Batok Youth Executive Committee and is supported by the South West CDC.

Time: 12noon 8 Dec - 12noon 9 Dec
Meeting point: WaterCross Centre, Pasir Ris Beach
Cost: $50/person includes ayaks Rentals, Food, Insurance, Rental Camping Equipment,Safety Boat Cover
Website: http://wateradventure.wordpress.com/
Contact: zhixian_tan@yahoo.com

8 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30 am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

8 Dec (Sat): Making $ense Of The Changing Climate - A Forum

The People's Association Youth Movement (PAYM) Policy Forum@Jalan Besar GRC on "Making $ense Of The Changing Climate" will be hosted by Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources. The forum aims to engage youths on the impact of the changing climate on Singapore and to explore the various ways that Singapore can respond to the challenges ahead, with a focus on our money (macro and micro). This will be followed by a guided tour around the NeWater plant, and a tea session.

Pre-registration required.

Email Wenhua earthlink0506@yahoo.com with the following details: full name, I/C or FIN no, age, gender. Please indicate whether you are driving or taking the shuttle bus from Tanah Merah MRT.

Time: 1pm-5.30pm
Venue: Bedok NeWater Plant
Dress: Smart Casual
There will be two-way shuttle service from Tanah Merah MRT Station Pick-Up point at 12.45pm
Website: http://www.paym.org.sg/
Contact: Wenhua earthlink0506@yahoo.com

7 Dec (Fri): ACRES' Wild, Green 'n Rouge Party



With the generous support of Rouge, ACRES is throwing the party of the month to celebrate the establishment of the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre (AWRC)! Have an explosive start to your weekend and get Wild, Green 'n Rouge with ACRES for a night of rambunctious fun and sizzling entertainment!

A night dedicated to wild animals, proceeds raised will go towards providing a restful sanctuary for our animal friends. Come and indulge in the wildlife-themed food and cocktails created exclusively just for the night, while embracing the sounds of True Colours, a local band, bringing you the chart-toppers of today and yesteryear!

The Body Shop door gift worth $20 will be given to 300 early birds.

Time: 8pm till late
Venue: Rouge Club, 180 Orchard Road, Peranakan Place Complex
Charges: $20 (includes entry and 1 drink)
Website: http://www.acres.org.sg/wildgreenrouge/

6 Dec (Thu): Flower Power!

A children's workshop at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Indoor and outdoor sessions including the flower trail, investigating flowering plants and a planting session.

Suitable for P4-P6.

Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: $80 per child includes all materials, refreshment and lunch
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/education/workshopchi.asp
Contact: Singapore Botanic Gardens 6471 9961

4 Dec (Tue): Plants & Me!

A children's workshop at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Indoor and outdoor sessions including plants and their uses, art & craft with plants and a planting session.

Suitable for P1-P3.

Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: $80 per child includes all materials, refreshment and lunch
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/education/workshopchi.asp
Contact: Singapore Botanic Gardens 6471 9961

26 Nov-2 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

This week, MORE holiday fun activities for kids!

Bring them for the Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs, learn nature photography with the kids at the Botanic Gardens, sign them up for the Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh. There's special activities at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden with a highlights talk and tour, and a story-guided tour for the really young ones. Introduce the kids to plants that they eat in the kitchen garden tour at Pasir Ris Park on Friday and Saturday, Green Vibes tour at the Bishan Park. There's also a general tour of edible and medicinal plants at the Botanic Gardens. For an indoor nature activity, try The Snail Story story-telling and crafts session on the library.

Special happenings includes a free guided walk at Pulau Ubin's sensory trail and a night tour of the mangroves at Pasir Ris Park.

For the more active, go briskwalking at Kent Ridge Park and MacRitchie Reservoir.

The regular tours are also on at Sungei Buloh and Lower Peirce boardwalk and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

Weekday events: for nature volunteers and other interested in environmental issues, come for the gathering at the Green Drinks event. There's also a free talk on The Role of Prevention in Sustainable Resource Use

For NSS members, there's a birdwatching tour at Pulau Semakau.

Now open for bookings

8-9 Dec (Sat-Sun): Kayaking Expedition in Singapore! a special opportunity to experience our seas from Pasir Ris to Pulau Ubin!

2 Dec (Sun): Free Sensory Walk at Pulau Ubin

Join the Green Volunteers Network as they guide you on this splendid route to experience nature with all your senses. The walk will take about one-and-a-half hours.

Suitable for children.

Pre-registration required.

More about the Sensory Trail on the wildsingapore website with links on how to get to Pulau Ubin.

Time: 4pm, meet at Ubin Green House about 3-minute walk from Ubin Jetty.
Contact: catatonickheng@yahoo.co.uk

2 Dec (Sun): Birdwatching at Pulau Semakau

for NSS members only.

At this second round of the Pulau Semakau site, Wing Chong takes you to sight both resident and rare migrant birds who flock there in December.

Children under 12 years of age not allowed (NEA rule).

Pre-registration required.

Time: Meet at 7.30am at West Coast Ferry Terminal
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: Wing Chong wingchong58@yahoo.com
To join the NSS, email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

2 Dec (Sun): Feet To Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir

Learn to briskwalk the right way and enjoy the boardwalk and nature trail along the Lornie/Chemperai/Jering Trail. Feet to Walk is a new programme of morning brisk walking at parks, parks connectors and nature reserve.

Time: 8am-10.30am
Start point: Car Park B along Lornie Road
End point: Car Park B along Lornie Road

Website: http://www.hpb.gov.sg/feet_to_walk/ with online registration form
Contact: jker@saxton.com.sg or 63905387

2 Dec (Sun): Chek Jawa Boardwalk tour

now open for bookings!
A guided nature walk on the Chek Jawa Boardwalk along the breezy coast and through the mysterious mangroves. Learn more about this special shore, see rare coastal plants, cute fiddler crabs, aggressive mudskippers, sturdy mangrove trees, interesting bugs and more!

Suitable for children.

Pre-registration required.

This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of the Naked Hermit Crabs.

More about the walk on the Naked Hermit Crabs blog.
More about Chek Jawa on the wildsingapore website.


Time: 9.30am, meet at the Chek Jawa Information Kiosk
Tour duration: About two hours
Cost: $4 per person (does not include transport charges to Ubin and Chek Jawa)
Website: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/
Contact: To register, email nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com with "Chek Jawa Boardwalk Tour" in the subject line and these details: name and contact of lead person; number of adults; number and age of children.

2 Dec (Sun): Forest walk at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Free guided nature walk along natural winding hillside trails under tall rainforest trees. Learn about our only substantial patch of primary rainforest, spot forest creatures and strange forest plants.

Suitable for children aged 9 and above. The trail is not accessible to prams and wheelchairs.

Pre-registration is required.

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 first Sunday of the month.

Time: 3.55pm. Meet at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, gather at the ranger counter.
Tour duration: About one hour.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg or Tel:6554 5127

1 Dec (Sat): Our Garden Kitchen Tour at Pasir Ris Park


Excite your senses with our Garden Kitchen 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 kids.

Pre-registration required.

Time: 9am
Venue: Pasir Ris Park, Pasir Ris Green (Carpark C)
Cost: $5/person
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg

1 Dec (Sat): Nature walk at Lower Peirce Trail

Free guided nature walk along 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.

Pre-registration required.

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.

Time: 9.25am and 10.25am. 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/
Contact: vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg or call 6554 5127.

1 Dec (Sat): Pedal Ubin

Bookings CLOSED (updated 19 Nov)
A free relaxing cycling tour suitable for novice cyclists, introducing the heritage and natural history of Pulau Ubin. Wobbly, steady or wow! - No worries if you're a novice cyclist - if you can balance yourself on a bike, you will survive!

This event is conducted by the Jungle Fowls, volunteer guides from NUS' Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research.

Pre-registration required on the pedal ubin website.

More about the event on the Pedal Ubin website.
More about Pulau Ubin on the wildsingapore website.

Time: 8.30am, meet at the Pulau Ubin Volunteer Hub
Tour duration: About four hours

1 Dec (Sat): Green Vibes at Bishan Park

A free educational tour of a vegetable garden with more than 100 species of vegetables and herbs. Don't just eat your vegies, learn more about them. Something for everyone in the family.

More details on the NParks website.

This event is held every first Saturday of the month.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Bishan Park (next to Bishan Road)
Contact: Register with Gin Chua at 64597744 or chua_tiong_ghim@nparks.gov.sg

1 Dec (Sat): Feet To Walk at Kent Ridge Park

Learn to briskwalk the right way and enjoy the canopy walk and museum there. Feet to Walk is a new programme of morning brisk walking at parks, parks connectors and nature reserve.

Time: 8am-10.30am
Start point: Entrance near Normanton Park
End point: Entrance near Normanton Park
Website: http://www.hpb.gov.sg/feet_to_walk/ with online registration form
Contact: jker@saxton.com.sg or 63905387

1 Dec (Sat): Nature Photography Workshop for kids @ Botanic Gardens

Bond with your child as you learn about nature photography in the Singapore Botanic Gardens during this school holiday. A collaboration with Sony, this one-day workshop will introduce you and your child to the proper handling of a digital SLR (Sony 100) camera and basic techniques in digital photography.

A highlight of this workshop is a nature trail around the Gardens, which allows you and your child to capture the scenic beauty of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Take this opportunity to learn about and have fun with plants at the same time.

Suitable for P3 to Sec 3 levels

Time: 10am-5pm
Cost: $180 per child-parent pair (materials included) A Sony ?100 camera will be on loan to each child-parent pair in the workshop
Venue: Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/education/workshopchi.asp
Contact: Singapore Botanic Gardens 6471 9961

1 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30 am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

1 Dec (Sat): Edible and Medicinal Plants Tour at the Botanic Gardens

A free walk to spice up your knowledge of edible and medicinal plants by the volunteer guides of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This walk is held every first Saturday.

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