24-30 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and families
More wild walks
Special shore activities
Talks
Other events
From Asia Is Green
Registration now open
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: this special goby and snapping shrimp couple taken by budak at Cyrene Reef!

IMG_4989, originally uploaded by budak.

30 Nov (Sun): Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

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

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

30 Nov (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

30 Nov (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

30 Nov (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

30 Nov (Sun): Christmas Art Workshop at Sungei Buloh

Want to make your own greeting cards and painted pebbles for the Festive Season? Join us at Sungei Buloh for a Christmas Art Workshop. All materials will be provided. Sungei Buloh Volunteer Mr Tham Pui San conducts this exciting workshop.

Seats are limited to the first 25 participants. Advanced registration required. Email g_shila_kumari@nparks.gov.sg or call 67941405.

Time: 9am -12pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Visitor cantre
Cost: A donation of $5 will entitle you to 3 pebbles and 3 cards, to decorate on the spot.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: g_shila_kumari@nparks.gov.sg or 67941405

29 Nov (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

29 Nov (Sat): MAD lesson on Wild Toys

Seeds, leaves and other parts of plants may be used creatively to make engaging toys and games. Make toys from plants in this lesson! 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.

Make A Difference! MAD lessons on wildlife by Cicada Tree Eco-Place and generously supported by Intel is suitable for kids aged 5 to 10, from kindergarten to primary school.

Dates and times:
5 November (Wednesday), 9.30am – 11.30am
12 November (Wednesday), 9.30am – 11.30am
22 November (Saturday) 2.30pm – 4.30pm
29 November (Saturday) 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Venue/meeting point: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $15 per kid. 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 2 classes per session).
Website: http://www.cicadatree.blogspot.com
Contact: leopardcat@pacific.net.sg

29 Nov (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

29 Nov (Sat): Guided 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

29 Nov (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

29 Nov (Sat); Fruits! Glorious Fruits! for kids

Be amazed by the many different types of fruits that we have in our Children’s Garden! Feast your eyes on a visual treat in this ‘fruit’ful guided tour. Join us to learn about amazing fruit facts.

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels

To register, email nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg or call 64719961 or register online at www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education")

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

29 Nov (Sat): Art of Paper Making - Workshop at Pasir Ris Park

Engage your child’s creativity in our fun and experiential papermaking workshop. A wonderful way to teach recycle waste into wonderful possibilities such as envelopes, greeting cards, artwork and more. Materials are provided for. Participants get to bring home starter kit and their own creation.

Suitable for children aged 6 to 12 years.

Time: 11am - 12.30pm
Venue: D'Space, Pasir Ris Park (carpark E)
Fees: $15 per child (include starter kit)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Wei Teng at chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg

29 Nov (Sat): Talk on "Amazing Trees"

Known as the clean and green city, Singapore’s image of tropical lushness and greenery is attributed to the abundance of trees and palms, which line our roadways and fill our parks and gardens. Apart from beautifying our landscape, the trees also add to the beauty, amenity and quality of life in our otherwise harsh urban environment. If you’ve always wanted to know more about the common trees found in Singapore, this session will introduce you to our tropical trees and its colourful features.

Due to limited seats, registration is required and can be made via www.golibrary.nlb.gov.sg and surf on to Simply' to reserve your seat. Brought to you by Green Culture Singapore & Nparks.

Time: 3.30-430pm
Venue: Programme Zone in Woodlands Regional Library
Website and contact: http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg/

27 Nov (Thu): Green Drinks with presentation on petrochemicals

It's the first year anniversary of Green Drinks!

This month, Petrochemicals journalist Leon Toh looks at environmental conservation through the eyes of the petrochemical industry. He will give a presentation on how petrochemicals are a part of our daily lives, re-looking into the idea of resource depletion, how little people actually know about petrochemicals, and how it is killing us all.

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

26 Nov (Wed): Let's Leaf Together - Workshop at Pasir Ris Park



Join us and learn how to make beautiful but simple nature displays that are all made with leaves of various shapes and sizes! Creations include animals such as butterflies and frogs!. Materials are provided. Participants get to bring home their own creations.

Suitable for children aged 5 to 10 years.


Time: 9 to 10.30am
Venue: D'Space, Pasir Ris Park (carpark E)
Fees: $10 per child (includes materials)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Wei Teng at chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg

25 Nov (Tue): Broadcast of "City Footprints" featuring volunteers for our shores

City Footprints is a social documentary series that tells the heartwarming stories of individuals or communities in our city- stories that mirror and reflect how individuals and community responds and reacts to paradigm shifts as a result of rapid social urbanization.

A green tide is swelling as a new generation of young Singaporeans leads the next wave of environmentalism.
Meet the Star Trackers: 26-year-old Chen Sijie and his partner, Chim Chee Kong, 31, as they brave irregular tide timings and errant weather to track and monitor sea stars on Cyrene Reefs – a mysterious coral colony that only surfaces for a few hours during the low tide period each month. The two are not alone in their roles as guardians of the seas.
As early as 2005 Siti Maryam, 27, has spearheaded a campaign to conserve an overlooked slice of nature through the volunteer group TeamSeagrass. On a little-known side of Sentosa, look at how volunteers survey local sea grass habitats before pollution and pressure overwhelm them.

As the three join hands to nurture the next wave of conservationists, find out how their efforts converge on the shorelines of Chek Jawa.

Time: 9.30pm repeats 11.30pm on Channel U
Website: http://u.mediacorptv.sg/

25 Nov (Tue): Talk on "Long-tailed Macaques" at the Botanic Gardens

Long-tailed Macaques: To Know or To Know More

If you are interested in the long-tailed macaques, their habits, behaviours and lives. This is the talk for you. You will take a peek into the lives and hierarchical structure of the long-tailed macaques, in addition to learning how to minimise human-macaque interaction and inevitably, human-macaque conflicts.

The talk is by Dr. Michael Gumert is a primatologist by training. He is currently lecturing at Nanyang Technological University's Psychology department. He has taken upon himself to learn about the macaque and has spent countless hours following, watching and observing the long-tailed macaques. He is the most appropriate person to give you an update of the long-tailed macaques.

Courtesy of Raymond-Singapore Polytechnic (DMIT)

Register for the talk by 24 Nov (Mon) with Woon Ling Ling WOON_Ling_Ling@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 7-8.30pm
Venue: Botany Centre Classroom 3 (Level 3), Singapore Botanic Gardens
Contact: Woon Ling Ling WOON_Ling_Ling@nparks.gov.sg

24 Nov (Mon): Talk on "The oil palm conundrum" at the NUS

"The oil palm conundrum: how oil palm agriculture affects tropical biodiversity and what can we do about it" by Koh Lian Pin hosted by Dr. Hugh Tan Tiang Wah

Southeast Asia contains 11% of the world's remaining tropical forests and harbors numerous endemic and rare species, many of which are restricted to forest habitats. Unfortunately, this region also suffers from the highest relative rate of deforestation of any major tropical region, which could result in the loss of up to three-quarters of its original forest cover and numerous species by 2100.

Over the past few decades, oil palm agriculture has expanded throughout Southeast Asia (and beyond). How has this expansion affected the region's forests and biodiversity? What can we do about it? Does biodiversity provide any benefits to the oil palm plantations themselves?

More details on the ecotax mailing list

Time: 10-11am
Venue: The National University of Singapore, Department of Biological Sciences, Conference Room, Block S3 Level 5
Contact: Qie Lan qie.lan@gmail.com

17-23 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For the kids and family
More wild walks
Announcements
At Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: maintenance work at the Mangrove Boardwalk from 10 to 21 Nov 08. The Mangrove Boardwalk is partially open to the public from 10 - 12 Nov and 17- 21 Nov and closed on 13 and 14 Nov 2008.

Talk this week

Registration now open
Photo of the Week is a special Giant clam! Tridacna maxima was spotted on Pulau Jong in this photo shared by ChimCK. It is one of the only two of these animals seen so far in Singapore. More about this animal on the Psychedelic Nature blog by "Giant Clam Girl" Mei Lin who shares that it is unfortunately "functionally extinct" in our waters.

23 Nov (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

22 Nov (Sat): Guided 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

22 Nov (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

22 Nov (Sat): MAD lesson on Wild Toys

Seeds, leaves and other parts of plants may be used creatively to make engaging toys and games. Make toys from plants in this lesson! 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.

Make A Difference! MAD lessons on wildlife by Cicada Tree Eco-Place and generously supported by Intel is suitable for kids aged 5 to 10, from kindergarten to primary school.

Dates and times:
5 November (Wednesday), 9.30am – 11.30am
12 November (Wednesday), 9.30am – 11.30am
22 November (Saturday) 2.30pm – 4.30pm
29 November (Saturday) 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Venue/meeting point: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $15 per kid. 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 2 classes per session).
Website: http://www.cicadatree.blogspot.com
Contact: leopardcat@pacific.net.sg

22 Nov (Thu): Trash to Treasure Craft Workshop at Pasir Ris Park

Look beyond the empty water bottles, containers and used items and see their potential in our recycling art and craft workshop. Kids will have fun learning how to recycle common household items and make something old into something new again.

Suitable for children aged 5 to 10 years.

Time: 9 to 10.30am
Venue: D'Space, Pasir Ris Park (carpark C)
Fees: $10 per child (includes materials)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Wei Teng at chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg

22 Nov (Thu): The Birthday Party - a guided tour for kids

Sara At The Children’s Garden

Sara is celebrating her baby brother’s birthday party. At the last minute, she realizes she forgot the birthday present! Help Sara search for the perfect gift at the Children’s Garden. Along the way, have a fun and memorable experience in this new Garden dedicated to children.

Suitable for children in K1 – P2 levels.

To register, email nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg or call 64719961 or register online at www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education")

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $8.50 per child (includes $2.50 “The Birthday Party. Sara at the Children’s Garden” workbook); $6.00 per accompanying parent.
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6471 9961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

22 Nov (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.

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

More about the activity on the NParks website.

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

22 Nov (Sat): NSS Kids' Perfect 10 Ramble @ Admiralty Park

Come explore newly-opened Admiralty Park in an easy 5-km/2-hour NSS Kids' ramble led by Benjamin Ho of the Nature Ramblers. Lots of fascinating natural sights to see along the way! In this "Perfect 10 Ramble", we’ll aim to show you 10 bird species, 10 butterfly species, 10 plant species and 10 miscellaneous species. Try to spot an active troop of Crab-eating Monkeys foraging in the mangroves along Sungei China. Bring along your binoculars and you'll get to observe up close colourful birds, butterflies and insects. If you don't have your own pair, we'll provide one. To top it off, there are plenty of scenic spots for photo taking.

Please register your kids (4-12 years old) with Gloria at gloria_seow@yahoo.com, stating their names & ages, if you are a NSS member or not, your mobile number, and if you need us to provide binoculars or not.

A registration fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents are encouraged to come along at no charge. More details will be emailed to those who sign up.

More details of this event on the Fun with Nature blog

Time: 8am, meet at Republic Polytechnic entrance
Cost: $5/child (member); $10/child (non-member)

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

21 Nov (Fri): Young Naturalist Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh

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

Pre-registration required. Limited to 40 children between the age of 6-10 years old.

Closing date for the YNP Camp registration: when we reach full capacity.

More about the Young Naturalist Passport programme.

Time: 8.30am to 5pm
Charges: Each participant needs to purchase a young naturalist passport from our Visitor Services Counter at 50 cents. Registration fee of $5 is applicable, and cheques will be returned upon attendance and completion of the camp. The fee will be donated to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve education fund if the child fails to turn up for the camp upon registration and confirmation. Admission charges (50 cents per child) apply.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

18 Nov (Tue): Talk on "Is Humanity Facing a Looming Ecological Credit Crunch?" by WWF

The world is heading for an ecological credit crunch as human demands on the world's natural capital reach nearly a third more than earth can sustain.

That is the stark warning contained in the latest edition of WWF’s Living Planet Report. The report shows more than three quarters of the world’s people now living in nations that are ecological debtors, where national consumption has outstripped their country’s biological capacity.

The report suggests some key “sustainability wedges” which if combined could stabilise and reverse the worsening slide into ecological debt and enduring damage to global support systems. For the single most important challenge — climate change – the report shows that a range of efficiency, renewable and low emissions “wedges” could meet projected energy demands to 2050 with reductions in carbon emissions of 60 to 80 per cent.

Dr Chris Hails, Editor-in-Chief of the Living Planet Report, WWF-International Director of Network Relations and Chairman of WWF-Singapore board, will share with the audience the key findings of the report and discuss how humanity can close the gap between humanity’s footprint and available biocapacity.

More details and registration on the ISEAS website

Time: 3-4.30pm
Venue: Seminar Room II, Institute of South East Asia Studies (ISEAS)
Website: http://www.iseas.edu.sg/
Contact: admin@iseas.edu.sg

10-16 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family
Wild walks
Other activities include
For Nature Society (Singapore) members only
Registration now open
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 fabulous photo of the Stork-billed kingfisher is our photo of the week! Thanks to Lin Yangchen for sharing it.

Aerodynamic theory, originally uploaded by Lin Yangchen.

16 Nov (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

16 Nov (Sun): Butterfly Garden Walk @ Changi Airport Terminal 3

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

We will take an inaugural stroll inside the newly-launched Butterfly Garden enclosure located at Changi Airport Terminal 3. Currently, this is the world’s first butterfly garden in an airport setting. While the majority of the butterfly species found here are from both Singapore and Malaysia, there are a few species that are only found in Malaysia.

Registration is compulsory as this is a high security area. Due to space constraints, members will be divided into two groups of 15 each and will be allotted entry on a first come first serve basis. As the availability dates of the premises are subject to CAAS approval, please check the NSS website a week before the walk for final confirmation. Members are advised not to linger in the enclosure once your allotted time is up.

To register, email Simon nssbig1-ask@yahoo.com.sg stating your full name, I/C and NSS membership numbers.

Time: 9.00am to 10.30am; 10.30am to 12.00noon, meet at the Information Counter, Changi Airport Terminal 3
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

15 Nov (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

15 Nov (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

15 Nov (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

15 Nov (Sat): Guided 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

15 Nov (Sat): Recycling Day 2008

Part of Clean & Green Singapore, exchange your recyclables and be a Champion Recycler, take part in various contests and learn more about the 3Rs through the fun-filled games and exhibition booths! There'll be an on-the-spot colouring contest for pre-schoolers and waste minimisation and recycling games and exhibitions

More details on the Clean & Green Singapore site

Time: 9 am to 7 pm
Venues: Main Site - Blk 252, Yu Hua Village, Jurong. Other satellite sites – Hougang Central, Blk 123 Bukit Merah View and Yio Chu Kang Secondary School carpark
Website and contact: http://www.cgs.sg

15 Nov (Sat): MAD lesson on Frogs & Toads

Singapore has 25 species of frogs and toads, 19 of which live in our forests. If our forest is degraded due to un-natural climate change, we may easily lose some of our amphibian species.

Kids will learn about the diversity of frogs and toads in Singapore, the differences between frogs and toads, learn about their ecology —- their life cycle, where they live, what they eat, what may eat them. Get to know how to create amphibian habitats that will attract native frogs and toads to breed!

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.

To register email leopardcat@pacific.net.sg

Make A Difference! MAD lessons on wildlife by Cicada Tree Eco-Place and generously supported by Intel is suitable for kids aged 5 to 10, from kindergarten to primary school.

Dates and times:
22 October (Wednesday), 9.30am – 11.30am
25 October (Saturday), 2.30 – 4.30pm
29 October (Wednesday), 9.30am – 11.30am
15 November (Saturday), 2.30 – 4.30pm
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: $15 per kid. 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 2 classes per session).
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.com/
Contact: leopardcat@pacific.net.sg

15 Nov (Sat): Designer Trees! - handicraft workshop

Do you know that trees make lovely gifts too? Following up from "All about Trees and Film!" held on 8 Nov, this time you’ll get to create your own trees! The Tree Wizard will showcase his meticulously handmade miniature trees—no details spared! Do you think trees are only trees? Hey, they can be designed to create your own messages with a little creativity! So while learning how to make trees, you also get to design your trees with your own messages!

Especially for youths, so join us if you are 13–25 years old.

Registration is required on the website www.golibrary.nlb.gov.sg, click on 'Add to Cart' or register via the NLB's eKiosks!

Time: 2-5pm
Venue: Programme Zone in Woodlands Regional Library
Website: www.golibrary.nlb.gov.sg
Contact: For more information, please contact Athena_AZIZ@nlb.gov.sg

15 Nov (Sat): Kusu Island Reefwalk with the Blue Water Volunteers

The evening Kusu Island ReefWALKs are back. 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: 5-9pm
Venue: to be advised
Cost: $15/person
Website: http://www.bluewatervolunteers.org
Contact: reefwalk@gmail.com

15 Nov (Sat): 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.

12 Nov (Wed): MAD lesson on Wild Toys

Seeds, leaves and other parts of plants may be used creatively to make engaging toys and games. Make toys from plants in this lesson! 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.

Make A Difference! MAD lessons on wildlife by Cicada Tree Eco-Place and generously supported by Intel is suitable for kids aged 5 to 10, from kindergarten to primary school.

Dates and times:
5 November (Wednesday), 9.30am – 11.30am
12 November (Wednesday), 9.30am – 11.30am
22 November (Saturday) 2.30pm – 4.30pm
29 November (Saturday) 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Venue/meeting point: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Cost: $15 per kid. 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 2 classes per session).
Website: http://www.cicadatree.blogspot.com
Contact: leopardcat@pacific.net.sg

11 Nov (Tue): Talks on "Smaller carbon footprints or bigger green footprints?"

Smaller carbon footprints or bigger green footprints? — a Singaporean response to Al Gore’s “The Inconvenient Truth”

Speakers:

Mr Mitesh Patel
Manager, Power Select
WorleyParsons Pte Ltd

Mr Henry Kwok
Global Partner
Haines Centre for Strategic Management, Asia Pacific

More details on the ISEAS website with link to registration form.

Time: 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm
Venue: Seminar Room II, Institute for South East Asian Studies
Website: http://www.iseas.edu.sg/
Contact: Lee Poh Onn polee@iseas.edu.sg or call 68704510

3-9 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For the kids and the family
Walks in our wild places
Special events include
More activities from AsiaIsGreen
Registration now open
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 are the beautiful feather stars of Pulau Hantu taken during a dive last week, shared by Debby Ng. Our reefs are very much alive!

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

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

Suitable for young children.

Pre-registration required.

More about the MacRitchie Prunus Trail on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks Central Nature Reserve and is held every second Sunday of the month.

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

9 Nov (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

9 Nov (Sun): "Getting to Know MacRitchie" by MediaCorp

Want to about the history and importance of MacRitchie? "Getting to Know MacRitchie" is the walk for you. Starting at the roundabout within the park, the first portion of the walk will cover the history of MacRitchie and its relationship with water. The second portion of the walk will cover how the forests around the reservoir play a very important role in maintaining the water quality�in MacRitchie�and how the various flora and fauna, within the forests, are vital to life. The walk will weave through the forest trail and end at the bandstand. This walk is also available in Mandarin, upon request.

"Botanical Wonders of MacRitchie" starts at Prunus Trail. Along the trail, you will learn about the interesting facts and amazing stories of the indigenous flora that can be found at MacRitchie. The walk will loop round Prunus Trail and MacRitchie Nature Trail.

These free walks are held every second Sunday of the month. Kindly dress in comfortable clothing and shoes for this walk. Do bring along water and an umbrella. In the event of bad weather, the walk will be cancelled.

For more information and registration, please call 6554-5127.


Time: 9-10.30am
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Call 65545127 for enquiry and/or free registration.