wild happenings in singapore: March 2009

23-29 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

Earth Hour Singapore is this Saturday!
Lots of green activities are planned from stargazing to picnics and more. Join one or simply turn it out! More details on the Singapore Earth Hour blog

For kids and the family

MAD lessons on reptiles with Cicada Tree Eco Place.
Hornbills Rock learn more about these birds!
Kampong Ubin walk with Cicada Tree Eco Place.
Kids Fun at Lower Peirce with Leshon Lee.
Bounce goes out to Sungei Buloh a Library programme.
Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs.

Walks in wild places

Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
Guided tour at HortPark.
Nature and heritage tour at Fort Canning Park.
Guided walk at Evolution Garden.

Wild shores

Hantu Bloggers fifth anniversary dive at Pulau Hantu

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Birdwatching at Kranji Marsh

Talks and other events this week

Public Seminar on "World of Hornbills"
Broadcast of FLOW For Love of Water on okto

Registration now open

4 Apr (Sat) and 18 Apr (Sat): MAD lessons on birds with Cicada Tree Eco Place.

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 endearing mother and child taken by Brandon Chia, a young naturalist who also blogged about why it's important NOT to feed the monkeys. More about how feeding monkeys kills monkeys and harms the forest.

Long-Tailed Macaque, originally uploaded by brandon Chia.

29 Mar (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.

The Crabs say "We have only a couple of guides this Sunday, so we can only take about 20 visitors. Usually we don't need anyone to register before the trip, but on account that we have only 2-3 guides this weekend, I suggest you drop us a line at our email address nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com to inform us that you are coming. It might help just in case we have more visitors than we can cope with."

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

29 Mar (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

29 Mar (Sun): Kampong Ubin Walk with Cicada Tree Eco Place

A stroll through parts of rural Pulau Ubin. We will look at what the locals grow in their backyards, from the herbs used as traditional medicines, to vegetables, wildflowers and fruit trees. Many of these are ‘old-fashion’ plants now no longer common, such as Sawtooth Coriander, Ceylon Spinach and Rambai. Durian trees abound on Ubin, with two fruiting seasons a year. Trails are mostly level earth paths and tar road. Suitable for all.

Minimum 20 pax. Minimum age of 6 years.
Advance registration & payment is required.

Find out more about Living Earth Walks at http://cicadatree.blogspot.com/

More about Pulau Ubin on wildsingapore.

Time: 9am, the walk will last 2 hours.
Walk fee: $13 per person, 6 years and above, excluding bumboat ride which costs $2.50 per person one way.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.com/
Contact: Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg

29 Mar (Sun): Birdwatching at Kranji Marsh

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Willie Foo leads this walk. We start with a pleasant walk on a countryside road to Kranji Marsh, and will continue along the scenic PUB Bund. Kranji Marsh is designated by URA as a nature park, and was recently adopted by NSS under PUB’s ABC Waters Programme. Bird highlights here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Eagle and Intermediate Egret.

Max participants: 20 members. Booking required at Willie.Foo@kbr.com. We will meet at 7.30 am

Time: 7.30am, meet at at the Kranji Dam Carpark near Kranji Reservoir’s tidal gate off Kranji Way. You can take bus number 925 from Kranji MRT Station. We will car pool from here to Kranji Marsh.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

29 Mar (Sun): Kids Fun at Lower Pierce Reservoir with Leshon Lee

Be inspired by Singapore’s youngest nature guide 12-year old Leshon Lee! Leshon started guiding at the tender age of 9, often astounding adults with his knowledge of plants and other wildlife. Let him open your kids' eyes to the varied nature found along Lower Pierce Reservoir from 8am to 10am. Bring along your binoculars as Auntie Gloria and the Education Group will also point out the colourful birdlife in the area.

Please register your kids (4 to 12 years old) at gloria_seow@ yahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if you are a NSS member or not, your mobile number, and if you need us to provide binoculars or not. A fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents can come along at no charge. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

Time: 8am-10am
Venue: Lower Pierce Reservoir
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

29 Mar (Sun): Hantu Bloggers' Fifth Anniversary Dive

The Hantu Blog celebrates its fifth birthday! To commemorate five years of great diving,
we'll be doing 4 dives for our next trip, which includes a night dive. As such, you'll require at least Advanced Open Water Certification (or its equivalent).

More about Pulau Hantu and the Bloggers on the Pulau Hantu blog

For reservations and enquiries, email hantublog@gmail.com

28 Mar (Sat): Earth Hour Singapore

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia with 2.2 million homes and businesses turning their lights off for one whole hour. Only a year later and this event had become a global sustainability movement with up to 100 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

In 2009, at 8.30pm on March 28, we are asking people across the world to turn off their lights and join together in creating the vital conversation about the future of our precious planet. Earth Hour is a message of hope and a message of action. Everyone can make a difference.

It’s as simple as a flick of the switch. Join us for Earth Hour 2009.

A wide range of lights-out events have been organised. More information about these events on the Earth Hour Singapore blog.

Earth Hour (Singapore) in the Heartlands
7:30pm to 10:00pm
Punggol Community Club

Earth Hour @ Merabu
7:00pm onwards
Merabu Bar

Earth Hour + Ms Earth (SG) Party
8:00pm onwards
The Arena, Clarke Quay

SEPO Gathering @ Labrador Hostel
7:00pm to 10.00pm
Labrador Hostel

Ye Shang Hai (Shanghai Nights)
7:00pm to 10.00pm
Terrace Plaza next to Blk 454 RC Centre
(Choa Chu Kang Ave 4)

60 Earth Hour Star Party
7:00pm onwards
East Coast Park
Costs: $1 for aged 12 and above

Stargazing @ Chinese Garden
7:30pm to 12:00am
Chinese Garden MRT Station

Earth Bar
8:00pm onwards
Food #03, 109 Rowell Road

Green Drinks
7:30pm to 12:00am
326 River Valley Road

More also on the Earth Hour Singapore Facebook Group.

28 Mar (Sat): Guided tour at 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 Mar (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 Mar (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 Mar (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 Mar (Sat): Bounce goes out to Sungei Buloh

Enjoy and appreciate nature as we go on a trail at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Learn more about mangroves, mangrove wildlife like mudskippers, crabs, shellfish, water snakes, birds, spiders, moths, monitor lizard and resident birds like herons, bitterns, sunbirds, coucals, and more! Don’t be left out and sign up now!

Limited to 30 children aged 9 – 12.

To register, please visit http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg and surf on to Bounce.

Note: As this is an outdoor nature trails, children must put on comfortable attire and shoes.

Time: 8.30am-12.30pm
Venue: The Plaza in National Library Building

28 Mar (Sat): Multimedia presentation of "An Inconvenient Truth"

In conjunction with Earth Hour 2009, Tony Boatman, The Climate Project's (TCP) Singapore-based director, will deliver a multimedia presentation version of Al Gore's 2007 Oscar winning documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth" (AIT) on Saturday, 28 March at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The presentation will guide the audiences through the basic science of climate change and conclude by looking at some of the practical solutions we as individuals can take to reduce our impact on the environment.

The event is free but registration is required with WWF Singapore gjlam@wwf.sg or 63230100.

About Earth Hour: Earth Hour is a symbolic initiative of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It is an annual event aimed at getting individuals, households and businesses around the world to turn off their lights and electrical appliances to increase awareness about climate change and conservation. This Saturday, 28 March at 8.30pm local time, people around the world will be encouraged to turn off their lights for an hour. For more information, visit www.earthhour.org/singapore.

About Tony Boatman: Tony has been personally trained by Mr Al Gore and is currently the only person in South East Asia mandated by TCP to deliver the AIT materials. From April this year, TCP Singapore will be taking applications to identify a selected number of individuals who will be flown to Sydney in July to be trained by Mr Gore. More information on the selection criteria can be found online at theclimateprojectsingapore.org.

Time: 2.30-3.30pm
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Contact: gjlam@wwf.sg or 63230100

26 Mar (Thu): Hornbills Rock!

Be inspired to make a difference for hornbills! Come hear how kids from West Grove Primary School created a blog dedicated to hornbills so that they could teach their school-friends more about their favourite birds—who they are, where they live, what they eat and how we can make a positive difference in their lives.

Sneak peek at their blog on http://hornbillsrock.blogspot.com/

Admission is free!

This event is held in conjunction with the 5th International Hornbill Conference, Singapore 2009, by kids from two primary schools, in collaboration with Cicada Tree Eco-Place.

Time: 11am-1pm
Venue: Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.com
Contact: Celine contact@cicadatree.org.sg

26 Mar (Thu): Public Seminar on "World of Hornbills"

Come and learn more about hornbills!

"African Hornbills - Ancestors or Cousins to Asian Hornbills?"
Dr Alan Kemp (Naturalists & Nomads, South Africa)

"Population and Habitat Status of Hornbills in Thailand: How Research and Active Management can help them from Extinction."
Dr. Vijak Chimchome (KUFF International Program Coordinator)

"Hornbills in Singapore 2008"
Mr. Marc Cremades (Singapore Avian Conservation Project)

“Kids Learn about hornbills”
Dr. Vilma D'Rozario

In addition to Dr D’Rozario’s talk, West Grove Primary School would be stationed outside the Function Hall to showcase and share about their blog Hornbills Rock! from 11am – 1pm. They created a blog dedicated to hornbills so that they could teach their school-friends more about their favourite birds. More details about this event.

Time: 9am-1pm
Venu: Function Hall, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens map

25 Mar (Wed): MAD lessons on reptiles

If you're keen to learn more about snakes, geckoes, skinks, crocodiles, turtles, tortoises and terrapins, then join us for this lesson! We will share with you what we know about reptiles--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. Registration required.

Choose any one of the dates below:
1 Mar (Sun): 2.30-4.30pm
21 Mar (Sat): 2.30-4.30pm
25 Mar (Wed): 9.30-11.30am

Venue: 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

16-22 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family
Lots of events for this school holidays!

MAD lessons on reptiles by Cicada Tree Eco-Place.
Make a Difference for Hornbills by Cicada Tree Eco-Place.
MAD lessons on butterflies and moths by Cicada Tree Eco-Place.
PrawnWatch at Sungei Buloh hands on introduction to traditional prawn farming.
Calling all young animal lovers a talk by SPCA at the Library.
Fun Adventure with Fruits and Vegis on Thursday and Saturday.
Fun with Maths and Plants on Tuesday and Friday.
Young Mathematician of the Gardens on Tuesday and Friday.
Stories about Nature Drama Workshop for kids.
Nature and Me Drama Workshop for kids.
Guided mangrove walk at Pasir Ris Park.
Young Naturalist Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
Make your own 100% recycled greeting card at the Library.

Visiting our wild places on your own?
Enjoy free-and-easy exploration of our wild places, such as Pulau Ubin and more on wildsingapore!

Walks in our wild places

Connecting with Nature Week new walks at Hort Park and Southern Ridges.
Jemput: Rediscovering plants in Malay cuisine and culture at Fort Canning Park.
Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin.
Guided walk at the National Orchid Garden.
Rainforest walk at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Mangrove walks at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.

Registration now open

29 Mar (Sun): Kampong Ubin walk with Cicada Tree Eco Place
29 Mar (Sun): Hantu Bloggers 5th Anniversary Dive
28 Mar (Sat): Bounce goes out to Sungei Buloh a library trip for kids
25 Mar (Wed): MAD lessons on reptiles with Cicada Tree Eco Place

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 awesome shot of a spider moulting! Shared by Kwok Wai. Incredible wild stuff happens all the time. You just have to look.

Spider emerging from its moult, originally uploaded by kwokwai76.

22 Mar (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

22 Mar (Sun): Make A Difference for Hornbills!

Come walk “The Hornbill Trail” at the Botanic Gardens Jungle with kids of Chua Chu Kang Primary School on Sunday 22 March 2009 anytime from 3.30pm to 6pm. You will learn all about hornbills—who they are, where they live, what they eat and how we can make a positive difference in their lives.

Admission is free!

This event is held in conjunction with the 5th International Hornbill Conference, Singapore 2009, by kids from two primary schools, in collaboration with Cicada Tree Eco-Place.

Time: 3.30pm; 4pm; 4.30pm; 5pm; 5.30pm.
Venue: Meet at the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.com
Contact: Celine contact@cicadatree.org.sg

22 Mar (Sun): Broadcast of "FLOW - For Love of Water"

This Oscar Specials FilmArt documentary is an inspired, yet disturbingly provocative, wake-up call: our life-giving water is a resource in peril across the planet. The film highlights a global crisis on water politics, pollution and human rights and warns that water, the quintessence of life and our most precious resource, can no longer be taken for granted. Unless we effect global change impoverished nations could be wiped from the planet and by their thirst for survival, people across the planet are fighting for their birthright.

Time: 10pm on okto
Website: http://www.oktonite.sg
Contact: Christina Jimenez 6420 8592 christinap@mediacorp.com.sg

21 Mar (Sat): 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.

Limited to 40 children between the age of 6-10 years old. Registration is required.

More information on the programme and registration form on the Reserve website.

Time: 9am- 5pm
Cost: Each participant needs to purchase a young naturalist passport from our
Visitor Services Counter at 50 cents. Registration 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: 67941401

21 Mar (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 Mar (Sat): Guided walk at Pasir Ris Mangroves

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

21 Mar (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 Mar (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 Mar (Sat): Rainforest walk at the 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 Mar (Sat): Make your own 90% recycled greeting card - a Library event

To celebrate International Earth Day, attend this demonstration on how to make a "green" Birthday Card with customised greetings. Sandy Ang will be giving household items, second lives as card-crafting materials. At the end of the session, an instruction set is provided to help you recreate this card at home. So the next time someone's birthday comes up, you don't have to get a store-bought card. Bring along your own scissors.

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

Time: 12noon-2pm
Venue: Activities Room in Sembawang Public Library
Website and contact: http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg

21 Mar (Sat): MAD lessons on reptiles

21 Mar (Sat): Fun Adventure with Fruits & Veggies

Learn where healthy, yummy fruits and vegetables really come from in nature. Be amazed by the many different types of fruits and vegetables that we have in our Children’s Garden! Feast your eyes on a visual treat in this guided tour. Join us to learn about amazing fruit and vegetable facts.

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 - P6 levels.

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

20 Mar (Fri): Fun with Maths & Plants!

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!

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 - Pri 2 levels.

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

20 Mar (Fri): Young Mathematician of the Garden - a guided tour for kids

How many petals are there on a flower? Count the number of leaflets on a leaf. Get introduced to addition, subtraction, and many more mathematic skills that you can apply to learning about plants. Be a young Mathematician of the Garden in this guided tour and have fun learning about Maths and Plants.

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 Pri 3- Pri 6 levels.

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

20 Mar (Fri): 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: 11am-noon
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

20 Mar (Fri): "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: 10-11am
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

19 Mar (Thu): MAD lesson on butterflies and moths

If you’re a kid between the ages of 5 and 10, join us for this hands-on lesson on butterflies and moths. Learn about the diversity of butterflies and moths we have in Singapore, the differences between butterflies and moths, their ecology -- life cycle, where they live, what they eat, what may eat them. Get to know how to easily attract butterflies and moths to gardens at home, in school or in neighbourhoods! This MAD lesson will also include information about how you can be part of the solution to protect our environment and wild habitats.

Time: 2.30-4.30pm
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
Cost: $15 per child.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.com/
Contact: Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg

19 Mar (Thu): Fun Adventure with Fruits & Veggies

18 Mar (Wed): Jemput! Rediscovering Plants in Malay Cuisine & Culture

Come and join us on our free guided walks as part of Jemput! Rediscovering Plants in Malay Cuisine & Culture.

Fort Canning Park presents a themed-display in the park that focuses on the second largest ethnic group in Singapore, the Malays, from March to April 09. There will be two public workshops, and free guided walks in Fort Canning Park’s Spice Garden which provide a chance for participants to get up close and personal to plants which play an important role in both cuisine and culture of the Malays.

The early Malays who led a semi-nomadic way of life have garnered a wealth of information extracted from nature and the environment that surrounds them. These old wisdom were usually passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth and have been known to be laced with superstitions and sometimes contain very little logic and science. Nevertheless, these beliefs and practices have assimilated in the Malay culture and traditions and some practiced till this very day.

Jemput – a term often used to invite guests into their home, start of a meal or just about any activities. We welcome you to rediscover and sample the rich Malay culture. Your journey begins here.

The tour will lasts approximately 1½ hr and will introduce participants to plants commonly featured in Malay cuisine, tradition and ceremonies. Walk is moderately easy but will involve some climbing down and up steps and slope.

Registration required: Call 63321200/63321302 or email surinam_sumsudin@nparks.gov.sg or goh_lili@nparks.gov.sg.

Dates and times:
18 Mar (Wed), 10am
4 Apr (Sat), 4pm
18 Apr (Sat), 4pm
Venue: meet outside NParks Visitor Centre, Fort Canning Centre, Fort Canning Park
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 63321200/63321302 or surinam_sumsudin@nparks.gov.sg or goh_lili@nparks.gov.sg.

18 Mar (Wed): 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 9.30am 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

17 Mar (Tue): Fun with Maths & Plants!

17 Mar (Tue): Young Mathematician of the Garden - a guided tour for kids

16 Mar (Mon): Calling all young animal lovers - a library talk by SPCA

Puppies, kittens and little bunnies make adorable pets. But these cuties require a lot of time and effort to take care of. Find out more about the responsibility it takes and how you can make sure that your furry friend will be a happy pet. A cuddly mystery pet will be making an appearance. Free SPCA posters for participants.

For children aged 7-12.

Time: 2-2.30pm
Venue: Activity Room in Yishun Public Library
Website and contact: http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg/

9-15 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

Walks in our wild places

Connecting with Nature at HortPark and Southern Ridges
Native plant hunt at Hindhede Nature Park: learn more about our native plants!
Nature walk at MacRitchie Prunus Trail.
Getting to know MacRitchie nature walk.
Forest walk at Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail.
Mangrove walks at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday

Seashore events

Free guided walk on Changi boardwalk.
Intertidal walk at St. John's Island

Other happenings

Food Fiesta at NUS with an environmental theme.

For Nature Society (Singapore) only

Annual Bird Census

Registration now open

29 Mar (Sun): Hantu Bloggers 5th Anniversary Dive
28 Mar (Sat): Bounce goes out to Sungei Buloh a library trip for kids
21 Mar (Sat): Young Naturalist Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
21 Mar (Sat), 25 Mar (Wed): MAD lessons on reptiles with Cicada Tree Eco Place

School holidays next week!
Lots and lots of activities are lined up with many activities specially for kids and the family. View them on the blog.

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 adorable spider with a moustache, shared by Chay Hoon on her flickr. There's lots of wildlife everywhere, we just have to take a closer look!

I Dyed It Blue!, originally uploaded by il_mare77.

15 Mar (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

15 Mar (Sun): Food Fiesta at the NUS Arts Festival

NUSSU Students Against the Violation of the Earth (SAVE) proudly presents to you a premiere celebration of fabulous culinary choices in conjunction with NAF 2009. Succumb your taste buds to the array of various foods ranging from Western, Chinese, and Indian specialties to little treats such as the all-time favorite – irresistible ice cream!

All of which are made with tender loving care from very special chiefs who seek to promote a sustainable lifestyle through dietary choices.

Indulge in the hearty, delectable, eco-friendly and animal-free selections and round off the night with an outdoor movie screening under the stars! Join us in fighting climate change beginning with diet change at this festive occasion.

Free admission.

Time: 6pm onwards
Venue: University Cultural Centre Courtyard
Website: http://www.nus.edu.sg/cfa/nusartsfestival/

15 Mar (Sun): Intertidal walk at St John's Island with RMBR

St John's Island has a lovely patch coral reefs that are accessible during low tides, and the island itself is only 20 minutes away from mainland Singapore! Join our half-day guided walk there and you can get to see interesting reef animals like corals, crabs, octopuses and stingray without having to dive! You will also get to visit the Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) to learn about some of the marine researches being carried out in the region.

Suitable for all levels of students, teachers and general public.

More details and how to book on the RMBR website.

Time: 6.30am-11.30am
Cost: Per adult: $48.15; per child: $38. Cost is inclusive of 7% GST, boat fare, full-coloured guidesheet, guiding, coordinating fees, entry fee to St John's Island and visit to TMSI.
Website: http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/workshop/sji_walk.php
Contact: Mr Teo Siyang at siyang@nus.edu.sg

15 Mar (Sun): Annual Bird Census by Nature Society (Singapore)

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

The very first Annual Bird Census was started by the NSS Bird Group on 20 April 1986 where we recorded nearly 6,000 birds of 129 species. In 2008, at the 23rd census, we counted 9,153 birds comprising 153 species, an improvement on the previous years. Are the wild birds in Singapore doing well? The general trend seems to be improving. In the last ten years, we recorded a total of 220 species, 60% of the known avifauna in Singapore. Based on total counts in the last decade, 42% of these 220 species are on the rise, 28% in decline, 5% showed no changes, while the last 25% could not be assessed due to lack of data.

For the upcoming census, we will start at 7.30 am, covering many birdwatching sites in Singapore. Our members’ enthusiastic participation over the years and the subsequent data collected have assisted the Society in piecing together conservation proposals, in assessing the state of our natural habitats, and have also given us an overview of general bird population trends. So birders, do our feathered friends a favour and participate in this year’s census. All we need is your ability to see and count! Help the site leader at a site near your home or one that you may be interested in.

To participate, please email Lim Kim Seng at ibisbill@yahoo.com before 10 March 2009.

Time: 7.30am
Venue: Various birdwatching sites in Singapore
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

14 Mar (Sat): Free guided walk at Changi Boardwalk

Join Grant Pereira and the Green Volunteers for a leisurely stroll along the scenic boardwalk that rings the Changi coast. 1.2km coastal boardwalk has spectacular views of the sea and Pulau Ubin, with heritage trees along the way. The walk is on flat ground and is for two and a half hours. After this work out, enjoy an evening meal at the Changi Makan centre.

More about the Changi Boardwalk on the wildsingapore website.

Time: Meet 4pm sharp at coffeeshop nearest to Changi Hotel.
Website: http://thegreenvolunteers.blogspot.com

14 Mar (Sat): Native Plant Hunt at Hindhede Nature Park

Are you curious about the names of some of the plants found in Hindhede Nature Park? Here's a chance to help you learn at least 8 native plant species in a fun way! Form a team of 3 to 5 members and pick up a set of clues. You have 1 hour to complete your hunt.

A free fun activity among the tall shady trees of Hindhede Nature Park, overlooking scenic quarry views.

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.

Registration is limited to a maximum of 10 people per registrant.

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: Woon_Ling_Ling@nparks.gov.sg or 6554 5127.

14 Mar (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.

Pages

visits to the blog

followers of wild happenings