29 Apr (Tue): Talk on "Sungei Buloh:An Oasis for Nature Photography"

The time for this talk has been changed to 4pm. (Previously 11am).

All other details remain the same, including venue and contact.

29 Apr (Tue): Talk on "Sungei Buloh:An Oasis for Nature Photography"

Tucked nicely away from the hustle and bustle of city life at the north-western tip of Singapore is a nature hideaway known as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Being one of the few nature reserves in Singapore, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is home to more than 200 species of birds, out of which more than 100 are migrants, 17 species of mammals, 36 species of reptiles and 400 species of vascular plants. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is also a very good place for nature photography as Conservation Officer Jeremy Ang will showcase in his presentation.\

About the speaker: Jeremy is currently working as a Conservation Officer in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Part of his work is to photo document the flora and fauna in the reserve. He has been taking photographs since 2003 and throughout the years, his photographs have been published in several NParks brochures, magazines and newsletters as well as books such as “Birds Seen At The Istana”, “Singapore's Splendor - Life On The Edge” and “Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve - A Decade Of Wetland Conservation”.

All are welcome!

Time: changed to 4pm
Venue: Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nbrcnparks.org/
Contact: Wei Ling LIM lim_wei_ling@nparks.gov.sg

21-27 Apr: Highlights of the week ahead

It's Earth Day week and there's lots of ways to celebrate our planet and our wild places. And here's some of the special Earth Day events this week ...

For kids and the family
For everyone
In the gardens, choose from a guided walk at Evolution Garden, a heritage and nature walk at Fort Canning Park, or a guided tour of HortPark.

For the more active, join PowerWalk at Bishan Park or Sun Plaza Park.

In the mangroves, join Painting with Pui San for art and nature appreciation at the same time. Also at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, join the guided walks on Saturday or Sunday.

More weekday talks include: a talk on "Colours, Forms & Structures in Pollination Biology of Orchids" at the Botanic Gardens and "The Greening of Business" at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

For this week's photo, I couldn't resist this one entitled: "Me?! I didn't do anything!", another amazing and amusing photo shared by Uncle Tay.

Me?! I didnt do anything!, originally uploaded by biodiversity711.

27 Apr (Sun): Free Chek Jawa Boardwalk tour

photo by Andy DineshThe Naked Hermit Crabs introduce you to Chek Jawa without getting your feet wet.

It is Earth Day on 22nd April and the Naked Hermit Crabs urge you to forget about going shopping again in Orchard Road but come and spend a lovely afternoon at Pulau Ubin. Ditch materialism! Don’t let consumerism take over our lives! Spend some time with nature and see how Mother Earth can move your hearts.

Read more about what visitors have said about the walk on the adventures with the naked hermit crabs blog

The free walk will be held every the last Sunday of the month. You don’t even have to sign up. On each public walk day, a few of the volunteer guides will be stationed at the Chek Jawa Info Kiosk in front of House No. 1 at Chek Jawa. The Crabs will trial this format for 4 months and then review it after that.

Group size? Come in small groups of around 6 people or fewer. We expect to have a few guides volunteering each time, but cannot guarantee that we will have a lot of guides. Please …. don’t organize a huge company group and show up at our free walk-in tours. We will be overwhelmed and you will go away very disappointed.

Time: 3 pm meet at the Chek Jawa Info Kiosk
Duration: Two hours
Cost: no charge for now, but donations accepted.
Website: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/
Contact: nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com

27 Apr (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers

A unique and educational dive experience in our local waters. Discover what is truly, uniquely Singapore!

Your support helps us monitor and document Hantu's reef on a regular basis! Let's see what's waiting for us out there this time!

Pre-registration is required.

Organised by the Hantu Bloggers, check out their blog for more details of the trip and past exciting encounters.

Join the The Hantu Bloggers Yahoo Group to read the trip itinerary, and to be informed of future dives.

Website: http://www.pulauhantu.org/
Contact: hantublog@gmail.com

27 Apr (Sun): 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

27 Apr (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: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

27 Apr (Sun): PowerWalk at Sun Plaza Park

Want to keep fit and enjoy nature at the same time? Join the PowerWalk sessions every weekend morning at selected parks. PowerWalk is a brisk-walking activity led by fitness instructors at parks, park connectors and nature reserves. Apart from gaining many potential health benefits from brisk-walking such as reducing your risk of heart disease and strengthening bones, you can also enjoy the fresh morning breeze and make new friends in the park.

This event is held every Sunday from 30 Mar - 18 May at Sun Plaza Park

Time: 8-10am
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6296 0163 info@i-active.com.sg to register or simply turn up at the venue

26 Apr (Sat): Celebrate Earth Day at Yishun Park

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only.

It's Earth Day and the Education Group is celebrating with a morning walk and picnic! All kids/kids-at-heart aged 5 to 105 are welcome! Bring a snack and have a picnic at Yishun Park after we take a leisurely stroll to see the shady trees and try to spot insects, lizards and birds. Everyone will receive a handy nature brochure on Yishun Park created by students of North View Primary School in collaboration with NSS, NEA and the NW CDC. Coming together at this lovely park will be a good way to celebrate EARTH, so do join us!

Registration is necessary.

Please email Vilma at vilma.drozario@nie.edu.sg if you would like to join us.

Meeting point and directions will be given upon registration.

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

26 Apr (Sat): Walk at Evolution Garden

A free guided walk of this unique garden in the Botanic Gardens, 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

26 Apr (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 of the month.

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

26 Apr (Sat): Mangrove Walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

26 Apr (Sat): Guided Tour @ HortPark

This free tour of HortPark features HortGardens, a collection of 20 theme gardens and the GardenPatch, a patchwork of display plots showcasing garden designs, concepts and products by local gardening-related companies. See nurserymen at work, propagating plants for our garden city.

This tour is conducted every last Saturday of the month.

Please register 15 minutes before the tour. Registration is on a first-come-first served basis.

Time: 10-11.30 am
Venue: Register at Visitor Information Counter @ HortPark
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 64715601 or NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg

26 Apr (Sat): Passage to Understanding Nature

A guided tour at Pasir Ris Park Mangrove. This precious pocket of mangrove was preserved when Pasir Ris Park was created. And with the current global issues such as conservation and pollution in mind, what better way to know about our green heritage and its importance through our guided walk along our newly constructed boardwalk!

Free guided walks given only for Earth Day.

To register pls call Wei Teng at 64653305 or chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg. Registration closes one day before the walk date.

Time: 9am
Venue: Pasir Ris Park Mangrove

26 Apr (Sat): Saving Planet Earth! Reduce, Reuse and Recycle -- a workshop for kids

Want to be a superhero but don't know how? Here's your chance! Be acquainted with the 3Rs of conservation - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. With these three new friends, you can play a very important part in saving Planet Earth! Learn how plants do their part in Saving Planet Earth too!

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels

Pre-registration required. More details and registration page on the Singapore Botanic Gardens website.

Time: 10-11.30am
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: $30 per child (materials are included)
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/education/workshopchi.asp
Contact: 6471 9961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

26 Apr (Sat): Intertidal walk at Pulau Semakau

This half-day guided walk will take you through the operations of the landfill and the pristine intertidal area of Pulau Semakau. Guided by Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research Semakau volunteer guides, participants will explore the richness of the seagrass meadows and coral reefs without having to dive in our waters.

Booking required. Reservations not accepted. Booking is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Please register early: email Luan Keng dbswlk@nus.edu.sg your name, organisation (if any), number of participants. To confirm your booking, a non-refundable pre-payment is required.

More about the walks on the RMBR website. More about Pulau Semaku on the wildsingapore website.

Time: 7-11am
Departure point: participants will be advised
Cost: $53.50/adult, $40.60/child (age 7-18); all cost is inclusive of 7% GST, boat rides (return), guiding fees, guidesheets and coordinating fees.
Website: RMBR website
Contact: Luan Keng dbswlk@nus.edu.sg

26 Apr (Sat): PowerWalk at Bishan Park

Want to keep fit and enjoy nature at the same time? Join the PowerWalk sessions every weekend morning at selected parks. PowerWalk is a brisk-walking activity led by fitness instructors at parks, park connectors and nature reserves. Apart from gaining many potential health benefits from brisk-walking such as reducing your risk of heart disease and strengthening bones, you can also enjoy the fresh morning breeze and make new friends in the park.

This event is held every Saturday from 15 Mar to 3 May at Bishan Park

Time: 8-10am
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6296 0163 info@i-active.com.sg to register or simply turn up at the venue

26 Apr (Sat): "Southern Haunt" talk at the Botanic Gardens

To celebrate Earth Day and World Biodiversity Day this year, NParks Conservation Division is organising a four-week Biodiversity Talk Series.

As part of this series, Ms Debby Ng of the Hantu Bloggers will share about Pulau Hantu, one of Singapore's most renowned Southern Islands. Despite its prominence, it is constantly left to cope with a relentlessly changing coastline and marine environment. For a long time, the threats to Pulau Hantu have avoided the scrutiny of the public and the brilliance of its marine habitat gone unheralded. Debby Ng will bring clarity to the usually murky waters of Pulau Hantu with her underwater photos and videos.

Debby Ng is a full-time environmental journalist. She began her work in film and moved on to television, but eventually realised that she gained the most satisfaction from communicating her concerns on the environment through her photography and writing. Her work has been published in several regional and international magazines, including the award-winning Lebanese magazine, Environment & Development. She has also worked with numerous Asian and international non-government organisations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA). In 2005 she assisted the Indonesian government in their assessment of fisheries, a project funded by The World Conservation Union (IUCN), the only conservation organisation with official observer status at the United Nations. Debby Ng is founder of the Hantu Blog, an education and awareness project powered entirely by volunteers and utilising free electronic media. She is also a volunteer dive guide and a freelance nature guide with Creative Kids.

More about Debby and her talk on the hantu blog.

Time: 2-3pm
Venue: Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nbrcnparks.org/
Contact: Wei Ling LIM lim_wei_ling@nparks.gov.sg

26 Apr (Sat): LIVE Earth LIVE at the library!

To celebrate Earth Day, we bring you our very own live earth concert!

Inspired by the world’s Live Earth Concert for climates in crisis, we put together local bands –J.DA (formally known as Danielle), Sunset Boulevard and Age of Tomorrow – to rock out your Saturday.

As you rock on, support environmental efforts by participating in the array of activities we have for you. Indulge in nail art, badge design and many more with your own ‘Save the Earth’ messages! How do you save plastic? How do you reduce, reuse and recycle? Ever seen a wallet made from rice bag or stylish plastic bottle lampshades? Fancy making earrings, baskets, cups or even corsages all from recycled materials? And while at it, who knows you could be the next recycling entrepreneur? Don’t worry we won’t be using much carbon nor energy during the concert, so you can be sure we are making efforts for the environment. So lend us your ears, show your support by being there!

Admission is free.

Time: 2-5pm
Venue: Jurong Regional Library - Verging All Teens (VAT)
Website and contact: http://www.nlb.gov.sg/

25 Apr (Fri): Talk on "Colours, Forms & Structures in Pollination Biology of Orchids"

How are orchids pollinated? What mechanisms are employed by this complex
yet ingenious group of flowering plants? Let Dr Yam Tim Wing, our senior researcher who specializes in orchid breeding enlighten you. All are welcome!

Time: 4pm
Venue: Gardens Briefing Room, Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Janice Yau Janice_YAU@nparks.gov.sg

24 Apr (Thu): Talk on "The Greening of Business"

This talk is by Dr Ashok Khosla, an international expert on the environment and sustainable development, who is also known as “The Man Who Inspired Al Gore” to be an environmentalist.

The last few years have seen many businesses, from Walmart to General Electric, embracing Environmental Sustainability as a core value. Dr Khosla will share his thoughts on this recent trend and attempt to answer this fundamental question: Can profit and sustainability go hand in hand?

The objective of the event is to expose current and future business leaders to the role companies can play in solving some of the world’s environmental challenges, and to the wide range of opportunities this represents.

Dr Ashok Khosla is one of the world’s leading experts on the environment and sustainable development and a former director of the United Nations Environment Programme. He taught the first course on Environment at Harvard University, a course that inspired ex-US Vice President, Mr Al Gore, a Nobel Laureate, to be an environmentalist. Dr Khosla is the founder and chairman of the Development Alternatives Group, a consortium of organisations based in India whose mission is to create technologies, enterprises and markets for large scale generation of sustainable livelihoods. Dr Khosla was awarded the 2002 UN Sasakawa Environment
Prize, the ‘Nobel Prize of the Environment World’ and the Schwab Foundation’s Award for Outstanding Social Entrepreneur in 2004.

Confirmation of attendance is required by 23 Apr.

Time: 12 noon-1.15pm
Venue: Manasseh Meyer Building, Level 3-4, NUS Bukit Timah Campus, 469G Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259772
Website: The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy http://www.spp.nus.edu.sg/Upcoming_events.aspx
Contact: Siti Rozilawati 6516 4202 or sppsr@nus.edu.sg

First posted on the AsiaIsGreen blog

24 Apr (Thu): Earth Day Dive at Pulau Hantu for Coral Spawning!

This year’s mass coral spawning in Singapore is estimated to fall over the next few days, from 23 - 25 April, 2008. As this period falls over Earth Day week, the Hantu Bloggers are making this dive a part of the their Earth Day 2008 activities!

Volunteer as a diver in this effort and help collect data that will be collated with surveys being done in other areas of Singapore, and will help scientists in understanding the factors that influence coral reproduction in Singapore and the nearby regions.

More details on the hantu blog.

22 Apr (Tue): "Are there Coral Reefs in Singapore?" talk by NParks Conservation Division

To celebrate Earth Day and World Biodiversity Day this year, NParks Conservation Division is organising a four-week Biodiversity Talk Series.

To start off this series will be Mr Jeffrey Low (Senior Biodiversity Officer, NParks) will share on the commonly asked question is “Are there coral reefs in Singapore?”. Jeffrey will share with us the splendor of Singapore’s coral reefs through an array of beautiful photos. Come join him in the exploration of our reefs in the comfort of your chair.

Mr Jeffrey Low graduated from NUS in with a Bachelors of Science degree in 1988, and obtaining his Masters degree in 1999. He has worked on coral reef-related projects as a Research Assistant with NUS, first at the Reef Ecology Laboratory and then at the Tropical Marine Science Institute. He joined NParks in 2003 as a Senior Biodiversity Officer, overseeing development and marine conservation issues in the southern islands of Singapore.

All are welcomed!

Time: 11am–12pm
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre (Singapore Botanic Gardens)
Website: http://www.nbrcnparks.org/
Contact: Wei Ling LIM lim_wei_ling@nparks.gov.sg

14-20 Apr: Highlights of the week ahead

This week, Earth Day events start!

For the kids, Earth Day specials include a guided walk at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden with a feature on reduce-reuse-recycle and kid's special event at Sungei Buloh

For youths, there's a special design workshop called No, I'm not a plastic bag! at the National Library.

And a talk on Earth Mindfulness by Joe Lim of the Singapore Environment Council.

Come for a free screening of the award-winning "Inconvenient Truth" at the National Library and Singapore Botanic Gardens.

A special event is the Asian Dive Expo (ADEX) during which the International Year of the Reef will be launched.

Another special event is the sports fishing at Pulau Semakau with the Sports Fishing Association of Singapore who practice catch and release.

Walks in the gardens include a tour of the Singapore National Orchid Garden,

In the mangroves, special events to celebrate Earth Day special guided walk at the Pasir Ris mangroves. Or the regular guided walk at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Saturday or Sunday.

For the more active, there's PowerWalk at Bishan Park or Sun Plaza Park.

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only, there are a butterfly walk at Mount Faber Park, plant walk at Fort Canning Park

This week's featured item is a video of Sentosa's natural shores by November! Flickr now hosts video clips too!

20 Apr (Sun): Butterfly Walk at Mount Faber Park

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only.

Join Gan Cheong Weei. From Seah Im Food Court, we take a leisurely walk up the newly constructed Marang Trail which will lead us to Mount Faber Park. Butterfly species encountered at this park include the Chocolate Grass Yellow, King Crow, Plain Nawab, Yamfly, Common Imperial, Fluffy Tit and Acacia Blue. Please remember to bring along your NSS Butterfly Guide! This walk will last about three hours.

Time: 9.30am. Meet at the Seah Im Food Center near Car Park `D'.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

20 Apr (Sun): Plant Walk at Fort Canning Park

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only.

Join Shawn Lum and the Plant Group at Fort Canning, a historical site, an iconic city landmark, and a beautiful green oasis in the heart of downtown Singapore. It features a number of wonderful trees, both native and exotic. This walk will allow us to revisit many of our favourite wayside trees, and also allow the Plant Group to introduce a system of monitoring plant phenology (timing of flowering, fruiting, and leafing out) that NSS members may be able to participate in, as a society-wide project.

Time: 9.30am. Meet at the back of the Fort Canning Centre, not too far from the entrance to the Battle Box.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

20 Apr (Sun): Free screening of "Inconvenient Truth" at Botanic Gardens

A Sundance Film Festival hit, "An Inconvenient Truth" offers a passionate and inspirational look at one man's commitment to expose the myths and misconceptions that surround global warming and inspire actions to prevent it. That man is former Vice President Al Gore, who, in the wake of defeat in the 2000 election, re-set the course of his life to focus on an all-out effort to help save the planet from irrevocable change.

In this eye-opening and poignant portrait of Gore and his "traveling global warming show," Gore is funny, engaging, open and downright on fire about getting the surprisingly stirring truth about what he calls our "planetary emergency" out to ordinary citizens before it's too late. With wit, smarts and hope, this documentary ultimately brings home Gore's persuasive argument that we can no longer afford to view global warming as a political issue – rather, it is the biggest moral challenge facing our global civilization.

Free Admission

Time: 11am-1pm, 2-4pm
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre (Tanglin core), Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

20 Apr (Sun): Sports Fishing at Semakau with the Sport Fishing Association of Singapore

From January to September 2008, SFAS Semakau sport fishing trip will be an on going fishing league, based on a point system, there will be total of nine trips to compete for the League Champion and a final shoot out in October 2008. Those who do not wish to take part in the league can also come for the trips during this time.

The SFAS practice catch and release and among the rules are that anglers must demonstrate proper conduct and practice good fishing ethics and etiquette, and anglers are to use artificial lures or flies for sport fishing and not to use any organic baits (dead or alive) in all fishing activities.

Registration opens 3 Mar and closes 14 Apr. More details.

Time: 7.30am-2pm
Website: http://www.sfas.net/
Contact: info@sfas.net

20 Apr (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: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

20 Apr (Sun): PowerWalk at Sun Plaza Park

Want to keep fit and enjoy nature at the same time? Join the PowerWalk sessions every weekend morning at selected parks. PowerWalk is a brisk-walking activity led by fitness instructors at parks, park connectors and nature reserves. Apart from gaining many potential health benefits from brisk-walking such as reducing your risk of heart disease and strengthening bones, you can also enjoy the fresh morning breeze and make new friends in the park.

This event is held every Sunday from 30 Mar - 18 May at Sun Plaza Park

Time: 8-10am
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6296 0163 info@i-active.com.sg to register or simply turn up at the venue

18-20 Apr: ADEX (Asian Dive Expo)

Asia Dive Expo is Asia's largest and longest running exhibition for the dive industry and related businesses.

ADEX 2008 is not only a jam packed event with the hottest dive deals around and exciting activities to take part in but it is also THE place to become more environmentally aware of current dive practices.

All the action is happening at ‘The EcoVillage @ ADEX 2008' where you can find a whole host of eco conscious activities such as informative seminars, film fests, photography competitions, educational tours along with fantastic ADEX dollar deals and useful ADEX merchandise.

‘The EcoVillage @ ADEX’ will instil a sense of environmentalism as a way of life amongst all visitors. Teaming up with local schools, ‘The EcoVillage @ ADEX’ will teach more than 3,000 local school students more about how they can ‘save the sea by being a diver’.

Focusing on ‘Eco-friendly diving’ subjects covered will include the preservation of live coral reefs, maintaining sustainable fisheries, protecting endangered species such as sharks and whales, responsible wreck diving and dive-related aspects of eco-tourism too. It cuts across general conservation practices such as keeping beaches clean and refuse free, or industrial conservation practices such as creating more fuel efficient/less pollution-prone motor engines for dive vessels. The scope for concerted action by those with an aware mind and willing heart is vast.

Supporting and lending their weight to ADEX are numerous leading dive and conservation related associations and organisations including Project Aware, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Singapore Environment Council (SEC), Reefcheck Malaysia and International Year Of the Reef (IYOR).

Talks scheduled include:

"How can the tourism industry and conservationists work together?" by Richard Leck, Climate Change Strategy Leader for WWF's Coral Triangle Programme
Date: 18 Apr (Fri) for trade only
Time of talk:
4-4.30pm
Venue of talk: ADEX Seminar Room

Global Shark Assessment by Christine Ward-Paige, Project AWARE
Date: 19 Apr (Sat)
Time: 11.45- 12 noon

Dates: 18 - 20 April 2008 (Friday – Sunday)
18 April Trade only
19 – 20 April All visitors
Venue: Suntec Singapore (Hall 602 and 603)
Time: 11.00am – 7pm
Admission: S$8 per adult, S$4 per student/child
Website: http://www.asiadiveexpo.com

Links to more

19 Apr (Sat): Walk at 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

19 Apr (Sat): Mangrove Walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

19 Apr (Sat): Passage to Understanding Nature

A guided tour at Pasir Ris Park Mangrove. This precious pocket of mangrove was preserved when Pasir Ris Park was created. And with the current global issues such as conservation and pollution in mind, what better way to know about our green heritage and its importance through our guided walk along our newly constructed boardwalk!

Free guided walks given only for Earth Day.

To register pls call Wei Teng at 64653305 or chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg. Registration closes one day before the walk date.

Time: 9am
Venue: Pasir Ris Park Mangrove

19 Apr (Sat): Earth Day Special at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Earth day is a special moment for kids to come together to reflect and learn how to take care of our planet. Come join us at our Wetlands for a day of fun walks through the mangroves. They will also take part in team and earth related games and activities. It will be a day of Earth-filled fun!

To register and book a place, please email Jeanne Tan at Jeanne_P_H_Tan@nparks.gov.sg, and send a cheque of $5/person made out to "Garden City Fund" and mail it to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. 301 Neo Tiew Crescent. Singapore 718925.

Registration closes on 15 Apr, or when we reach full capacity of 20 places.

Time: 9.15am -12.15pm
Entry charges: In addition to the above fee, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: Jeanne Tan at Jeanne_P_H_Tan@nparks.gov.sg or call 6794 1401

19 Apr (Sat): PowerWalk at Bishan Park

Want to keep fit and enjoy nature at the same time? Join the PowerWalk sessions every weekend morning at selected parks. PowerWalk is a brisk-walking activity led by fitness instructors at parks, park connectors and nature reserves. Apart from gaining many potential health benefits from brisk-walking such as reducing your risk of heart disease and strengthening bones, you can also enjoy the fresh morning breeze and make new friends in the park.

This event is held every Sunday from 30 Mar - 18 May at Sun Plaza Park

Time: 8-10am
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6296 0163 info@i-active.com.sg to register or simply turn up at the venue

19 Apr (Sat): "An Inconvenient Truth" screening at the Library

Free screening of Al Gore's now famous movie.

They say action speaks louder than words and nowhere is it more important than when we are talking about the environment. Plant and animal species are disappearing at an increasing speed, global temperatures are soaring, toxic landfills, ozone layer disintegrating, deforestation ... the list goes on.

Join us for the screening of Al Gore’s influential An Inconvenient Truth and a talk by Karen Teo, NParks, to find out what you can do right here right now.

Time: 3-5pm
Venue: National Reference Library - Level 5 - Imagination Room
Website and contact: http://www.nlb.gov.sg/

19 Apr (Sat): Earth Day Special -- a guided tour for kids

It’s never too early to learn about saving the environment! Learn and be enlightened about the 3Rs of conservation – “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” in this special tour in celebration of Earth Day. Did you know that plants recycle too?

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels

More details on the Singapore Botanic Gardens workshop page

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $6 per child or parent
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: 6471 9961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

19 Apr (Sat): No, I’m not a Plastic Bag! Design Workshop for Youths

Saying no to plastic bags means you say no to excessive waste and global warming. Inspired by the hype of ‘I’m not a Plastic Bag!’, this design workshop aims to do just that – create awareness to save the world.

Got an old bag that needs sprucing? Or maybe a t-shirt in need of a new look? Refresh them in this Pebeo fabric design workshop by the people of PaintWorks at Kairos! After our screening of “An Inconvenient Truth”, let’s get inspired by Al Gore’s tireless efforts and do our bit for the environment! We throw in the materials – paintbrushes, paint, markers, heck maybe even the t-shirt or bag – for free!

The event is free but registration is required. Please log on to http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg to register.

Time: 3-6.30pm
Venue: Central Lending Library - Basement 1 - Central Lending Library
Website and contact: http://www.nlb.gov.sg/

18 Apr (Fri): Talk on "How can the tourism industry and conservationists work together?" at ADEX

Richard Leck, Climate Change Strategy Leader for WWF's Coral Triangle Programme will be giving a talk on "How can the tourism industry and conservationists work together?" during the Asian Dive Expo.

Time of talk: 4pm
Venue of talk: ADEX Seminar Room
Venue of ADEX: Suntec Singapore (Hall 602 and 603)
Time: 11.00am – 7pm
Admission: S$8 per adult, S$4 per student/child
Website: http://www.asiadiveexpo.com

17 Apr (Thu): Earth Day Special - Environmental Mindfulness

A talk by Joe Lim, Project Manager, Singapore Environment Council.
Hosted by a Buddhist organisation.

The Environment is by far one of the issues most of us take for granted. It's somewhat invisible, intangible and the vastness of it somehow puts people off as to where to start or how their little efforts can do any good. What most of us forget that by being Green/environmentally aware ourselves is only the beginning; we often overlook the need to influence and affect people around us to be aware and lead environmentally mindful lifestyles. We are not asking everyone to become a vegetarian, go around hugging trees or protest against hunting endangered species; we just need to look again at our daily consumption patterns and adjust our lifestyles.

The talk is free but pre-registration is required. Register with wsdp@kmspks.org or tel 6849 5346

Time: 7.30 – 9.30pm
Venue: Awareness Place [Well-Being] Centre, Level 3, #03-39 Blk 231 Bain Street, Bras Basah Complex (Beside the National Library, nearest MRT station: City Hall)

16 Apr - 15 May: "Spice Frontier - Changing Boundaries, Evolving Uses" an exhibition

Even before the British established Singapore as a trading post in 1819, there were already a small number of gambier plantations on the island. Spice cultivation then expanded as the British actively encouraged the planting of nutmeg while the Chinese independently grew gambier and pepper.

Besides displaying the various uses of spices in our daily lives, this exhibition, researched by the National Archives of Singapore(NAS), documents the rise and fall of spice cultivation in Singapore. Discover also the challenges and difficulties faced by the early planters and how spice plantations have left behind an indelible mark on Singapore’s street names.

In line with this poster exhibition by the NAS, the Library of Botany & Horticulture will also showcase rare books, herbarium specimens as well as fruit-and-seed display related to the theme…Spices.

So come down to the Library and ‘SPICE’ up your life!

Dates: 16 Apr -15 May
Time: Weekdays: 10am - 4pm, Weekends: 9am - 1pm
Venue: Library of Botany & Horticulture, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

7-13 Apr: Highlights of the week ahead

For the kids, join PrawnWatch, a special event at Sungei Buloh that introduces traditional prawn farming with a fascinating hands on demonstration. Or join the Earth Day special workshop on the 3Rs at the Botanic Gardens.

In the forests, join the guided tour of the Rainforest Trail at the Botanic Gardens.

In the mangroves, join the guided walks at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.

For the more active, there the Bike Asia 100 at Tampines Mountain Bike Park. Or join PowerWalk at Bishan Park and Sun Plaza Park.

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only: Ramble at Ulu Pandan and Plant Walk at Kent Ridge Park.

Weekday talks include

Next week, a frenzy of events to celebrate Earth Day! Do have a look to book your places early.


For this week's photo, Budak shared this gorgeous sunset. Our wild places can be quite spectacular too! Read more about it on his budak blog.

IMG_2669, originally uploaded by budak.

13 Apr (Sun): Ulu Pandan Ramble

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only.

Join the Nature Ramblers led by Benjamin Ho. The ramble will explore the wooded areas along the railway track, the old Holland Road and the canal leading to Ulu Pandan River. Good chance of seeing interesting birds along the way. Bring hat/cap and sunglasses.

This is an 8km/4hr ramble geared for robust walkers, suitable for adults and children above 12 yrs. No booking is required.

Time: 7.30am. Meet at the track by the side of the Railway Crossing along Bukit Timah Road near King Albert Park. Ramble will end at Clementi Avenue 4.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

13 Apr (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: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

13 Apr (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.

13 Apr (Sun): PowerWalk at Sun Plaza Park

Want to keep fit and enjoy nature at the same time? Join the PowerWalk sessions every weekend morning at selected parks. PowerWalk is a brisk-walking activity led by fitness instructors at parks, park connectors and nature reserves. Apart from gaining many potential health benefits from brisk-walking such as reducing your risk of heart disease and strengthening bones, you can also enjoy the fresh morning breeze and make new friends in the park.

This event is held every Sunday from 30 Mar - 18 May at Sun Plaza Park

Time: 8-10am
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6296 0163 info@i-active.com.sg to register or simply turn up at the venue

12 Apr (Sat): Plant walk on Kent Ridge NUS

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only.

Kent Ridge Road runs along the length of the once wooded `spine' of the National University Campus. It has seen drastic changes over the decades as the campus expanded to accommodate more disciplines, students and associated facilities. We will take a leisurely stroll on the ridge to admire the native and introduced plants and to observe the progress of a reforestation effort by NUS in terms of conservation ideas, such as a conservation corridor, that we have encountered in previous walks.

Time: 8.30am. Meet at the junction of South Buona Vista Road and Stockport Road (accessible by SBS service 200).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

12 Apr (Sat): Bike Asia 100 at Tampines Mountain Bike Park

In celebration of the first Bicycle and Motorcycle Show in the South East Asia, the Bike Asia 2008, you get your chance to race SOLO or in a team RELAY against an international field of top enduro riders. Leading the pack is Endurance Solo Specialist Tinker Juarez , reigning US 24hr Champion, 2 times olympian and a mountain biker hall of famer.

Furthermore, you get to race on another brand new section of the tampines mountain bike park, so nobody again gets to say tampines XC trail is flat!

Visit the DirTraction website for more details on trail, rules and regulations, prizes and registration procedures.

Time: 8am - 4pm
Venue: Tampines Mountain Bike Park
Website: http://www.dirtraction.com/
Contact: on the contact page on the DirTraction website.

12 Apr (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

12 Apr (Sat): Reefwalk on Kusu Island with the Blue Water Volunteers


Our wild and wonderful coral reefs are just too exciting to be enjoyed by divers only! Non-swimmers are most welcome, as we only visit the reefs during low tide, so you only expect to get wet around your ankles at most.

Trained and enthusiastic volunteer guides will introduce you to the marine life found on Kusu Island and share reef stories.

Suitable for children.

Pre-registration is required.

Time: 8.30am
Venue: Meeting point, those who sign up will be advised.
Website: http://www.bluewatervolunteers.org
Contact: reefwalk@bluewatervolunteers.org

12 Apr (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: 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre. (9.30am tour replaced by PrawnWatch)
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

12 Apr (Sat): PrawnWatch at Sungei Buloh

Free guided introduction to traditional prawn farming. It begins with a guided walk to learn about the history of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as prawn and fish farms. And the importance of mangroves as a spawning place and nursery for prawns and other life.

The highlight is a real hands-on demonstration of a prawn harvest. The kids will be thrilled to check out what comes up with the net, see real live prawns and learn more about our seafood and the tides.

The walk is approximately 5km on wide earthen trails. Suitable for older children who are reasonably fit.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups.

More about PrawnWatch on the Sungei Buloh website. More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website.

Time: Meet at 9am at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Information Counter, so that the walk to the Prawn Pond can begin at 9.30am.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for older children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

12 Apr (Sat): Intertidal walk on Pulau Semakau

This half-day guided walk will take you through the operations of the landfill and the pristine intertidal area of Pulau Semakau. Guided by Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research Semakau volunteer guides, participants will explore the richness of the seagrass meadows and coral reefs without having to dive in our waters.

Booking required. Reservations not accepted. Booking is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Please register early: email Luan Keng dbswlk@nus.edu.sg your name, organisation (if any), number of participants. To confirm your booking, a non-refundable pre-payment is required.

More about the walks on the RMBR website. More about Pulau Semaku on the wildsingapore website.

Time: 4-8pm
Departure point: participants will be advised
Cost: $53.50/adult, $40.60/child (age 7-18); all cost is inclusive of 7% GST, boat rides (return), guiding fees, guidesheets and coordinating fees.
Website: RMBR website
Contact: Luan Keng dbswlk@nus.edu.sg

12 Apr (Sat): PowerWalk at Bishan Park

Want to keep fit and enjoy nature at the same time? Join the PowerWalk sessions every weekend morning at selected parks. PowerWalk is a brisk-walking activity led by fitness instructors at parks, park connectors and nature reserves. Apart from gaining many potential health benefits from brisk-walking such as reducing your risk of heart disease and strengthening bones, you can also enjoy the fresh morning breeze and make new friends in the park.

This event is held every Saturday from 15 Mar to 3 May at Bishan Park

Time: 8-10am
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6296 0163 info@i-active.com.sg to register or simply turn up at the venue

12 Apr (Sat): Earth Day Special -- a guided tour for kids

It’s never too early to learn about saving the environment! Learn and be enlightened about the 3Rs of conservation – “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” in this special tour in celebration of Earth Day. Did you know that plants recycle too?

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels

More details on the Singapore Botanic Gardens workshop page

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $6 per child or parent
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: 6471 9961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg