29 Sep (Tue): Talk on "Climate Change and Marine Biodiversity - Lessons from a Small Red Dot"

A talk by Prof. Peter Ng, as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Department of Biological Sciences, the National University of Singapore.

The biodiversity implications of climate change events are very grave and a whole suite of catastrophes have been predicted; from massive changes in ecosystems, die-offs of whole communities and mass extinctions of many plants and animals. This comes at a time when mankind is only beginning to realise that Earth's biodiversity is not just more substantial than we have presumed, but far greater than anything we could have imagined. As scientists rush to discover and document new species and ecosystems, they find the 'rug being pulled from under them' due to man's relentless changes to the environment! Nevertheless, the stark reality of the matter is that biodiversity and natural history will survive regardless of how humans mess up the planet. As the systems we know collapse and species die, new ones will replace them eventually - nature has a resilience that mankind always underestimates. The unpleasant question we need to ask instead is this: 'Can humankind, as know it, survive climate change and how?'

More details about Prof. Peter Ng and the talk.

Light refreshments will be served after the talk.

Admission is free but registration is required. More details on the Department of Biological Sciences website.

Time: 6.30-8pm
Venue: LT 31, Blk S16, National University of Singapore location map
Website and contact: http://www.dbs.nus.edu.sg/60anniversary/public_lectures.html

21-27 Sep: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in our wild places

Special events

Talks
Films

Only for Nature Society (Singapore) members

Early next week

Singapore news highlights
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.

Photos of the Week are of the recently concluded International Coastal Cleanup Singapore. See all the photos on the habitatnews flickr, and read all about the effort on the News from the International Coastal Cleanup Singapore blog.

27 Sep (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers

A unique and educational dive experience in our local waters. Discover what is truly, uniquely Singapore!

Your support helps us monitor and document Hantu's reef on a regular basis! Let's see what's waiting for us out there this time!

Pre-registration is required.

Organised by the Hantu Bloggers, check out their blog for more details of the upcoming trip and to register online.

From the Hantu Bloggers: "The Hantu Blog Dives are integral to our work on the island. More than just an educational field trip, our dives are also our primary source of funding to develop and maintain public education work in schools and at national events. By joining our dives, you’ll not only be signing up for an insightful and eye-opening weekend, you’ll also be contributing to our efforts to safe guard Pulau Hantu and its marine life."

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

27 Sep (Sun): MAD lessons on Bats with Cicada Tree Eco Place

Bats are awesome flying mammals. They are important to humans as they help pollinate plants which in turn produce fruit for us. Bats which eat insects help control our insect-pest numbers, while bats which eat fruit help disperse seeds and hence help us grow forests.

Come learn all about bats in this lesson--what types of bats live in Singapore, where they live, what they eat, and why we should protect them.

For kids aged 5-10 years.

Pre-registration required. Email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg

Time: 2.30-4.30pm
Cost: $15 per child which includes a lovely badge.
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

27 Sep (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

27 Sep (Sun): Birdwatching at Kranji Marsh by Nature Society

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Wong Chung Cheong leads this walk. We start with a pleasant walk on a countryside road to Kranji Marsh, and will continue along the scenic PUB Bund. These marshes have been designated as a Nature Park and are currently 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 and Changeable Hawk Eagle.

Booking required with Chung Cheong at koolklamz@yahoo.com.sg

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.

26 Sep (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

26 Sep (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

26 Sep (Sat): Annual Recycling Day

Exchange recyclables for food items. Bring your used mobile phones and IT consumer products for recycling. Win shopping vouchers for bringing the most recyclables.

Also, preschool coloring contest, "Recycle Today" Stage game, 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) stage quiz and 3R games and exhibition.

More details on the NEA website, thanks to heads up from Zero Waste Singapore.

Time: 9am-5pm
Venue: Field next to Tampines MRT Station
Website and contact: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/RecyclingDay.aspx

26 Sep (Sat): Talk on "Walk on the Wild Side: Marine Conservation in Singapore"

Singapore is well known as a "Garden City", but there is another "garden" that most people do not see that exists just off shore.

Mr Jeffrey Low shares about Singapore's coastal and marine habitats, that still holds many surprises for the intrepid explorer.

From spineless, spiny creatures to backboned, shelled air breathers, there is a bounty of the weird and wonderful awaiting the urbanite that dares venture the confines of the concrete jungle.

In recent years, a small but growing number of conservationists have been using digital age tools to further the cause of conservation in Singapore. Armed with multi-tasking cameras and the ability to wake at pre-dawn hours, they recount their mini-expeditions to unknown shores through the use of blogs and other internet media, providing a rich tapestry of stories about their encounters.

As nature-starved Singaporeans begin to appreciate their own natural heritage, the opportunities for discovery and positive action abound, from the shores of the mainland to the islands south of Singapore.

The talk is free and no pre-registration is required.

Time: 3-4pm
Venue: National Library, Multi-purpose Room (Level B1) Tampines Regional Library
Website: http://www.sciencemonth.org.sg/
Contact: Lim Chong Han 64650323 lim_chong_han@nparks.gov.sg

26 Sep (Sat): HortPark Butterfly Garden Guided Tour

HortPark's latest attraction - Butterfly Garden - is an experimental project that supports efforts for a Butterfly Species Recovery Programme. It aims to breed various butterfly species, including locally extinct species using suitable nectar and host plants in the enclosure.

Get up close and personal with the flying jewels, and learn their different stages of metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar into butterfly. Observe how pupae emerge into adult butterflies before taking their maiden flight within HortPark's Butterfly Garden.

This walk is held every last Saturday of the month.

Time: 10am
Venue: HortPark, Butterfly Garden
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/ or call 6471 5601

26 Sep (Sat): Evolution Garden tour

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

Time: 9am (English tour) 4pm (Mandarin tour)
Venue: Register at Visitor Centre before the tour starts.
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

26 Sep (Sat): Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

photo by Andy DineshThe Naked Hermit Crabs introduce you to Chek Jawa without getting your feet wet. Even though we are not going on to the shore, there is still much to see and enjoy. There are monitor lizards, fiddler crabs, spiders, rare plants, wild boars, mudskippers and lots of fruit trees. If we are lucky, we might even spot the Oriental Pied Hornbill, White-bellied Sea Eagle and the giant Atlas Moth.

More about the walk on the Adventures with the Naked Hermit Crabs.

The free walk will be held every last Saturday of the month. (Previously every last Sunday of the month).

Not more than five persons in a group please.

A message from the Crabs:

Write to nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com with the title “Sign up for Chek Jawa Boardwalk Tour September” and we will confirm your places for you. We accept walk-ins too! As always, we ask that you come in small family and friend groups of not more than 5. Please don't organise an extended family group or a company outing. The Naked Hermit Crabs are, er.... small and vulnerable. We confess.... we will get overwhelmed by large groups.

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

25 Sep (Fri): Free screening of "The Age of Stupid" and Forum

From the producer of the Oscar-winning "One Day in September" comes an ambitious drama-documentary-animation hybrid about the consequences of not acting now to halt climate change.

"The Age of Stupid" stars Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite as an old man living in the devastated world of 2055. Watching 'archive' footage from 2008, he asks "why didn't we stop climate change while we had the chance?"

ONE (SINGAPORE) has secured permission to screen "The Age of Stupid" on Friday 25 September. This coincides with the global premiere of the movie.

The screening will be followed by a forum on "Inequality & Climate Justice; What Can You Do to End World Poverty?"

Speakers:
  • Vernetta Lopez, ONE (SINGAPORE) President, actress and radio DJ
  • Michael Switow, ONE (SINGAPORE) co-founder
This screening is part of the International Social Action Film Festival (S:ISAFF) hosted by Sinema Academy of Motion Pictures (SAMP). Unlike a regular film festival, S:ISAFF creates a strong complement of workshops, dialogue sessions and discussion forums with filmmakers, academics, policy makers, NGOs and concerned citizens to engage audiences on a variety of entertainment and educational levels.

Time: 9.30pm
Venue: Sinema Old School, 11B Mount Sophia, #B1-1.
Cost: Free but pre-registration is required.
To register: email peiqin@sinema.sg and write "Age of Stupid" in the subject heading

24 Sep (Thu): Green Drinks with Origin Exterminators

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

Ecologically-responsible pest extermination service provider ORIGIN Exterminators joins us this month!

Managing Director Gregory Street shares with us their environmental journey as the world's first pest management company to achieve ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification, and talks about some of the successes and challenges they have experienced.

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

14-20 Sep: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Talks

Films

Early next week

Registration now open
Singapore news highlights

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 tiny treasure in a tiny flower. Wild stuff is everywhere if you care to look. Shared by Marcus on his annotated budak blog.

IMG_5993, originally uploaded by budak.

21 Sep (Mon): Celebrate the Day of Peace and Singapore premiere of "Taking Root"

The United Nations' International Day of Peace - marked every year on September 21 - is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to promote peace between all living things. Established in 1982, "Peace Day" has grown to include millions of people around the world who participate in all kinds of events, large and small.

As Dr. Jane Goodall is one of ten UN Messenger’s of Peace, the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) is coming together with several other local NGOs including UNIFEM Singapore, ACRES, WWF Singapore, SPCA, SEC, NSS, Student Care Services, and more to celebrate this special day.

Participants can create iconic peace doves out of recycled materials before the event and then fly them around Singapore on the Day of Peace. This celebration seeks to spread messages of harmonious interactions with animals, the environment, and people in a very positive and inspiring way.

Join us on 21 September for a Peace Dove Parade, entertainment celebrating peace.

Also the Singapore premiere of "Taking Root" a documentary that reveals the important link between being green and contributing towards peace.


For more information and registration details on the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) website. Including how to make your own peace dove from small, medium to giant doves.

Capacity for the film "Taking Root" at Sinema Old School is only 100 people. If you would like to be one of the 100, please register here: http://takingroot.wufoo.com/forms/registration-form/ Please ONLY register if you plan on definitely staying for the 60-minute film. More about "Taking Root".

Time: Registration at 4.30pm
Venue: Sinema Old School (11 Mount Sophia, Singapore 228461) http://www.oldschool.sg
Cost: Free
Website and contact: http://www.janegoodall.org.sg

20 Sep (Sun): Istana Open House

The Open House will be held on 20 Sep (Sun) and not 21 Sep (Mon) as earlier advertised on the Istana website.

The Istana grounds are open to the public in celebration of Hari Raya Puasa. View the Istana gardens, and for an entrance fee of $2, view the Staterooms in the Istana Building. A variety of performances on the grounds also provide entertainment. You may also have the chance to have your photos taken with the President and First Lady when they come by to greet visitors.

Istana open to public this Sunday
Alicia Wong, Today Online 19 Sep 09;

This Sunday, the Istana grounds will be open to the public from 8.30am to 6pm to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa.

One new highlight will be birds specially brought in from the Jurong Bird Park.

Singaporeans and permanent residents enter for free, while others will have to pay the $1 entry fee. For another $2, all visitors can tour selected function rooms in the Istana building.

Proceeds from the fees and sale of souvenirs will be donated to charity.


Time: 8.30am - 6pm
Venue: Entrance to the grounds is via the main gate at Orchard Road.
Charges: Admission to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents. Others, including foreign visitors, are required to pay an entrance fee of $1 per person.
Website: http://www.istana.gov.sg/

20 Sep (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

20 Sep (Sun): Screening of "Earthlings" and forum on animal protection issues

From a note by ACRES:

ACRES is delighted that the Sinema Academy of Motion Pictures (SAMP) is hosting a showcase of socially conscious films and events this September at Sinema Old School, bringing the International Social Action Film Festival (S:ISAFF) to Singapore for the very first time.

As part of the festival, the incredibly powerful film Earthlings will be screened.


Earthlings is a must-see film for everyone, as it exposes the truth about man’s relationship with non-human animals, and allows us to make more informed decisions about our lifestyle choices.

After the screening on the 20th, ACRES will be taking part in a public forum on animal protection issues, and we invite you to join us:

Please do join us and learn more about what you can do to make the world a better place for our fellow Earthlings.

Please note that 30% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to ACRES and our vital animal protection programmes, so please do show your support- buy a ticket and spread the word!

More about the Forum and to book tickets on the Films for Change website.

Screening dates, times and cost
five times, on the 20th, 22nd, 25th, 29th and 30th of September.
20 Sep (Sun): 3.30pm S$15, Forums ($17.12 incl. fees & GST)
20 Sep (Sun): 1.30pm S$10 ($11.77 incl. fees & GST)
22 Sep (Tue): 3:30pm S$10 ($11.77 incl. fees & GST)
25 Sep (Fri): 5.30pm S$10 ($11.77 incl. fees & GST)
26 Sep (Sat): 1.30pm S$10 ($11.77 incl. fees & GST)
29 Sep (Tue): 5.30pm S$10 ($11.77 incl. fees & GST)
30 Sep (Wed): 5.30pm S$10 ($11.77 incl. fees & GST)

Venue: Sinema Old School (map)
11b Mount Sophia, #B1-12 Singapore, SG, Singapore 228466
Website and contact: http://www.acres.org.sg/

19 Sep (Sat): MAD lessons on Bats with Cicada Tree Eco Place

Bats are awesome flying mammals. They are important to humans as they help pollinate plants which in turn produce fruit for us. Bats which eat insects help control our insect-pest numbers, while bats which eat fruit help disperse seeds and hence help us grow forests.

Come learn all about bats in this lesson--what types of bats live in Singapore, where they live, what they eat, and why we should protect them.

For kids aged 5-10 years.

Pre-registration required. Email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg

Other dates
27 Sep (Sun)

Time: 2.30-4.30pm
Cost: $15 per child which includes a lovely badge.
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

19 Sep (Sat): Screening of "Remember Chek Jawa"

“Remember Chek Jawa” is an independent documentary by Eric Lim. It chronicles the efforts of individuals who volunteered to help out with Joseph Lai’s biodiversity survey of Chek Jawa, one of several efforts that would provide feedback to government.

Many efforts and factors eventually contributed to the deferment of reclamation at Chek Jawa. Eric Lim was particularly inspired by one element that he witnessed - the efforts of the ordinary, urban Singaporean’s efforts to help out a tiring, muddy and incomprehensible biodiversity survey, at a time when all hope had been lost.

Speaker: Director Eric Lin
Eric Lin a freelance cinematographer for TV documentaries, corporate videos and TVCs. He is also active in Singapore’s independent film-making scene. In his free time, he explores and works on social, cultural, and wildlife issues for his documentaries. In 2007, he completed Remember Chek Jawa and won the Mark Haslam Award at the Planet in Focus International Environmental Film Festival in Toronto.

More about the film on the Remember Chek Jawa website.

This screening is part of the International Social Action Film Festival (S:ISAFF) hosted by Sinema Academy of Motion Pictures (SAMP). Unlike a regular film festival, S:ISAFF creates a strong complement of workshops, dialogue sessions and discussion forums with filmmakers, academics, policy makers, NGOs and concerned citizens to engage audiences on a variety of entertainment and educational levels.

More about S:ISAFF.

Time: 3.30pm
Venue: Sinema Old School, 11B Mount Sophia, #B1-1.
Cost: S$15 - Forums ($17.12 incl. fees & GST)
Website and contact: http://www.filmsforchange.org

19 Sep (Sat): NSS Kids' Fun at Kranji Marsh

Kranji Marsh - home of the enigmatic Purple Swamphen and the heart of the Nature Society (Singapore)'s latest adoption programme - will be the exciting venue of our next Kids' adventure. We begin our walk down a charming car-free country road at Neo Tiew Lane 2, progressing towards Kranji Marsh and Reservoir where aside from birds, we can expect to encounter verdant marsh life such as dragonflies, water plants, butterflies, apple snails and more.

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 are encouraged to come along at no charge. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

Time: 8.30=10.30am.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

19 Sep (Sat): International Coastal Cleanup - Pasir Ris beach

Registration CLOSED. From the ICCS blog "With all sites already full, it was difficult to accept any more individuals without impacting the very sites we are trying to protect."

You CAN make a difference for our shores and marine life!
There are still slots open for individual participant registration for these dates and locations:

Please choose two of four choices from around the island. You are asked for a second site in case your primary site is unavailable for some reason.

12 Sep (Sat): Pandan, Kranji and Chek Jawa
19 Sep (Sat): Pasir Ris beach site

For Chek Jawa, prepare to pay $5 two-way bumboat fare

Register on the ICCS website.

More about the ICCS effort and why it makes a difference even if you only do it once a year.

19 Sep (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

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

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

Suitable for kids.

Registration closes one day before the walk date.

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

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

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

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

This walk is held every third Saturday of the month.

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

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

19 Sep (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.

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

19 Sep (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.

Please register at least three days before the walk at 65545127 or email woon_ling_ling@nparks.gov.sg

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

18 Sep (Fri): Talk on “Is there hope for rhinos, elephants and tigers in Malaysia?” by Reuben Clements

“Trio under threat: Is there hope for Rhinos, Elephants and Tigers in Malaysia?”
by Reuben Clements, Species Conservation Manager, WWF-Malaysia

Three of Malaysia’s charismatic large mammal species are experiencing diverging fates. Populations of the Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) have been decimated (due to chronic hunting and loss of lowland forests) to an extent where costly management interventions (e.g., combined ex and in situ breeding programmes) are currently being developed to prevent its extinction.

Conversely, populations of the Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) appear to be stable and even increasing in some areas, but escalating levels of human-elephant conflict (due to land conversion into plantations and dams) will eventually threaten their long-term survival.

The tiger (Panthera tigris), however, is at the crossroads where the National Tiger Action Plan for Malaysia was recently initiated by the federal government to double the current wild population by 2020; this can only happen if their decline (due to illegal hunting of tiger and prey) in important tiger habitats such as selectively logged forests is arrested as soon as possible.

Apart from discussing the abovementioned threats and associated scientific, management and policy challenges, Reuben will highlight recent conservation initiatives (e.g., the Borneo Rhino Sanctuary, Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers) that can help secure the future of these species in Malaysia, as well as other range states within Southeast Asia.”

More about the talk and Reuben Clements on the Biodiverity Crew @ NUS blog.

The talk is free but registration is required. Register at http://tinyurl.com/bejc-19sep2009

Time: 7pm
Venue: Conference Room, Block S3, Level 5 (next to the general office), Department of Biological Sciences,
National University of Singapore.

15 Sep (Tue): Talk on "Plants on the Move: Seed Dispersal and Climate Change"

A talk by Prof. Richard Corlett, as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Department of Biological Sciences, the National University of Singapore.

A tree does not look very mobile, but movement is as important for plants as it is for animals. Plants can move at two stages of their life cycle: as pollen during sexual reproduction and as seeds during dispersal of the offspring, but only seeds can start a new population. An increasingly important reason for moving is climate change. Studies in Europe and North America have found numerous plant and animal species that have moved north, or to higher altitudes, in response to the warming over recent decades. Temperature changes are expected to be smaller in the tropics, but the impacts on tropical plant and animal species, which are adapted to very narrow temperature ranges, may be greater. Moreover, while a temperate-zone species may only have to move a few hundred kilometers north to compensate for a several degrees of warming, temperature gradients are not so steep in the tropics, so compensatory movements will need to be greater. Failure to move far enough fast enough has been termed 'migration lag'. Migration lag makes a species vulnerable to extinction as the local climate exceeds its range of tolerance.

More details about Prof. Richard Corlett and the talk.

Light refreshments will be served after the talk.

Admission is free but registration is required. More details on the Department of Biological Sciences website.

Time: 6.30-8pm
Venue: LT 31, Blk S16, National University of Singapore location map
Website and contact: http://www.dbs.nus.edu.sg/60anniversary/public_lectures.html

7-13 Sep: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family
Walks in wild places
Talks
Films
For Nature Society (Singapore) members only
Registration now open
Exhibitions
Just launched! The 63-hectare Dairy Farm Nature Park features walking nature trails and a wetland area at the site of the old Singapore Quarry. The Wallace Environmental Learning Lab will also offer the first overnight educational camps in any nature park in Singapore. Dairy Farm Nature Park is along Dairy Farm Road, is open from 7am to 7pm daily. Admission is free. Media articles on the launch on the wildsingapore news 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 of the sea turtle spotted at Pulau Hantu! It was taken by Hazel Chew who blogged about it. Join the Hantu Bloggers to dive at Pulau Hantu and see our very own wild reefs! The next dive is on 27 Sep (Sun).

13 Sep (Sun): Butterfly Walk at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Simon Chan will take you on a leisurely stroll within the confines of the garden including its small patch of primary forest. Butterflies expected here include two rare and endangered species, the Common Birdwing and Common Rose. Other denizens like the Painted Jezebel, Striped Albatross, Common Grass Yellow, Common Mormon and Lime Butterfly can also be seen.

Time: 9.30am. Meet at the main entrance of the Singapore Botanic Gardens near the junction of Cluny Road with Napier Road.
Website:
http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

13 Sep (Sun): Plant Walk from Telok Blangah Hill to HortPark

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Yap Von Bing and The Plant Group takes you on this exciting morning stroll through parkland and secondary forests where we can closely observe the plant life from an elevated walkway. We will hunt for 10 native plants and learn about their distribution in the Southern Ridges. These include the Grashopper Tree, the Squirrel Mango (Otak Udang) and the Mousedeer Fern (Paku Pelanduk). An information sheet bearing the botanical, common and family names of these plants will be given out.

Time: 9am, meet at the first carpark of Telok Blangah Hill Park. To get to the meeting point, take Bus 131 or 145 from HarbourFront MRT station or Bus 195 from Tiong Bahru MRT station.
Website:
http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

13 Sep (Sun): Birdwatching at Pulau Ubin

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Lim Kim Keang leads this walk on Pulau Ubin - an island that never fails to surprise. We will look for its specialties including the Red Junglefowl, Oriental Pied Hornbill and endangered Straw-headed Bulbul.

Time: 7.30am, meet at Changi Jetty to take the bumboat to Pulau Ubin.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

13 Sep (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

13 Sep (Sun): Screening of "End of the Line"

WWF Singapore brings this exclusive free screening.

Where have all the fish gone? See the world’s first major feature documentary film revealing the devastating impact of overfishing on the oceans!

The film explores the effects of our global love affair with fish as a source of food, including the imminent extinction of bluefin tuna, brought about by increasing demand for sushi, and the profound implications of a future world with no fish.
Filmed across the world – from the Straits of Gibraltar to the coasts of Senegal and Alaska to the Tokyo fish market – this captivating documentary features top scientists, indigenous fishermen as well as investigative reporter Charles Clover who confronts politicians and celebrity restaurateurs, who themselves exhibit little regard for the damage they are doing to the oceans.

Scientists predict that current fishing practices could spell the end of most seafood by 2048. Imagine an ocean without fish. Imagine your meals without seafood. Imagine the global consequences. This is the future if we do not stop, think and act.
The End of the Line is a wake-up call to the world.

Join us for a special screening of the film and a Q & A session afterwards.

Free admission but registration is required. To secure your place, please send an email to rsvp@wwf.sg by 12 noon on Friday 11th September, with your name, contact number and number of tickets

Time: 4pm
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre Level 1, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website and contact: http://www.panda.org/who_we_are/wwf_offices/singapore/

13 Sep (Sun): Herb & Spice Garden Tour at HortPark

Look, smell, taste, touch and learn about the traditional medicinal and culinary uses of various herbs and spices in this interactive garden. Pick up useful tips on how you can grow these herbs and spices in your home garden.

Time: 10am
Venue: HortPark, Herb and Spice Garden
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12 Sep (Sat): Plant Walk at Hindhede Nature Park

Do you know that we have a Brazil Nut Tree in the park? Do you also know that the wood of Jelutong is used to make pencils? Let our volunteers share with you stories about our green allies in Hindhede Nature Park.

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

More about the activity on the NParks website.

Time: first walk: 10am, second walk: 10.30am. Meet us 5 minutes earlier in front of the information counter at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg
Contact: Woon_Ling_Ling@nparks.gov.sg or 6554 5127.

12 Sep (Sat): Nature walk at the Admiralty Park Nature Area

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 held every second Saturday of the month.

Registration ends 3 days before the event. To register, please email Dorothy at dorothy_lim@nparks.gov.sg

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

12 Sep (Sat): Forest walk at the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

12 Sep (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.

Please register at least three days before the walk at 65545127 or email woon_ling_ling@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9am, meet at the MacRitchie cafeteria at 8.55am.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Call 65545127 for enquiry and/or free registration.

12 Sep (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

12 Sep (Sat): Nature walk at 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.

12 Sep (Sat): Talk on "Birth of a Museum"

A talk by Clement Ong offered in relation to the exhibit "Hunters and Collectors: The Origins of the Southeast Asian Collection" at the Asian Civilisations Museum

The curator of this exhibition explores the birth of the collection tradition in the15th and 16th century and the difference in individual and museum collections from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries.

Free admission to the talk.

Time of talk: 2-3.30pm
Venue of the talk: Ngee Ann Auditorium,
Asian Civilisations Museum

Details of the Exhibition
Opening hours: Mon 1-7pm, Tue-Sun 9am-7pm (to 9pm on Friday)
Venue: Special Exhibitions Gallery, Asian Civilisations Museum, Empress Place how to get there
Charges: $5 (adults) / $2.50 (full-time students / senior citizens). Free admission for children aged 6 and below.
Website and contact: http://www.acm.org.sg

12 Sep (Sat): Science in the Gardens for kids

Come and join us in exploring the science of flora and fauna. Bring your family along for some simple hands-on activities such as making your windsock and creating your own chromatography butterfly. Walk around and learn more about the plants in the gardens. Play with interactive exhibits, take part in workshops to make cool science toys and walk around in the gardens of HortPark to complete a simple science trail! Also, catch exciting science shows and learn more about the science of juggling! Watch Jay in his show “J show (Scientific Concepts in JuggleArt)”, and learn more about the science of juggling!

Programme
9am – 6pm: Hands-on activities
11am, 2pm and 5pm: “J Show (Scientific Concepts in JuggleArt)” show by Jay

This free programme is organised by A*STAR and the Science Centre, with the support of National Parks Board and HortPark in conjunction with Science Month.

Time: 9am-6pm
Venue: HortPark
Website: http://www.sciencemonth.org.sg
Contact: Ms Jamilah 64252591 upstream@science.edu.sg