22-28 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

For the kids and family

• Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

Walks in our wild places and gardens

• Guided mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
• Guided walk at Hort Park.
• Heritage and Nature walk at Fort Canning Park.
• Guided walk at Evolution Garden.

Make a difference!

• ReefFriends training for volunteer divers.

Registration now open

• 10 Jan (Sat): Pasir Ris Mangrove Cleanup with Grant Pereira
• 9 Jan (Fri): Workshop for Nature Guides - Hard Corals with Jeffrey Low conducted by the Leafmonkey Workshop

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 beautiful Tomato anemonefish was among the many amazing sightings in the recent low tide trips.

IMG_6662, originally uploaded by budak.

28 Dec (Sun): Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

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.

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 Dec (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

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

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

This walk is conducted by volunteer guides every last Saturday 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 Dec (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

27 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

Time: 9.30am 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

23 Dec (Tue): ReefFriends training course

Are you a diver looking to make a difference for our reefs?
Here's a great opportunity to do so!

Photo by Toh Chay Hoon during the first ReefFriends Survey
of Kusu Island in 2008.

ReefFriends is a volunteer based coral reef survey programme that monitors the status of coral reefs of Singapore through bimonthly surveys. This Blue Water Volunter programme is currently sponsored by the National Parks Board. Results of these surveys are submitted to the National Parks Board, NUS Marine Biology Lab and Reef Check.

The ReefFriends training course will cover:

• What is BWV all about?
• What is the Reef Friends survey about?
• Basic coral reef facts
• Survey techniques

More about the ReefFriends programme on the Blue Water Volunteers website.

Sign up for the ReefFriends training course at this link
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pv-hJAbBAeYxWcoG4kWO0YA.

Dates: Theory classes: 11, 16, 18 and 23 Dec 08 (Dates of the practical classes to be decided on the first day of the course)
Time: 7-10pm
Venue: Classroom 4, Botany Centre, Tanglin Core, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: The course will cost S$100. This will only cover admin costs (training materials, room bookings etc). It will not include costs for the practical sessions (there will be a minimum of two practical sessions).
Website: http://www.bluewatervolunteers.org/reeffriends/
Contact: reeffriends@bluewatervolunteers.org

15-21 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

For the kids and family

• Christmas storytelling at the Botanic Gardens.
• Young Mathematician of the Gardens

Special events

• Sensory Trail walk at Pulau Ubin.

Walks in our wild places

• Mangrove walks at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
• Mangrove walk at Pasir Ris Park.
• Guided walk at the Singapore Orchid Garden.

Make a difference!

• ReefFriends training for volunteer divers on Tuesday and Thursday

Registration now open

• 10 Jan (Sat): Pasir Ris Mangrove Cleanup with Grant Pereira
• 9 Jan (Fri): Workshop for Nature Guides - Hard Corals with Jeffrey Low conducted by the Leafmonkey Workshop

Other news

• Launch of Zero Waste Singapore a new website on how you can make a difference in reducing, reusing and recycling.

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 a cute furry squirrel. And this little fellow is nibbling on something. Shared by Marcus Ng on his flickr.

IMG_5727, originally uploaded by budak.

21 Dec (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

20 & 21 Dec: Christmas Storytelling at the Botanic Gardens Library

Christmas time is here! Come join us for a magical time of tales & fables from the plant kingdom! What better way of celebrating the season than a good ol' tale of myth and legend, so bring out the cheer and be enchanted today!Every Saturday and Sunday, 29 Nov to 21 Dec.

Time: 11 - 11.30am
Venue: Library of Botany & Horticulture, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

20 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

Time: 9.30am 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 Dec (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 Dec (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 Dec (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

18 Dec (Thu): ReefFriends training course

Are you a diver looking to make a difference for our reefs?
Here's a great opportunity to do so!

Photo by Toh Chay Hoon during the first ReefFriends Survey
of Kusu Island in 2008.

ReefFriends is a volunteer based coral reef survey programme that monitors the status of coral reefs of Singapore through bimonthly surveys. This Blue Water Volunter programme is currently sponsored by the National Parks Board. Results of these surveys are submitted to the National Parks Board, NUS Marine Biology Lab and Reef Check.

The ReefFriends training course will cover:

• What is BWV all about?
• What is the Reef Friends survey about?
• Basic coral reef facts
• Survey techniques

More about the ReefFriends programme on the Blue Water Volunteers website.

Sign up for the ReefFriends training course at this link
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pv-hJAbBAeYxWcoG4kWO0YA.

Dates: Theory classes: 11, 16, 18 and 23 Dec 08 (Dates of the practical classes to be decided on the first day of the course)
Time: 7-10pm
Venue: Classroom 4, Botany Centre, Tanglin Core, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: The course will cost S$100. This will only cover admin costs (training materials, room bookings etc). It will not include costs for the practical sessions (there will be a minimum of two practical sessions).
Website: http://www.bluewatervolunteers.org/reeffriends/
Contact: reeffriends@bluewatervolunteers.org

16 Dec (Tue): Young Mathematician of the Gardens - A guided tour for kids

Discover the number of petals on a flower. Count the number of leaf blade of a leaf to determine a simple or compound leaf. Counting, addition, subtraction, and many more mathematic skills that you can apply in learning about plants. Be a young Mathematician of the Garden in this guided tour and have fun learning about Maths and Plants.

Suitable for children in P3 - P6 levels

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

Time: 10-11am
Fee: $6 per child or parent
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg
Contact: 64719961 or email nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

16 Dec (Tue): ReefFriends training course

Are you a diver looking to make a difference for our reefs?
Here's a great opportunity to do so!

Photo by Toh Chay Hoon during the first ReefFriends Survey
of Kusu Island in 2008.

ReefFriends is a volunteer based coral reef survey programme that monitors the status of coral reefs of Singapore through bimonthly surveys. This Blue Water Volunter programme is currently sponsored by the National Parks Board. Results of these surveys are submitted to the National Parks Board, NUS Marine Biology Lab and Reef Check.

The ReefFriends training course will cover:

• What is BWV all about?
• What is the Reef Friends survey about?
• Basic coral reef facts
• Survey techniques

More about the ReefFriends programme on the Blue Water Volunteers website.

Sign up for the ReefFriends training course at this link
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pv-hJAbBAeYxWcoG4kWO0YA.

Dates: Theory classes: 11, 16, 18 and 23 Dec 08 (Dates of the practical classes to be decided on the first day of the course)
Time: 7-10pm
Venue: Classroom 4, Botany Centre, Tanglin Core, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: The course will cost S$100. This will only cover admin costs (training materials, room bookings etc). It will not include costs for the practical sessions (there will be a minimum of two practical sessions).
Website: http://www.bluewatervolunteers.org/reeffriends/
Contact: reeffriends@bluewatervolunteers.org

8-14 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• Recycling at the Library
• Fun with Maths and Plants at the Botanic Gardens.

Special events this week

• Pedal Ubin with the Jungle Fowls.
• Bird Watching Workshop @ Southern Ridges on Saturday and Sunday.

Special seashore events

• Kusu Island Reefwalk with the Blue Water Volunteers.
• ReefFriends training course begins for volunteer divers.
• Horseshoe Crab Research and Rescue at Kranji with Nature Society.

Wild walks

• Nature walk at the MacRitchie Prunus Trail.
• Getting to know MacRitchie walk.
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
• Forest walk at the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail.

Talks

• "The Secret Affair of the Asian Elephant"

Registration now open

• 10 Jan (Sat): Pasir Ris Mangrove Cleanup with Grant Pereira

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 is this fascinating slug seen during the Pulau Hantu dive last week and shared by Chay Hoon. More about it on her blog and the Pulau Hantu blog.

Nudibranch : Bornella Anguilla, originally uploaded by il_mare77.

14 Dec (Sun): Bird Watching Workshop @ Southern Ridges

Calling all bird lovers! The Southern Ridges comprises a chain of green-open spaces and forested areas spanning the rolling hills of Mt Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park. It is home to numerous species of flora and fauna yet to be fully explored. 43 species of birds have been recently surveyed in this area, and some of them are even rare and uncommon. So come join us for a chirpy experience at Southern Ridges!

Limited vacancy, registration is on first come first serve basis. For more information, please email Joice at joice_phua@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 10am and 6pm.
Duration: 2 hours.
Venue: Meet at i-kiosk at Henderson Waves(bridge between Mt Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Joice at joice_phua@nparks.gov.sg

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

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

Suitable for young children.

Pre-registration required.

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

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

14 Dec (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

14 Dec (Sun); "Getting to know MacRitchie" walk

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.

13 Dec (Sat): Bird Watching Workshop @ Southern Ridges

Calling all bird lovers! The Southern Ridges comprises a chain of green-open spaces and forested areas spanning the rolling hills of Mt Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park. It is home to numerous species of flora and fauna yet to be fully explored. 43 species of birds have been recently surveyed in this area, and some of them are even rare and uncommon. So come join us for a chirpy experience at Southern Ridges!

Limited vacancy, registration is on first come first serve basis. For more information, please email Joice at joice_phua@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 10am and 6pm.
Duration: 2 hours.
Venue: Meet at i-kiosk at Henderson Waves(bridge between Mt Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Joice at joice_phua@nparks.gov.sg

13 Dec (Sat): Kusu Island Reefwalk 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: 4-8pm
Venue: to be advised
Cost: $15/person
Website: http://www.bluewatervolunteers.org
Contact: reefwalk@gmail.com

13 & 14 Dec: Christmas Storytelling at the Botanic Gardens Library

Christmas time is here! Come join us for a magical time of tales & fables from the plant kingdom! What better way of celebrating the season than a good ol' tale of myth and legend, so bring out the cheer and be enchanted today!Every Saturday and Sunday, 29 Nov to 21 Dec.

Time: 11 - 11.30am
Venue: Library of Botany & Horticulture, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 Dec (Sat): Pedal Ubin

Nature and heritage on a bicycle!

The Raffles Museum Toddycats have just opened up their quarterly Pedal Ubin ride once again.

Take a journey on bicycle with the Jungle Fowls, a bunch of friendly and passionate volunteer guides from NUS’ Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, who want to share the joys of discovering nature and heritage in Pulau Ubin.

Offered to the public since 1998, the relaxing four hour ride is suitable for novice cyclists and introduces the heritage and natural history of Pulau Ubin to participants. We will get off our saddles to take a close look at the island's flora, fauna and heritage sights.

Registration - 60 places are available this time.

To sign up, please see the Participant's Page
Please note that you have to be at Changi Point Ferry Terminal by 8am, latest!

from the habitatnews blog and the toddycats blog

Time: 8.30am, meet at the Pulau Ubin Volunteer Hub.
Website: http://pedalubin.rafflesmuseum.net/

13 Dec (Sat): Talk on "The Secret Affair of the Asian Elephant"

How are elephants trained in Asia? What is a true elephant sanctuary? And
what has a facial got to do with elephants?
For the first time, elephant conservationists in Asia will be represented together as many secrets about Asia’s endangered iconic giants and their captive trade are revealed in a free screening of films and photography exhibition.

Free! All are welcome.

Autographed limited edition items will also be auctioned for conservation funding. All proceeds go to elephant welfare.

Your help needed: 3 volunteers needed. 1-2 to man the sales and another to help in the auction.

Presented by Wildlife Asia, National Parks Board, Green Volunteers Network, Earth Sanctuary and Elemantree Media.

Time: 1030am-1pm, 2-430pm
Venue: Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: www.elephantandtree.blogspot.com and www.elephantandtree.com
Contact: jinpyn@elephantandtree.com

13 Dec (Sat): Forest walk at the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail

A free guided nature walk through a rainforest right in the heart of the city! Along paved trails, under the shade of giant trees, learn about our rainforests, spot forest creatures and strange plants.

Suitable for young children.

More about the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail on the wildsingapore website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NPark's Singapore Botanic Gardens and is held every second Saturday of the month.

A special Mandarin version of this tour is at 4pm.

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

13 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

Time: 9.30am 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 Dec (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: 3pm, 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 Dec (Fri): Recycling at the National Library

Do you know what is recycling? Can you recycle paper, glass or empty cans? Join us, in this hands-on session to learn the importance of recycling and why we need to recycle. Children will also learn how to make a cardboard figure from recycled materials like newspapers, bottle caps and plastic bags.

Limited to 30 participants from 4 to 8 years old. This programme requires registration and payment at the Library's ekiosks. Please approach their Customer Service Counter for help should you require any.

Time: 4-5pm
Venue: Activity Room in Marine Parade Public Library
Website and contact: http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg/

11 Dec (Thu): ReefFriends training course

Are you a diver looking to make a difference for our reefs?
Here's a great opportunity to do so!

Photo by Toh Chay Hoon during the first ReefFriends Survey
of Kusu Island in 2008.

ReefFriends is a volunteer based coral reef survey programme that monitors the status of coral reefs of Singapore through bimonthly surveys. This Blue Water Volunter programme is currently sponsored by the National Parks Board. Results of these surveys are submitted to the National Parks Board, NUS Marine Biology Lab and Reef Check.

The ReefFriends training course will cover:

• What is BWV all about?
• What is the Reef Friends survey about?
• Basic coral reef facts
• Survey techniques

More about the ReefFriends programme on the Blue Water Volunteers website.

Sign up for the ReefFriends training course at this link
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pv-hJAbBAeYxWcoG4kWO0YA.

Dates: Theory classes: 11, 16, 18 and 23 Dec 08 (Dates of the practical classes to be decided on the first day of the course)
Time: 7-10pm
Venue: Classroom 4, Botany Centre, Tanglin Core, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: The course will cost S$100. This will only cover admin costs (training materials, room bookings etc). It will not include costs for the practical sessions (there will be a minimum of two practical sessions).
Website: http://www.bluewatervolunteers.org/reeffriends/
Contact: reeffriends@bluewatervolunteers.org

10 Dec (Wed): Fun with Maths & Plants! A guided tour for kids

Have fun being a little Mathematician and learn about plants at the same time in this tour. Learn and practice on your basic math concepts of colour, shape, size and number using leaves, flowers and other plant materials. You will discover that Mathematics is fun and interesting!

Suitable for children in K1 - Pri 2 levels

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

Time: 10-11am
Fee: $6.00 per child or parent
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg
Contact: 64719961 or email nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

Announcement: Transport to Sungei Buloh this weekend

Parking at the Reserve is closed for the anniversary celebrations on 6-7 Dec.

A free Sungei Buloh shuttle bus will run from Kranji MRT – Kranji Dam Car Park – Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve every hour from 7 am to 7pm.
Parking is available at the Kranji Dam Car Park. Take the free Sungei Buloh shuttle bus to get to the Reserve.

From the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website.

1-7 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

It's celebration time at Sungei Buloh! As the Reserve celebrates its 10th anniversary, there's a bonanza of activities this weekend.

• Talks, photo exhibitions, games and other fun activities at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
• Join Otterman for a mangrove walk and a talk about Adventures in the Mud.
• The much awaited art exhibition by Tham Pui San at the Reserve.
• Mangrove walk on Sunday as well.

Other activities for kids during the school holidays

• Yoga under the Kapok Tree with Cicada Tree Eco-Place.
• The Birthday Party a walk for kids at the Botanic Gardens.
• The Art of Papermaking for kids at Pasir Ris Park.
• Trash to Treasure craft workshop for kids at Pasir Ris Park.

Wild walks

• Rainforest walk at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
• Nature walk at the Lower Pierce Boardwalk.
• Green Vibes at Bishan Park a tour of a vegetable garden.
• Kitchen garden tour at Pasir Ris Park.
• Edible and Medicinal Plants tour at the Botanic Gardens.

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes.

Talks and other happenings

• "Beautiful Rhododendrons in South East Asia" at the Botanic Gardens.
• Workshop for Nature Guides by the Leafmonkey Workshop covers cnidarians this week.
• Sir David Attenborough's "In Cold Blood" airs every Wednesday on okto.

Registration now open

• Registration for Chek Jawa walks in Jan-Mar will open on 1 Dec (Mon). Call the Pulau Ubin Hotline (Tel: 6542-4108) or visit their Information Kiosk between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm to book a tour. You will be given a booking number to register with on the actual day of the tour. As demand for the guided tours is high, please book early to avoid disappointment. More details on the NParks website.
  
• 13 Dec (Sat): Pedal Ubin by the Jungel Fowls

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! "I'm keeping an eye on you" the Spotted wood owl seems to say. A fabulous photo shared by James shows our amazing biodiversity.

Spotted Wood Owl4, originally uploaded by James@CK.

7 Dec (Sun): Rainforest walk at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

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

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

Pre-registration is required.

More about the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Central Nature Reserve and is held every first Sunday of the month.

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

7 Dec (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

7 Dec (Sun): Birdwatching at the Kranji Marshes

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

We will take a pleasant walk along a countryside road to Kranji Reservoir where the freshwater marsh is located. The marsh is designated by URA as a nature park called “Kranji Marsh Park”, and will come under NSS adoption within the PUB’s ABC Waters Programme. Birding highlights here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Rusty-breated Cuckoo, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Eagle, White-bellied Sea Eagle and more. Your ideas and suggestions as to how we can conduct a variety of activities at the marsh land for the promotion of nature appreciation and education amongst the public are most welcome.

Time: 7.30am, meet at the junction of Neo Tiew Lane 2 & Neo Tiew Road
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

6 Dec (Sat): Green Vibes at Bishan Park

Don't Just Eat Your Vegetable! Learn More About Them @ Green Vibes - An Educational Tour in a Vegetable Garden.

An oasis of greenery with more than 100 species of vegetables and herbs awaits you. Located right in the heartlands, Green Vibes offer visitors a chance to experience its bounty and wealth of agricultural crops up close. There is truly something for everyone in the family.

More details on the NParks website.

This event is held every first Saturday of the month.

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

6 Dec (Sat): Nature walk at Lower Pierce Boardwalk

Free guided nature walk along boardwalks through cool, shady forests and by the Lower Peirce Reservoir. Learn about our forests, spot forest and aquatic wildlife, enjoy panaromic views of waters surrounded by luxuriant forest.

Suitable for young children.

Pre-registration required.

More about the Lower Peirce Trail on the wildsingapore website and NParks website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks Central Nature Reserve and is held every first Saturday of the month.

Time: 9.25am and 10.25am. Meet at Casuarina Entrance of the trail along Old Upper Thomson Road, which is a 2-minute walk from Casuarina Road.
Tour duration: One-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg or call 6554 5127.

6 Dec (Sat): Kitchen Garden tour at Pasir Ris Park

Excite your senses with our Kitchen Garden Tour. Find out how vegetables are grown before it gets onto your plate! You will also learn about some natural remedies that our grandmothers might have planted in their own backyard.

Suitable for children from K1-P6 levels.

To register, please contact Wei Teng at 64653305 or email chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg

This walk is conducted every first Saturday of the month

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

6 & 7 Dec (Sat & Sun): Mangrove walk and Adventures in the Mud by Otterman at Sungei Buloh

Free guided walk plus talk plus examination of mangrove specimens!
In celebration of the anniversary of the official opening of Singapore's first wetlands reserve at Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve, the Raffles Museum Toddycats conduct a free guided walk for the public every year.

This year, on the 15th anniversary, we are adding an exciting talk by Otterman ("Adventures in the Mud!") as well as an examination of mangrove specimens from the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research so that visitors will appreciate the morphology and adaptations of mangrove denizens!

And we will hold this over two days! The mornings of 6th (Saturday) and 7th (Sunday) of December 2008.

More details on the habitatnews blog with registration details.

Time: 7.30am-12pm on Saturday 8am-1pm on Sunday
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Website and contact: http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/

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

Join this free tour by our volunteer guides and spice up your knowledge of Edible and Medicinal Plants.

Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Centre, 15 minutes before the tour starts.

More information on the Singapore Botanic Gardens website.

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

6 Dec (Sat): Under the Kapok Tree for kids

This invigorating lesson will involve animal yoga and story-telling and will be carried out right under a large kapok tree ((Indian Cotton Tree). You will hear the story of “The Great Kapok Tree” written by Lynne Cherry and learn yoga movements which represent animals of the rainforest!

If you’re a kid between the ages of 6 and 11, join us!

Pre-registration required. Email Celine Low leopardcat@pacific.net.sg

More details on the Cicada Tree Eco-Place blog.

Time: 9.15 - 10.15am
Venue: Upper Seletar Reservoir Park, meet at foot of Viewing Tower
Cost: $10 per child (minimum 10 kids to run session)
Website: http://www.cicadatree.blogspot.com/
Contact: Celine Low leopardcat@pacific.net.sg

6 & 7 Dec (Sat & Sun): Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Anniversary Celebrations

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve celebrates its 15th Anniversary this year. Join us for an activity-filled weekend. Form a team of four with your family members and take part in the Amazing Mangrove Adventure. Stand to win attractive prizes as you learn about the vibrant biodiversity found in mangroves. Or join us for nature and photography talks, exhibitions and face painting.

Programme

Throughout the weekend: Art and Photography Exhibitions. The Macro Mania Flickr Group is holding its first exhibition showcasing 35 pictures from 35 photographers.

6 Dec 08 (Sat)

• The Amazing Mangrove Adventure: 10am, 1pm, 3.30 pm (Registration Fee of $5.00 per team)
• Face Painting for Children: 10am-12.30pm ($2/child)

Free Nature talks

• 11.30am: Adventures in the Mud! by Mr N. Sivasothi, National University of Singapore
  
• 3pm: Sungei Buloh-Singapore's Gem, Mr David Tan, Sungei Buloh Volunteer
• 4pm: Sharks and Marine Conservation, Mr Lee Tiow Aun, Underwater World Singapore
  
  

7 Dec 08 (Sun)

• The Amazing Mangrove Adventure: 8am, 9am, 10.30am, 12.30pm (Registration Fee of $5.00 per team)
• Face Painting for Children: 9am-12.30pm ($2/child)

Free Nature talks

• 9am: Migratory Birds of Singapore, Mr Kenneth Kee, Sungei Buloh Volunteer
• 11.30am: Adventures in the Mud! by Mr N. Sivasothi, National University of Singapore
• 2pm: Weird and Wonderful World of Macro Photography, Ms Colleen Goh, Sungei Buloh Volunteer
• 4pm: Bird Action Photography, Mr Lee Tiah Kee, Lianhe Zhaobao

More on how to play the Amazing Mangrove Adventure (PDF file) on the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website.

For latest updates, please call tel: 67941401 (8.30am–6pm daily).

Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

6 Dec 08-15 Feb 09: "Wetlands Alive" - art exhibition by Tham Pui San at Sungei Buloh

A message from the artist, Tham Pui San

My year long effort to put up an oil painting exhibition is nearing fruition. Come 6 Dec, 08 it will happen at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve till 15 Feb, 2009. Come along to see my interpretations of this wetland in oil paints and then enjoy the real mangrove environment with new eyes the next time you are here at the reserve.

Enjoy Nature Enjoy Life!

Dates: 6 Dec 08 - 15 Feb 09
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: 67941401 info@sbwr.org.sg