wild happenings in singapore: September 2008

21-28 Sep: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour by the Naked Hermit Crabs
MAD lessons on Jungle Friends on Wednesday and Sunday
Kids' Fun with Asian Elephants

Some special shore and reef activities

Dive Pulau Hantu with the hantu bloggers
Painting with Pui San at Sungei Buloh
Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour by the Naked Hermit Crabs

Want to make a difference for our shores?
Come for the once-a-year TeamSeagrass Orientation this Saturday.

Regular walks in our wild places

Mangrove walks at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
In the gardens, there's a heritage and nature walk at Fort Canning Park, guided walk at HortPark.

Special events include

Laughter in the Park, an introduction to Laughter Yoga at HortPark.

Talks this week include

Glorious Morning Glories at the Botanic Gardens
Green Drinks is hosting talks by MyForestFarm and Vision Network Society

For Nature Society members only

Bird watching at Bukit Brown Cemetery
Bird watching at Pulau Semakau
Kranji Twilight Ramble at Lim Chu Kang
Conservation Chat to discuss some conservation issues

Now open for bookings

1 Oct (Wed): Intertidal walk at Pulau Semakau
3 Oct (Fri) and 4 Oct (Sat): Screening of Diminishing Memories of Lim Chu Kang

Visit the wildsingapore happenings blog for a full listing of upcoming events for the next three weeks and to search for events by your area of interest.

The Big eye Whip Snake is such an elegant creature! Thanks to Kwok Wai for sharing photos of this and our many other special wild vertebrates.

Big eye Whip Snake, originally uploaded by kwok_wai.

28 Sep (Sun): Birdwatching at Bt Brown Cemetery

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Birdwatching at Bt Brown Cemetery with Sutari Supari. Meet at Explore this vibrant site filled with resident birds like the Laced Woodpecker and Common Goldenback, as well as migrants like flycatchers, cuckoos and raptors. Bring your binoculars, hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

Time: 7.30 am at the entrance of the cemetery near the junction of Lornie Road and Kheam Hock Road.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

28 Sep (Sun): Birdwatching at Semakau

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Dr Ho Hua Chew leads this walk. This is a good time to visit Semakau for migrant surprises and old favourites. Resident attractions include the Great-billed Heron, Pacific Reef Egret and Malaysian Plover. There are possible sightings of rare migrants such as the Chinese Egret and Oriental Pratincole.

Book your place with Hua Chew at hohc@starhub.net.sg by 20 Sep. IC or Passport is mandatory for boat boarding. Strictly for members only on a first come first serve basis. Children under 12 years old are not allowed (NEA regulation).

Time: 7.30am, meet at the West Coast Ferry Terminal near the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club. Return to mainland by 2.00pm. Free parking at Carpark 2 off the West Coast Highway.
Registration fee: Non-refundable fee of $28 for boat ride and administration. Send your cheques to NSS office by 20 September with the All-Purpose Form (back page). Number of persons per trip: 11, 22 or 33.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

28 Sep (Sun): Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour

The Naked Hermit Crabs introduce you to Chek Jawa without getting your feet wet. Enjoy the great view and find out more about rare coastal plants, cute fiddler crabs, aggressive mudskippers, sturdy mangrove trees, interesting bugs and more!

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.

Group size? Come in small friends and family 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.

The Crabs had an Awesome August walk and here's what the participants thought about the walk.

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

28 Sep (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

28 Sep (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 info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

28 Sep (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Sunday morning, subject to availability of guides.

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

28 Sep (Sun): MAD lesson on Jungle Friends

Everyone needs a healthy planet to live on. Our jungle friends share Earth with us. This lesson will focus on the relationships plants and animals have with each other and with us. This MAD lesson will also include information about global warming and our carbon footprint and kids will leave the lesson with a pledge to do easy eco-actions daily in their lives so as to be part of the solution to protect our environment and wild habitats.

Through MAD lessons for wildlife, kids will learn about “OOH--Our Only Home” (Planet Earth) by learning about animals, plants and ecology in a session of 1.5 hours. They will also learn about our “warming world” and our carbon footprint and how this affects the lives of plants, animals, humans and our environment. Kids will learn easy eco-actions to make a difference for earth.

This environmental education program is suitable for kids aged 5 to 10, from kindergarten to primary school.

A button-badge and an information pamphlet will be given to all registered kids.

To register email leopardcat@pacific.net.sg

Make A Difference! MAD lessons on wildlife by Cicada Tree Eco-place and generously supported by Intel will be conducted at the .

Dates and times:
10 September (Wednesday) 2.30pm – 4.30pm
14 September (Sunday) 2.30pm – 4.30pm
24 September (Wednesday) 2.30pm – 4.30pm
28 September (Sunday) 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: $15 per child for weekends, individual signups. Maximum number for a group sign-up (e.g. school groups and groups from organizations) is 20 and minimum fee to run is $300 (even if a group is less than 20 kids). For groups with 40 kids, we can run two classes per session.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.com/
Contact: leopardcat@pacific.net.sg

27 Sep (Sat): Kranji Twilight Ramble at Lim Chu Kang

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Kranji Twilight Ramble at Lim Chu Kang with Sutari Supari and the Nature Ramblers. Our leader Sutari Supari will take you through an interesting route where you’ll experience an enchanting sunset, gaze at Planet Jupiter at its best and learn about star directional uses. You might spot some nocturnal birds and mammals along the way. Bring along a good torchlight. Meet at Booking is not required. This 10km/5hr ramble is not suitable for children below 12 years old.

Time: 6pm, meet at the junction of Lim Chu Kang and Neo Tiew Roads. Bus 975 plies this route from Choa Chu Kang interchange. Transport will be arranged to ferry participants to Kranji MRT station from Neo Tiew Road at the end of the ramble.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

27 Sep (Sat): Kids’ Fun with Asian Elephants @ Orchidville

What is the relationship between Jumbo Giants, Trees and Us? Meet Jin Pyn, author of the award-winning children’s book “The Elephant and The Tree” as she reads aloud this heart-warming story. She will also screen a short movie and share with Kids fun facts about jungle-dwelling Asian Elephants.

Suitable for kids 4 to 10 years old.

Pre-registration required: email Gloria at gloria_seow@yahoo.com with your kids’ names and ages, and your mobile number. Please state whether you are a NSS member or not.

More details will be sent to those who sign up.

Time: 3.30-5.30pm
Venue: Kindly sponsored by Nature’s Niche (the bookstore formerly at the Singapore Botanical Gardens), this session will be held at the charming Orchidville in Mandai (Nature’s Niche new home.
Cost: $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member). Parents can attend for free.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

27 Sep (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

27 Sep (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: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

27 Sep (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

27 Sep (Sat): TeamSeagrass Orientation

Want to make a difference for our shores? Curious about our seagrasses and the wacky team that monitors our marine meadows?

Want to get a glimpse of some of the fun places they've been to? And find out more about what actually happens during a monitoring session?

Come for the annual TeamSeagrass Orientation session. It happens only once a year! And it's happening soon.

There'll be a quick introduction of our seagrasses and monitoring methods, aimed especially at those who have just joined the team. And quick look at some of past adventures throughout this year.

It's also PARTY TIME! A chance for seagrassers new and old to get to know one another.

Not on the Team yet? Just join us!

If you've always wanted to join TeamSegrass, now is a great time to do so. You'll get a proper introduction to the seagrasses and to the Team, at this annual seasonal gathering of Seagrassers.

How to join? Simply email these details
(a) your full name
(b) your age
(c) your email address
(d) your contact number
(e) any previous experience
to Ria at hello@wildsingapore.com, please put "TeamSeagrass" in your subject header.

Please do read the FAQs on the teamsegrass blog for more details about the programme.

Time: 2-6pm
Venue: Function Room, Botany Centre
Location map http://www.sbg.org.sg/tanglincore/tanglincore.asp
How to get there http://www.sbg.org.sg/visitorinfo/openinghours.asp
Website: http://teamseagrass.blogspot.com/
Contact: Ria at hello@wildsingapore.com

26 Sep (Fri): Talk on "Glorious Morning Glories"

What are morning glories? Why are they glorious? Perhaps one of the most easily recognizable families of plants, these familiar twiners with trumpet-shaped flowers, are often quite ornamental. Most people can easily spot a morning glory without any botanical training at all!

Aside from being easy to recognize, this family of plants (the Convolvulaceae) has fascinating biology and a long association with human cultures. This talk will introduce morning glories as a plant family, explain the ethnobotanical uses and economic importance of some species, the ornamental value of others, the complex taxonomy for the species, and a few of the ways morning glories have become part of our daily lives. Come and learn about this remarkable family of plants from one of their most enthusiastic proponents.

Time: 4pm
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Janice_YAU@nparks.gov.sg

25 Sep (Thu): Green Drinks with talks by Myforestfarm and Vision Network Society

This month, we have two short presentations: Myforestfarm and Vision Network Society.

Dirk Fleischmann will present his latest artistic project myforestfarm, a voluntary carbon offset program in the form of a reforestation project in partnership with Thomas Daquioag and Renato Habulan located in the mountains near Antipolo City, (Rizal Province, Philippines). Myforestfarm have started to develop 17000 sqm of deforested land in June 2008. For more info http://www.myforestfarm.com

Vision Network Society (VNS) believes Integral Community Development (IntegraCD) is the key to alleviate the poverty level in Asian low-income communities and achieve the Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations in 2000. VNS researches heavily into the most proven and advanced ecological based IntegraCD concepts to create a sustainable future for any low-income community living in poverty. For more info http://visionnetwork.org

Here's a chance to hear about what these good people are doing and of course, to meet cool, like-minded people.

Time: 8-10pm
Venue: Food #03, 109 Rowell Road (Off Serangoon Rd in Little India)
Website: Green Drinks Facebook Group
Contact: olivia@greendrinks.org

24 Sep (Wed): Conservation Chat at Nature Society (Singapore)

Meet at The Sunflower (NSS Office) for a Conservation Chat with members of the Conservation Committee. This is an on-going series of information gathering and discussions for members concerned about Singapore’s nature conservation situation.

Proposed agenda:
1) The government’s Sustainable Singapore Project;
2) NSS Kranji Marsh Adoption.

The objectives of our Chat are:
1) to keep members in touch with the latest conservation efforts carried out by the Conservation Committee;
2) to obtain feedback on what we are doing or plan to do;
3) to obtain information on existing or impending problems in nature areas unknown to us (eg. unannounced landfill; poaching etc); and
4) to obtain ideas for conservation efforts as well as the possible ways whereby members can contribute.

This session also aims to foster camaraderie for the common cause of nature conservation. Please come and let us have a piece of your mind. Contact Dr Ho Hua Chew at hohc@starhub.net.sg if you have any queries.

Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Nature Society (Singapore), 510 Geylang Road, The Sunflower #02-05 Junction of Geylang Road and Lorong 28 Closest MRT is Aljunied.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

24 Sep (Wed): MAD lesson on Jungle Friends

23 Sep (Tue): Laughter Exercise at HortPark

Come to HortPark every Tuesday evening and laugh your way to a healthier you with Laughter Yoga, the latest health craze around the world. Experienced trainer and speaker, Ms Zaibun Siraj, will lead a unique workout that blends different forms of 'tension-releasing' laughter and breathing exercises.

Each weekly session will not be longer than 20 minutes. So simple - you don't need to change into your exercise gear. So enjoyable - it's held in the fresh green outdoors. Most importantly, you will feel energized and relaxed after the session.

There is certainly some truth in the saying "LAUGHTER is the best medicine"...

Feel free to bring your family and friends. For enquiries, please contact

Every Tuesday from 23 Sep 08 to 30 Dec 08

Time: 6.30pm
Venue: HortPark - the Gardening Hub (Bamboo Labyrinth)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg
Contact: Ms Zaibun Siraj at 64608132 or szn@np.edu.sg

15-21 Sep: Highlights of the week ahead

Just updated: 19 Sep (Fri): Talk about "Counting (on) snails and tigers for conservation"

The main event this coming weekend is International Coastal Cleanup! It's not just about picking up trash, but collecting data on trash, understanding the causes and thus how we can do our part to stop the problem.

Other nature activities include

On Pulau Ubin, a guided walk at the Sensory Trail.
In the mangroves, guided walks at Pasir Ris Park and at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
In the gardens, a guided walk at the National Orchid Garden,

Other special events

Screening of Diminishing Memories of Lim Chu Kang on Friday and Saturday
A talk on "Climate Change and sea-level rise: Coastal management implications for the Asia-Pacific region"
until 4 Oct: Wild shores of singapore posters are exhibited at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
until 19 Sep: Mad about Slippers an orchid exhibition at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Now open for bookings

24 Sep (Wed) and 28 Sep (Sun): MAD lessons on jungle friends
27 Sep (Sat): TeamSeagrass Orientation
28 Sep (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers
1 Oct (Wed): Intertidal walk at Pulau Semakau
3 Oct (Fri) and 4 Oct (Sat): Screening of Diminishing Memories of Lim Chu Kang

Visit the wildsingapore happenings blog for a full listing of upcoming events for the next three weeks and to search for events by your area of interest.

This beautiful native frog is our Photo of the Week. Taken by the intrepid Kwok Wai. These precious jewels of our forest are threatened by habitat loss and other human activities.

Spotted Tree Frog on a fern leaf, originally uploaded by kwok_wai.

21 Sep (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

20 Sep (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

20 Sep (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

20 Sep (Sat): Mangrove walk at Pasir Ris Park

Eppy Walk What exactly is a mudskipper? And who is Fiddler crab or Sesamine crab? Does a dog-faced water snake look more like a dog or a snake? Join the team and discover answers to the questions above and more. And if we’re lucky, we may be able to see some of the seashore animals at the river mouth (depending on the tide conditions).

Suitable for kids.

Registration closes one day before the walk date.

This walk is held every third Saturday. More details on the Pasir Ris Park website.

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

20 Sep (Sat): Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin

Experience Ubin's wonderful nature through your senses along our Sensory Trail, the trail will brought you to the patch of herbs and spices and a "Secret Garden" to feel the original garden used to be on the island. Much more along the trail for you to explore.

This walk is held every third Saturday of the month.

For more details about this walk, see the NParks website
More about the Sensory Trail on the wildsingapore website and Ubin Volunteers blog

Time: Walks starts 9.30am and lasts for about 1.5 hours. Meet at the Pulau Ubin Main Information Kiosk next to the Ubin Jetty.
Cost: $60 per group of 15 persons, maximum 6 groups
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Jacky Soh jacky_soh@nparks.gov.sg or 65434734

20 Sep (Sat): International Coastal Cleanup

Things are really revving up for the massive annual blitz on marine litter!

Although most slots have already been taken up, there's still places for the clean up at Pulau Ubin. Please register as early as you can as places are taken up very quickly.

Coastal Cleanup is not just about picking up litter. It is about collecting data about marine litter.

This is the data collected in 2007 by more than 2,000 volunteers on 9 tonnes of trash. The source of the trash is also recorded.

The Cleanup in Singapore is part of International Coastal Cleanup run by the Ocean Conservancy. It is the world’s largest volunteer event of its kind. Last year, 378,000 volunteers from 76 countries and 45 states cleared six million pounds of trash from oceans and waterways and recorded every piece of trash collected.

In Singapore between 2001 - 2005, volunteers removed 33 tonnes of marine trash from our beaches and mangroves and recorded all aspects of this trash.

Links to more information

International Coastal Cleanup Singapore website
The News from International Coastal Cleanup blog
Ocean Conservancy page on International Coastal Cleanup
Latest media reports on the threats of marine litter
Is there any point to doing this only once a year? on the wild shores of singapore blog

20 Sep (Sat): Screening of Diminishing Memories of Lim Chu Kang

Diminishing Memories I and II are two thought- provoking and intimate documentaries, a tribute to Yee Peng's indelible memories of Lim Chu Kang. Follow Yee Peng's personal journey in her attempt to re-capture her lost childhood and her struggle in letting her beloved kampong go.

Both films are narrated in Mandarin and subtitled in English, with interviews conducted in Mandarin, English and the Teochew dialect. Screenings will be followed by the director's Q&A sessions.

To book tickets contact the Arts House Ticketing Hotline: 6332 6919 or email tickets@toph.com.sg

More info on the Arts House website.

Screening dates:
19 Sep (Fri) 7.30pm
20 Sep (Sat) 4 and 7.30pm
3 Oct (Fri) 7.30pm
4 Oct (Sat) 4 and 7.30pm

Venue: The Arts House, Screening Room, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
(Nearest MRT- Raffles Place)
Tickets: S$8.50 Full; S$6.50 Concession (Students & Senior Citizens)
The filmmaker will donate her proceeds from the premiere to The Substation and the Asian Film Archive**
Website: http://diminishingmemories.spaces.live.com/
Contact: Yee Peng at eng_yeepeng@yahoo.com.sg

19 Sep (Fri): Screening of Diminishing Memories of Lim Chu Kang

Diminishing Memories I & II are two thought- provoking and intimate documentaries, a tribute to Yee Peng's indelible memories of Lim Chu Kang. Follow Yee Peng's personal journey in her attempt to re-capture her lost childhood and her struggle in letting her beloved kampong go.

Both films are narrated in Mandarin and subtitled in English, with interviews conducted in Mandarin, English and the Teochew dialect. Screenings will be followed by the director's Q&A sessions.

To book tickets contact the Arts House Ticketing Hotline: 6332 6919 or email tickets@toph.com.sg

More info on the Arts House website.

Screening dates:
19 Sep (Fri) 7.30pm
20 Sep (Sat) 4 and 7.30pm
3 Oct (Fri) 7.30pm
4 Oct (Sat) 4 and 7.30pm

Venue: The Arts House, Screening Room, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
(Nearest MRT- Raffles Place)
Tickets: S$8.50 Full; S$6.50 Concession (Students & Senior Citizens)
The filmmaker will donate her proceeds from the premiere to The Substation and the Asian Film Archive**
Website: http://diminishingmemories.spaces.live.com/
Contact: Yee Peng at eng_yeepeng@yahoo.com.sg

19 Sep (Fri): Talk about "Counting (on) snails and tigers for conservation"

How does one count snails and tigers in ecology? How can we "count on" snails and tigers to make a case for the conservation of forest habitats?

During this hour, Reuben Clements will take you on virtual journey to far-flung limestone karsts that are home to some of Earth's most bizarre-looking landsnails. He'll also bring you to one of Earth's priority tiger conservation landscapes where the chances of getting eaten alive by a tiger are much slimmer than driving off a precipitous cliff! Of course, there's a dose of science admist the pretty pictures and videos. From snails to tigers, there's something for invertebrate and vertebrate lovers out there!

Formerly a graduate student under Prof Peter Ng and Prof Navjot Sodhi, Reuben Clements currently works for the World Wide Fund for Nature - Malaysia, where he manages the Malayan tiger and Sumatran rhinoceros conservation programmes in Peninsular Malaysia. In his spare time, he still dabbles in research on the taxonomy, behaviour, and ecology of tropical molluscs.

From the Raffles Museum news blog.

Time: 10-11am
Venue: Seminar Room 3, S2 02-06, Department of Biological Sciences, the National University of Singapore
Time: 10am to 11am

16 Sep (Tue): "Climate Change and sea-level rise: Coastal management implications for the Asia-Pacific region"

Professor Nick Harvey gives this talk. He was one of the lead Authors for the 4th Assessment Report of the Intergovermental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which in 2007 was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace prize together with Al Gore.

The potential impacts of climate change on coastal enrivonments in the Asia-Pacific region are significant because the region has diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems, including the world's largest areas of coral reefs and mangroves; it has almost two-thirds of the world's total human polulation; and its economic growth rate is the highest of any region in the world.

This talk draws on findings from the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC2007) to discuss important climate change issues.

The talk addresses methods for tackling these issues such as 'integrated coastal management' and the need to recognize the diversity of coastal management practices in the Asia-Pacific region. This is illustrated with regional examples.

Register for your FREE seat by 10 September.

Third Tuesdays presented is by University of Adelaide Singapore Campus. More details on their website.

Time: 7.20-8.30pm
Venue: Ngee Ann-Adelaide Education Centre, Teochew Building, 97 Tank Road, #04-00
Website: http://www.naaec.com.sg
Contact: yvonnechan@naaec.com.sg or 6738 2910

8-14 Sep: Highlights of the week ahead

Specially for kids!

Lantern Festival with Cicada Tree Eco-Place
MAD lessons on jungle friends on Wednesday and Sunday with Cicada Tree Eco-Place
Native Plant Hunt at Hindhede Nature Park

More walks!

In the forest, there's guided walks at the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail and MacRitchie Prunus Trail,
In the mangroves, there's guided walks at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.

And a special exhibition!
In the gardens, there's a Mad about Slippers exhibition of slipper orchids.

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Now open for bookings

19 Sep (Fri) and 20 Sep (Sat): Screening of Diminishing Memories of Lim Chu Kang
24 Sep (Wed) and 28 Sep (Sun): MAD lessons on jungle friends
27 Sep (Sat): TeamSeagrass Orientation
28 Sep (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers
1 Oct (Wed): Intertidal walk at Pulau Semakau

Visit the wildsingapore happenings blog for a full listing of upcoming events for the next three weeks and to search for events by your area of interest.

Photo of the Week Who can resist otters?! Especially if they are photographed by Dr Chua Ee Kiam, famed nature photographer and author of many Singapore nature books! We look forward to his next book, and meanwhile can enjoy the photos that he shares of our marvellous wildlife.

_EKC9351a, originally uploaded by biophilia.

14 Sep (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.

14 Sep (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

14 Sep (Sun): 5th Fall Migration Bird Census

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Helpers are needed for bird counts at various sites, all of which are led by an experienced birdwatcher. Such data from regular census of Singapore’s avian population has gone into formulating conservation proposals. We need your eyes and ears in the upcoming FMBC! If you can help, please email coordinator Lim Kim Seng at denislim@starhub.net.sg before 9 September 2008. Time of census is between .

Time: 7.30-10.30 am
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

14 Sep (Sun): Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Pre-registeration required: email Dr Hsu at hsu_chia_chi@hotmail.com, stating your name, if you are a NSS member or not, affiliations (eg. school / company), experience (if any) and contact details for this monthly mission to rescue and study the Mangrove Horseshoe Crab (HSC). We have also started an on-going HSC Training & Accreditation Programme for anyone keen to be a qualified HSC R&Rer. We recommend that you bring a cap, shoes/booties, sun block, insect repellent, cutter (for HSC rescue) and camera. Washing facilities available.

Time: 3.30pm, meet at the extension of Kranji Road at the junction with Kranji Loop. Take bus 925 from Kranji MRT station and alight at the Chinese temple along Kranji Loop, cross the road and look for the nameless track that starts beside Leong Soon Pte Ltd (251 Kranji Road).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

14 Sep (Sun): Nature walk at Bukit Brown Cemetery

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Goh Si Guim leads this walk. This is probably the most easily-reached cemetery in Singapore. Its sprawling grounds are largely untouched, enabling us to encounter some of the most awesome trees. The area is also a haven for birds and animals. A morning stroll is the best way to soak in the unmistakable tranquility, breathe the fresh air, and seek out what nature has to offer. Meet at 8am at the

Time: 8am meet at gate of the cemetery situated at the junction of Sime and Kheam Hock Roads, just off Lornie Road.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

14 Sep (Sun): Butterfly Walk at Upper Seletar Reservoir

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Simon Chan leads this leisurely stroll around Upper Seletar Reservoir park, which is a haunt for Long-tailed Macaques. Butterflies like the Great Mormon, Malay Lacewing, Commander, Common Mormon, Cruiser and many more forest denizens abound. We hope to see the rare Dark Blue Jungle Glory, the seasonal Plain Lacewing and the once-in-a-lifetime encounter, the Lesser Wavy Maplet. As recent as November 2007, the Green Oak Blue made a stunning appearance after being missing for a decade. Registration not needed.

Time: 9.30am, meet at the reservoir’s viewing tower
Start Location: Upper Seletar Reservoir Park Viewing Tower
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

18 Oct (Sat): Walk at the National Orchid Garden

14 Sep (Sun): MAD lesson on Jungle Friends

13 Sep (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

13 Sep (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

13 Sep (Sat): Native plant hunt at Hindhede Nature Park

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.

Registration for the free plant hunt is limited to maximum of 10 people per registrant.

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

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.

12 Sep (Fri): Lantern Festival with Cicada Tree Eco-Place

The Lantern Festival is well-loved by children, especially for its colourful lanterns. Cicada Tree Eco-Place invites children to come together to promote peace by making peaceful dove lanterns as part of our Lantern Festival celebrations. Traditionally celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month in observance of a bountiful Autumn harvest in China, Chinese families typically gather to relax, drink tea, eat moon cakes, carry lanterns around their neighbourhood and pray for peace. Upon this occasion, the legend of the Moon Goddess, Chang-Er, is often told to children.

At this event held at an orchid farm, you will learn to make lanterns out of recycled material and hear about the Lantern Festival and the Roots & Shoots Day of Peace. As night falls, we will admire the moon, drink orchid tea, eat mooncakes and watch for bats that take to the night sky in search for food. Come to also find out how bats are symbols of prosperity in Chinese culture.

Suitable for children 6-10 years.

To register, email Celine Low at leopardcat@pacific.net.sg

Time: 4.30pm to 8pm
Venue: Nature's Niche @ Orchidville. Directions to the venue
Cost: $20 per child (includes lesson notes, craft materials, floral tea and mooncakes)
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.com/
Contact: Celine Low at leopardcat@pacific.net.sg

10 Sep (Wed): MAD lesson on Jungle Friends

5-19 Sep: Mad about Slippers - an orchid exhibition

Exotic plants have seldom been given names to match their beauty. The Paphiopedilum, however, is a notable exception. The word Paphiopedilum was derived from the Greek word ‘Paphian’ which refers to the Roman Goddess Venus, and ‘pedilon’ which means slipper. This was how this unique orchid gets its common name, the Venus’ Slipper, Ladies Slipper or Slipper Orchid. The main characteristic responsible for the name and differentiating it from other orchids is the bizarre pouch-like structure, which is the lip or labellum of this orchid. There are about one hundred species of paphiopedilums spreading from South China, India, Burma, South East Asia, Philippines, and Papua New Guinea to the Solomon Islands.

Visit this vibrant display at the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House. The National Orchid Garden is open daily from . Admission charges apply.

Dates: 5-19 Sep
Time: 8.30am–7pm
Venue: Tan Hoon Siang Misthouse, National Orchid Garden
Cost: Admission to the National Orchid Garden $5 for adults, and $1 for students and senior citizens above 60 years. Free for children (12 and below).
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg

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