28 Feb (Sat): Guided tour of Kranji Marsh

The Nature Society of Singapore (NSS) has adopted the Kranji Reservoir and the surrounding marshes in November, under the PUB’s waterways adoption programme.

The wetlands are the island’s last remaining chunk of freshwater marshes, and are home to threatened bird species. Measuring 90 hectares, the Kranji marshes have fallen victim to neglect, urbanisation and poachers over the years.

Now, the NSS hopes to get Singaporeans to treasure the area’s rich biodiversity, and is launching its first tour for the public on Jan 31. The three-hour tour will involve a 4-kilometre trek.

The walk will be held once a month and is limited to 20-25 people. To sign up for the Kranji Bund Marshes tour, email contact@nss.org.sg.

Full media article on this effort on the wildsingapore news blog.

Time: 7.30am. Meeting point will be conveyed to those who register.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

28 Feb (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

28 Feb (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

28 Feb (Sat): Guided Tour @ Hort Park

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

28 Feb (Sat): Nature and heritage 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

28 Feb (Sat): Stories about Nature - Drama workshop for kids

Through story, dramatisation and props provided to further ignite and enhance the imagination, children will learn about nature, its effects on our earth and how to show respect towards it.

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

Suitable for children in P1 - P3 levels.

Time: 3-4pm
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fee: $10 per child
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg
Contact: 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

28 Feb (Sat): Seminar on "Yoga for Kids"

Does your child lack Focus? Does your child get Stressed easily? Does your child get Angry easily? Does your child fall Sick easily? Join this free seminar to find out how yoga can help in your child’s learning and wellbeing.

LIMITED SEATS ONLY! BOOK NOW

Time: 10am-noon
Venue: HortPark
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6471 5601

28 Feb (Sat): "Nature & Me" - Drama workshop for kids

Through story, dramatisation and props provided to further ignite and enhance the imagination, children will learn about nature, its effects on our earth and how to show respect towards it.

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

Suitable for children in K1 - K2 levels

Time: 2-3pm
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fee: $10.00 per child
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg
Contact: 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

27 Feb (Fri): Workshop for Nature Guides - Life between the Tides

by the Leafmonkey Workshop

This workshop is an introduction to the various intertidal ecosystems: rocky shore, sandy shore, seagrasses, coral rubble, reefs and the tides. Find out where our shores are, what has been lost, learn more about these shore habitats, and threats to our remaining shores. If you're keen to learn about designing and managing projects for our shore, reading the tides and getting an introduction to our shores, this is the workshop for you!

The focus of this workshop is on connecting ordinary people with nature. If you are a nature guide and have been struggling, trying to digest and convert biological facts to fun stories for your visitors, this workshop is for you!

This workshop aims to bring experienced and new nature guides together to brainstorm ideas. Let's learn from one another, and come up with new ways to share our passion.

Be prepared to work hard, have fun, make new friends and definitely learn new ways of looking at guiding and our wild places.

SPEAKER
Ria Tan, WildSingapore
Ria is the author of the Chek Jawa Guidebook as well as the WildSingapore series of websites. She can be found at every low tide visiting almost every piece of shoreline in Singapore. She can be found writing at the wild shores of singapore blog as well.

More details of the event on the Leafmonkey Workshop

Time: 7 - 9.30pm
Venue: Civil Service College, 31 North Buona Vista Road Singapore 275983 [Map]
Website: http://leafmonkeyworkshop.blogspot.com/
Contact: leafmonkey@gmail.com

27 Feb (Fri): Free screening of "Remember Chek Jawa"

Eric Lin Youwei's "Remember Chek Jawa" will be screened as part of the 3rd Singapore Indie Doc Fest.

Chek Jawa, discovered only in 2001 on Singapore’s Pulau (island) Ubin, is an inter-tidal area of just 1 square km with amazingly rich marine biodiversity. However, unknown to many, in 1992 the area had been slated for land reclamation, scheduled to begin just months from the discovery date. Most Singaporeans felt powerless to reverse the Government’s decision. However, a band of passionate volunteers refused to give up and believed that something could be done. Find out how they followed their hearts and helped change the course of nature conservation in Singapore forever.

More details about the screening.
Trailer on YouTube.

Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Singapore Art Museum - Glass Hall
Website: http://www.chekjawa.net/
Contact: 6337 7535 admin@substation.org

27 Feb - 26 Apr: "Nature, Man Included" - an exhibition at NUS

Reflections on the role of Man in nature through a medium of photography, explorations of the intricate relationships between self, community and nature, including a dynamic play of political, socio-cultural and environmental conditions will be showcased in this exhibition.

Boundaries separating the urban and the developed, whether present or undiscovered will also be explored.

27 Feb-26 Apr
Venue: NUS Museum, University Cultural Centre, 50 Kent Ridge Cresent, National University of Singapore
Time: 10am-7.30pm (Thu-Sat), 10am-6pm (Sun), closed Mon and public holidays.
Website: http://www.nus.edu.sg/musuem
Contact: museum@nus.edu.sg or 65168817

19 May-2 Jun at ArtsBuzz, NUS Central Library

26 Feb (Thu): Green Drinks with Star Bamboo

Because you want to engage in a greater conversation about the environment, and steer it towards a positive outcome for the world.

Star Bamboo, a Singapore-based manufacturer of bamboo flooring, who will talk about why bamboo is such an amazing plant, and how its properties make for an ideal eco-friendly substitute for wood in a wide range of products.

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

16-22 Feb: Highlights of the week ahead

Walks in our wild places
Other events
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.

Photo of the week is this strange large nudibranch (Asteronotus cespitosus) laying a bright orange ribbon egg mass. It was shared by Marcus Ng and seen during a recent first-time trip to Terumbu Raya, a submerged reef off Pulau Semakau.

IMG_0624, originally uploaded by budak.

22 Feb (Sun): Mount Faber to Kent Ridge Ramble

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Explore the maze of pathways that connect Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Hill Park with Ho Wah Loong. Enjoy a fantastic view of the harbour and southern islands from the highest points at these two peaks. The ramble will take us through the attractions recently completed by NParks: The highest pedestrian bridge at the Henderson Crossing, the elevated walkway at Telok Blangah Hill, the 'Arch' bridge across Alexandra Road and the HortPark at Kent Ridge. Bring your binoculars along to spot interesting birds and mammals and a camera to capture the sights.

Booking is not required.

Time: 7.30am. Meet at the HarbourFront MRT station Exit D (near Marang Road). This 8km/4hr ramble ends at Pepy's Road (off Pasir Panjang Road).
Website:
http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

22 Feb (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

22 Feb (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

21 Feb (Sat): Rainforest walk at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

A Walk in an Ancient Forest: This free guided nature walk brings you 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.

Along a slightly undulating nature path, the walk is suitable for children aged 9 and above. The trail is not accessible to prams and wheelchairs.

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 third Saturday of the month.

Time: 9.30am. Meet at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, at the ranger counter at 9.25am.
Tour duration: About one hour.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Woon_Ling_Ling@nparks.gov.sg or Tel:6554 5127

21 Feb (Sat): How to go 'green' in home decor

Green's the buzzword for becoming environmental friendly. Kick start your own trend by learning how to reuse materials to recreate your home interior decor at a minimal budget!

Registration is required and can be made via http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg and surf on to ‘Simply' to reserve your seat.

Time: 11am-12.30pm
Venue: Activity Room, Choa Chu Kang Public Library
Website and contact: http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg

21 Feb (Sat): Free Walking Heritage Trails

As part of this year’s, International Tourist Guide Day, the Society of Tourist Guides will conduct three heritage walk tours free for the public. Interested individuals can look forward to know more about Singapore via these three trails:
1. Roman Catholicism in Singapore
2. Fame, Faith and Fortune in Waterloo Street
3. Hainan Kopi Tales

Brought to you by the Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore) with support from the Singapore Tourism Board.

International Tourist Guide Day (ITGD) ITGD is an initiative of World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) and is officially held on 21 February annually to commemorate the contributions of the professional tourist guide globally.

Time: 10am-5pm
The trails will start at 10.30am and will last for about 45 minutes. Each trail will be conducted at every 15 minutes interval. Registration open on 21 February 2009 from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm at the level 1, Plaza, National Library.
Venue: The Plaza, National Library Building, Victoria Street
Website: http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg/
Contact: Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore) at 6338 8659 or soctg@singnet.com.sg.

21 Feb (Sat): Guided walk at 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.

A tour in Mandarin is also conducted at 4pm.

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

21 Feb (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

21 Feb (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

21 Feb (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

18 Feb (Wed): Talk on "Changing View of the Earth" at NUS

Prof Cliff D. Ollier gives this free public talk. Changing views of the Earth traces the development of alternative theories to explain the large scale evolution of landscape. Since the 1960s, the theory of Plate Tectonics has dominated the geological sciences. Mountain building is largely associated with uplift and folding events at plate boundaries. However, examination of the geomorphological history of landscapes reveals that many landform features can be of considerable antiquity and exhibit structural complexity. Conventional models of mountain building and relief generation can be challenged.

This talk is presented by the Royal Geographical Society and Department of Geography, NUS.

Time: 6.15-8pm
Venue: LT12, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, National University of Singapore
map at http://www.nus.edu.sg/campusmap/
Contact: Mrs Lim at geolimkl@nus.edu.sg or 65166101

9-15 Feb: Highlights of the week ahead

For the kids and the family
Special events
Walks in our wild places
For Nature Society 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.

15 Feb (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

15 Feb (Sun): Free guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin

Join Grant Pereira and the Green Volunteers Network for this FREE guided walk. This is a splendid route to experience nature with all your senses This easy stroll will take about two hours on flat terrain.

Suitable for children.

More about the Sensory Trail on the wildsingapore website with links on how to get to Pulau Ubin. The ferry ride from Singapore to Pulau Ubin is $2.50 per person one way.

Time: 4pm, meet at Ubin Green House about 3-minute walk from Ubin Jetty.
Contact: grant@singapore.com

15 Feb (Sun): MAD lesson on Mammals

Do mammals still live in Singapore’s wild habitats or do they only exist at our zoo? Join us to find out! You will learn some fascinating facts about mammals--where they live, what they eat and how they protect themselves from predators. This MAD lesson will also include information about how you can be part of the solution to protect our environment and wild habitats.

For kids between the ages of 5 and 10. To register, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg

Time: 2.30-4.30pm
Venue:
All classes held at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Cost: $15 per child which includes a lovely badge and nature magazine.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.com/
Contact: Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg

15 Feb (Sun): NSS Kids' Fun with Eagles

How far can an eagle see? What is the fastest bird in the world? Learn fun facts about eagles and other raptor, and gain some insights into their hunting techniques with Gloria Seow and the Education Group. Best of all, admire some of the stunning raptor images captured by bird photographer KC Tsang, as presented by his wife Amy. Bring along your binoculars and we will take you raptor spotting at Telok Blangah Hill, where flocks of raptors on migration tend to pass through.

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

More details will be emailed to those who sign up.

Time: 9.30-11.30am at Telok Blangah Hill Park.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

15 Feb (Sun): Butterfly walk at Mount Faber Park

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Simon Chan leads this walk. Take a leisurely walk up the newly-constructed Marang Trail which will lead us to Mount Faber Park. Species that we can expect at this park include the Chocolate Grass Yellow, King Crow, Plain Nawab, Yamfly, Common Imperial, Fluffy Tit and Acacia Blue. Please remember to bring along your NSS Butterfly Guide. The walk will last three hours.

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

14 Feb (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

14 Feb (Sat): Birdwatching at Semakau

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

G Sreedharan leads this walk. This is a good time to visit Semakau for migrant surprises like the Chinese Egret and Ashy Drongo, as well as resident attractions like the Great-billed Heron, Pacific Reef Egret and Malaysian Plover.

Booking required. 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 Pier near the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club. Return to mainland by 2.00pm.
Registration fee: Non-refundable fee of $28 for boat ride and administration. Send your cheques to NSS office by 10 Jan 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.

14 Feb (Sat): Free nudibranch talk with Dr Richard Willan

Richard Willan will be in Singapore and will share his experience of working with nudibranches and help us understand better the lives of these small and alluring creatures. For nudibranch fanatics in Singapore this a chance not to be missed.

RSVP necessary as space is limited. Join the Facebook Event to receive updates.

More details on the Pulau Hantu blog.

Time: 6:30pm - 10:00pm
Venue: To be confirmed

14 Feb (Sat): "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 free walk is also available in Mandarin, upon request.

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

14 Feb (Sat): Forest walk at the Rainforest Trail, Botanic Gardens

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

14 Feb (Sat): The Battle of Pasir Panjang Commemorative Walk

The Pasir Panjang Guides commemorate the Malay Regiment's defense of the ridge every year. We will share with you stories about the Battle of Pasir Panjang, the geography, history and the flora and fauna that first drew us to explore the ridge decades ago.

More details on the habitatnews blog.

Time: 7am - 12pm
Start Point: University Cultural Centre
Website: http://pasirpanjang.rafflesmuseum.net/

14 Feb (Sat): Nature Appreciation Walk at Admiralty Park

Experience the nature area filled with rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Appreciate the beauty of the river at different water levels. Venture through both the secondary Rain-forest and the mangrove forest, and seize the opportunity to observe the various plants and animals.

This walk is conducted every second Saturday of the month.

To register, please email Dorothy at dorothy_lim@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 8.30 - 10.30am
Meeting point: Admiralty Park, amphitheatre
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: dorothy_lim@nparks.gov.sg

14 Feb (Sat): Nature walk at the MacRitchie Prunus Trail

Botanical wonders of MacRitchie. 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.

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 Saturday of the month.

Time: 9.30am. 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: Woon_Ling_Ling@nparks.gov.sg or call 6554 5127.

13 Feb (Fri): Public Seminar on Urban Biodiversity

Rhree international experts from Germany, United Kingdom and South Africa will present at this seminar, organised by NParks.

Biodiversity and Cities - Some principle comments and special experiences from Germany
MR. Peter Werner
Senior Researcher, Institute of Housing and Environment, Darmstadt, Germany

Promoting Action for Sustainability through indicators at the local level in Europe
DR. Nancy Holman
Lecturer in Urban Planning, Department of Geography and Environment, London School of Economics, United Kingdom

Local Action for Biodiversity: Lessons learnt from local governments worldwide
Mr. Andre Mader
Biodiversity Strategy Coordinator, International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives’ (ICLEI’s) Local Action for Biodiversity (LAB) Project, South Africa

ALL ARE WELCOME

Please register your interest to attend this FREE Public Seminar by Wednesday, 11 February 2009. Email wendy_yap@nparks.gov.sg or muslim_anshari_rahman@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9.00 am – 12.30 pm
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens

11 Feb (Wed): MAD lesson on Mammals

Do mammals still live in Singapore’s wild habitats or do they only exist at our zoo? Join us to find out! You will learn some fascinating facts about mammals--where they live, what they eat and how they protect themselves from predators. This MAD lesson will also include information about how you can be part of the solution to protect our environment and wild habitats.

For kids between the ages of 5 and 10. To register, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg

Choose any one of the dates below:
11 Feb (Wed): 2.30-4.30pm
15 Feb (Sun): 2.30-4.30pm

Venue: All classes held at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Cost: $15 per child which includes a lovely badge and nature magazine.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.com/
Contact: Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg

11 Feb (Wed): David Attenborough's "The Life of Mammals" on okto

David Attenborough introduces viewers to the most diverse group of animals ever to live on earth: from the tiny two-inch pygmy shrew to the enormous blue whale; from the sloth to the swift cheetah; from the unattractive naked mole-rat to the human baby.

The Life of Mammals is the story of 4,000 species that have outlived the dinosaurs and conquered the farthest places on earth. With bodies kept warm by thick coats of fur and their developing young protected and nourished within their bodies, they have managed to colonise every part of the globe, dry or wet, hot or cold. Adapting their bodies for finding food has had a profound effect on the way they move, socialise, mate and breed.

Time: From 11 Feb, Wednesdays, 10pm to 11pm
Channel: okto
Website: http://www.oktonite.sg

2-8 Feb: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family
Special shore events
Wild Walks
Talks and workshops
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.

Photo of the Week Special star on Cyrene Reefs! Our shores are very much alive!

8 Feb (Sun): The Dipterocarp Arboretum at Yishun Park

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

NParks unveiled this new attraction less than a year ago, and with hundreds of dipterocarps of over 70 species, the arboretum will eventually become on of the most majest collection of trees in Singapore. Come and learn more about Shorea, Dipterocarpus, Hopea, Vatica, Neobalanocarpus and much more. Perhaps the arboretum will prove to be an inspiration for stepped up forest restoration programmes in Singapore in the years ahead?

Time: 9.30am. Meet at the junction of Yishun Central and Yishun Ave 1 (not far from Yishun MRT station).
Website:
http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

8 Feb (Sun): Birdwatching at Kranji Marsh

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Lim Kim Chuah leads this session. We start with a pleasant walk on a countryside road to the Marsh and will continue along the PUB bund. The Kranji Marsh has been designated by URA as a nature park, and it was recently adopted by NSS under PUB's ABC Waters Programme. Birding highlights include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Eagle and more. Booking required: pittalover@yahoo.com.sg.

Time: 7.30am. Meet at the Kranji Dam Carpark near the Kranji Reservoir's sluice gate (off Kranji Way). You can take bus 925 from Kranji MRT station. We will carpool from here to the Kranji Marsh.
Website:
http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

8 Feb (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

8 Feb (Sun): Intertidal walk at Pulau Semakau

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

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

60 places available. Please register early by emailing Siyang at siyang@nus.edu.sg your name, contact number, organisation (if any), date of walk and number of participants. To confirm your booking, a non-refundable pre-payment is required.

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

Time:2-7.30pm
Departure point: participants will be advised
Cost: $53.50/adult, $40.60/child (age 7-18); all cost is inclusive of 7% GST, boat rides (return), guiding fees, guidesheets and coordinating fees.
Website: RMBR website
Contact: Siyang siyang@nus.edu.sg

Also available for booking: this intertidal walk on
12 Apr (Sun) 5-11am

7 Feb (Sat): Horseshoe crab rescue and 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.

7 Feb (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.

This tour is conducted every first Saturday. 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)

7 Feb (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.

Special note: To commemorate World Wetlands Day, Hillgrove Secondary School will be selling their beautifully hand crafted souvenirs to raise conservation funds on 7 Feb (Sat) from 9am to 1pm at the Visitor Centre.

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 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 Feb (Sat): Nature walk at Lower Peirce Boardwalk

Up Close and Personal at Lower Peirce. 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.

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: 9.30am. 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.

7 Feb (Sat): Our 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

7 Feb (Sat): The Birthday Party

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 per accompanying 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

7 Feb (Sat): Prawnwatch at Sungei Buloh

Free guided introduction to traditional prawn farming. Go on a journey back to the past, where the history of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as prawn and fish farms is one not to be ignored. The importance of mangroves as a spawning place and nursery for prawns and other life played an important role in shaping Sungei Buloh today. The traditional method of prawn harvesting will be demonstrated and how the tidal influence play a part in this activity will be brought to life.

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

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

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups.

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

Time: Meet at 2.30pm at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Information Counter.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for older children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

7 Feb (Sat): Marine guided walk at Labrador Nature Reserve

Take a walk with us at the rocky shore beach to learn about the rich and interesting marine flora and fauna. See the animals that exploit the environment, which created by an exposed rocky shore. Come join us to learn more about the only rocky beach in mainland Singapore!!!

To register, please contact Tamako at 62738602 or email tamako_kobayashi@nparks.gov.sg

Registration closes 1 day before the walk.

Time: 9-11am
Meeting Point: Labrador Nature Reserve (Carpark B)
Cost: $4 per person (Maximum 15 pax)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 62738602 or email tamako_kobayashi@nparks.gov.sg

7 Feb (Sat): Pasir Ris Mangrove Clean up with Grant Pereira

Make a difference for our mangroves! Be prepared to end up sweaty, dirty but have fun and a great sense of satisfaction.

To register to help, contact Grant Pereira at grant@singapore.com giving your name and mobile number.

Other dates for this event: 7 Mar (Sat)

Time: 2.30pm
Contact: Grant Pereira at grant@singapore.com

6 Feb (Fri): Workshop for Nature Guides - Fishes

The Fishy Workshop
by the Leafmonkey Workshop

What's so fishy?
Well the workshop is all about marine fishes in our Singapore shores and waters! This workshop is for existing guides and those interested in becoming nature guides to learn how to effectively share stories and information about our marine fishes.

The focus of this workshop is on connecting ordinary people with nature. If you are a nature guide and have been struggling, trying to digest and convert biological facts to fun stories for your visitors, this workshop is for you!

This workshop aims to bring experienced and new nature guides together to brainstorm ideas. Let's learn from one another, and come up with new ways to share our passion.

Be prepared to work hard, have fun, make new friends and definitely learn new ways of looking at guiding and our wild places.

SPEAKER
Jeffrey Low, Blue Water Volunteers and NParks
Jeff is a marine biologist by training and profession. He is the scientific officer of Blue Water Volunteers and co-author of the Guide to Common Marine Fishes of Singapore published by the Singapore Science Center. Jeff also conducts a series of ReefFriends training sessions for volunteer divers surveying our shores.

Jeff giving a talk about corals in Singapore at the International Year of the Reef 2008 launch, Reef Celebrations, with a video clip of his talk on the Singapore Celebrates our Reefs blog.

More details of the event on the Leafmonkey Workshop

Time: 7 - 9.30pm
Venue: Civil Service College, 31 North Buona Vista Road Singapore 275983 [Map]
Website: http://leafmonkeyworkshop.blogspot.com/
Contact: leafmonkey@gmail.com