31 Oct (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

31 Oct (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.

Also a Marine Fish Guided Tour at 3.30pm.

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

31 Oct (Sat): Sara Goes Carbon Footprinting

Join Sara, the Botanicosaurus, and her new friend, Rana the Frog in this tour and learn about carbon footprints and the many little but important things that all of us can do to make a difference for our home, Planet Earth! Young participants will also be introduced to some useful and multi-purpose trees!

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: $8.50 per child (includes $2.50 “Sara Goes Carbon Footprinting" workbook) and $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg
Contact: 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

31 Oct (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 extince 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, please gather at the Butterfly Garden for the tour
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6471 5601

31 Oct (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

30 Oct - 1 Nov: Clean and Green Singapore 2010 Carnival

The Clean and Green Singapore (CGS) 2010 Carnival is a 3-day event to be held at HortPark, a 23-hectare gardening hub connecting Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park.
It offers fun-filled and educational activities that promote environmentally-friendly practices such as using energy-efficient appliances, taking public transport, recycling and more. By adopting these habits, each of us can play an important part in making our environment a better place to live, work and play.

The highlight of the CGS 2010 Carnival is the exhibition on Singapore's 40-year Clean and Green journey, where the multi-faceted effort in creating a clean and green environment that we enjoy today will be showcased. Through bringing visitors on this journey, it is hoped that every individual will be inspired to play his role in sustaining our quality living environment for future generations.

Organised by the National Environment Agency and South West Community Development Council, with support from the National Parks Board and PUB, the national water agency, the CGS 2010 Carnival aims to inspire the public to protect and take greater ownership of our living environment.

Some interesting talks during the event

1 Nov (Sun): 5.15-5.45pm
"Walk on the Wild Side-Marine Conservation in Singapore" by Jeffrey Low (NParks)

31 Oct (Sat) and 1 Nov (Sun): 12.30noon - 1.00pm
"The Climate Project" by Denise Keller

Free shuttle bus departs from HarbourFront MRT station every 15mins

Time: 9.30am-9pm
Venue: HortPark
Website and contact: http://www.cgs.org.sg/cgs2010.php

29 Oct (Thu): "The Influence of Climate Change on Maritime Australia and Pacific Islands: Biology and Business" by Prof Michael Kingsford

Prof Michael J Kingsford is the Head of the School of Marine and Tropical Biology at James Cook University.

Global climate change is the biggest issue facing resource managers and poses a great challenge to businesses. Unless business adapts to changing resources, gives greater attention to sustainable behaviour and reduces the use of fossil fuel then there are risks.

Here I review physical changes that are predicted to happen over the next 100 years, the impact of change on marine ecosystems, challenges to fisheries managers and novel approaches to dealing with climate change.

I will present data from temperate and tropical waters of the Pacific on how patterns of growth of fishes and ranges will change. Even fishes that appear resistant to change can be affected by the collapse of key ecosystem functions.

Control of CO2 is still the biggest issue to reduce climate change. Innovative ways of making carbon neutral fuels and reducing methane emissions is working toward a solution and generating opportunity.

This talk is the final public lecture for 2009 of the Singapore Campus of James Cook University.

The talk is free but registration is required. To register please contact Ms Laiza Malit at laiza@jcu.edu.sg or call 65 9677 8868 for further information.

More details on the talk on the James Cook University Australia, Singapore Campus website.

Time: 7-8.30pm
Venue: Block A01-01, James Cook University Australia, Singapore Campus, 600 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 577421

29 Oct (Thu): Green Drinks with ACRES, Food for All and the Vegetarian Society

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

This month, our session will comprise of two parts:

1. Q&A panel: Serving as panelists, Andrew Tay (representing himself and ACRES), Heather Chi (Food for All) and George Joseph (Vegetarian Society, Singapore) will discuss and address questions on permaculture, organic/non-organic food, and related food issues.

2. Talk: Man of many hats and talents Chris Tobias shares with us ways to apply the principles of permaculture to business. Passing through Singapore only for just these few months, Chris is the editor for Celsias, and organises monthly networking sessions known as Forward Thinking Thursdays, where the aim is for attendees to meet and talk about issues that matter.

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

27 Oct (Tue): "Biodiversity: A Fundamental Determinant of Human Health?" by Dr. Aaron Bernstein

At a time when biodiversity loss is occurring at a pace faster than has been seen in more than 60 million years, understanding how human health depends on biodiversity, or the variety of life, has never been more important. This lecture will detail how human health is tied to the health of the natural world - for the provision of medicines and food, advances in biomedical research, and as a check on the spread of infectious diseases - and in doing so underscore that with biodiversity loss we have a tremendous amount at stake for ourselves and future generations.

Along with Nobel Peace Prize recipient Eric Chivian, Dr. Aaron Bernstein is author of “Sustaining Life: How Human Health Depends on Biodiversity”. The book has been widely acclaimed, including by Al Gore, Kofi Annan, and Gro Brundtland, and was named the best biology book of 2008 by the Library Journal.
The book will be on sale at the public talk. (Price: $55.95)

Admission is free, but registration is require. Please register your interest in the talk with lim_wei_ling@nparks.gov.sg by 26 October 09

Time: 10.30am – 12.00 noon
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

27 Oct (Tue): WWF's Coral Triangle Photo Expedition Slide Show

Turtles! Mantas! Molas! Join Jürgen and Stella for a photographic kaleidoscope depicting their 18-month WWF Coral Triangle photojournalistic expedition as they investigate the connectivity between the wildlife, people and the marine environment of the Coral Triangle.
In one vast, turquoise-blue corner of this Earth, the forces of nature have crafted a truly amazing underwater tapestry of corals. One that is unrivalled in its richness, importance, and sheer beauty. This is the Coral Triangle - nursery of the seas.

The Coral Triangle is the world’s centre of marine life – a vast, majestic and colourful coral nursery covering 6 million km2 of ocean – a home sheltering and sustaining thousands of whales, dolphins, tuna, reef fish, rays, sharks and turtles. Its underwater riches are equally matched by the diversity of its people, cultures and traditions – all of whom rely on the sea in one way or another for their survival. Livelihoods, wildlife and survival are interdependent across the region and beyond.

All this beauty and richness will be captured by Jürgen and Stella Freund, one of the top photographic teams in the world. Along the way, they will illustrate WWF’s field work through stories and pictures, and investigate the ‘connectivity’ between the people and wildlife of the Coral Triangle.

More about the Coral Triangle.

The event is free but registration is required. To register, email rsvp@wwf.sg or phone Abigail @ 63230100 by 20 October 2009. Include your name, email, phone & no. of tickets. Seats will be reserved (free seating) on a first-come-first-serve basis. A maximum of 2 seats can be reserved per person.

Time: 7-8pm
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre, Level One, Singapore Botanic Gardens

19-25 Oct: Highlights of the week ahead

Special events

Walks in wild places

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Early next week

Announcements
  • The Kampong Melayu trail going into Chek Jawa Wetlands from Kelichap Hut to Punai will be closed for repair and improvement works from 9 Oct to 30 Nov. Access to Chek Jawa will be via the Quarry trail from Berberek Hut to Punai Hut.
  • Kusu Island pilgrimage season 18 Oct - 16 Nov: road to Pier closed, regular ferries to St. John's suspended.
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 are these intriguing beasts shared by James on his blog. It's amazing what you can find if you look carefully at our wild places.

IMG_9807, originally uploaded by [wj].

25 Oct (Sun): The Art of Paper folding at Sungei Buloh

Would you like to learn how to fold these cute little frogs?
And not just frogs, you can get to learn how to fold many more interesting creatures, or even boats which we used to fold during our childhood days! This is a good opportunity for us to bring ourselves back to our childhood days, or to pass on the skill to our children, or a new skill for us to pick up and pass on to others.

Origami is not only fun, but is also an artistic way of interpreting animals, plants, objects, or basically anything you can think of!

The focus of this origami workshop will be on animals that can be found in our nature areas.

Time: 3-4pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, meet at the Information Counter at the Visitor Centre
Website and contact: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/

25 Oct (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

25 Oct (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

25 Oct (Sun): Paint along with Pui San art session at Sungei Buloh

Free art-and-nature appreciation at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Tham Pui San, a volunteer of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, is an avid artist who expresses his passion for nature through his art work.

Pui San welcomes artists of all ages or anyone who wants to learn. His objective is to encourage creativity while enjoying nature at the same time. Bring along your favourite drawing or painting supplies and enjoy learning different drawing techniques at Sungei Buloh.

More in the art in the wetlands blog.

Time: 8.30-11.30am, meet at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve ticketing counter (Visitor Centre).
Venue: Main Observation Hide.
Admission charges: While the art session is free, usual admission charges to Reserve apply. $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://artinwetlands.wordpress.com/
Contact: Tham Pui Sam at thampuisan@hotmail.com or the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve at info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

24 Oct (Sat): International Day of Climate Action (Singapore)

350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity. The bad news is we’re already past that number - we’re at 390 parts per million. The good news: that number gives us a target to aim for.

On 24th Oct, be heard, seen and felt in fun and meaningful activities that will spread this urgent message!

Updates from the 350 website (as at 23 Oct)

Aerial Photography: 8am at the Padang Hong Lim Park
Hundreds of us will gather to use our bodies to form the number '350' - the safe limit for CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. A boom lift will raise our photographer 12m into the air to capture this mass formation.

Wacky Walk: 10am from the Padang Hong Lim Park to SMU
From the Padang, we will then 'wacky walk' our way to SM . . .that's right, 'Wacky Walk'! Wear a costume, paint your face, walk sideways or any other outrageous gait, gallop or hop that you and your team can come up with. We challenge you to think out of the box and be as fun and creative as possible! From Hong Lim Park, we will then make our way to SMU. This relaxing mini walkathon should take approximately half an hour. (Do note that costumes and placards are not allowed.)

Prizes, Food and more Fun: 11am to 3pm at SMU
Win prizes for the Best Costume, the Wackiest Walk and Best Showmanship!
All registrants will also receive a Certificate of Participation.

Human Tidal Wave: 1pm to 4pm at SMU and then LASALLE
Hundreds of people in blue will converge on LASALLE and dance - creating a flood of blue representing the rising threat of flooding.

Enjoy a delicious spread of vegan vegetarian cuisine from Loving Hut(all participants will receive a Free $2 Food Voucher for use on that day, kindly sponsored by Loving Hut.)

Learn more about what each of us can do to curb climate change. Make a pledge to take action!

Register by 17 Oct
Contact: 350@vss.sg or marketing@eco-singapore.org. Include your name and contact number.

Organised and/or supported by: ECO Singapore, Vegetarian Society (Singapore), ACRES

Time: 8am-3pm
Venue: Padang and SMU
Contact: marketing@eco-singapore.org

24 Oct (Sat): Kranji Night Ramble

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Sutari Supari of The Nature Ramblers will take you through an interesting 8 km/5hr ramble that will allow you to experience an enchanting sunset, look at fireflies, see Jupiter at its best and learn about star directional uses. We might even spot some nocturnal birds and animals. Bring along a good torchlight. Not suitable for children below 12 years old.

Time: 6pm, meet at the junction of Lim Chu Kang and Neo Tiew Roads. Bus 975 plies this route from Choa Chu Kang interchange, or park your cars at Neo Tiew Lane 2 (near De’ Kranji Chalets). Transport will be arranged to ferry participants to Kranji MRT station from Neo Tiew Lane 2 at the end of the ramble..
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

24 Oct (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

24 Oct (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.

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

21-23 Oct (Wed-Fri): ASEAN Conference on Biodiversity 2009

The theme of the ASEAN Conference on Biodiversity 2009 is "Biodiversity in Focus - 2010 and Beyond".

The sub-themes selected for the Conference reflect the current global and regional priorities:
(a) Biodiversity and Climate Change;
(b) Access to Genetic Resources and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising out of their Utilisation; and
(c) Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity.

This inaugural ASEAN Conference on Biodiversity 2009 (ACB2009) is hosted by NParks in partnership with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB).

ACB2009 will bring together about 250-300 key biodiversity stakeholders from the ASEAN region and its partners representing government agencies, science and research communities, and non-governmental organisations. It will feature both plenary and parallel sessions, as well as poster presentations and exhibition booths to showcase biodiversity and conservation efforts in the region. A distinguished list of eminent speakers has been invited to grace the event, including:
  • Dr. Aaron Bernstein from Harvard Medical School, co-author of “Sustaining Life: How Human Health Depends on Biodiversity”
  • Mr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, Secretariat of the CBD
  • Mr. Timothy Hodges, Co-chair of the Open-Ended Ad-Hoc Working Group on Access and Benefit Sharing, CBD
Plenary papers to be presented include:

"The Status of Biodiversity and Challenges in the ASEAN Region" by Prof. Peter Ng Kee Lin, Professor, Dept of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore

"Climate Change and Biodiversity: The 2007 IPCC Report on Biodiversity and recent updates" by Dr. Andreas Fischlin, Head, Terrestrial Systems Ecology ETH-Zentrum, Zurich
Member, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

"Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity-The ASEAN Region’s Contribution" by Dr. Haripriya Gundimeda and/or Dr. Georgina Langdale The Economics of Environment and Biodiversity (TEEB) Team, UNEP

"Access to Genetic Resources and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising out of their Utilization" by Dato’ Zakri A. Hamid, Director of Advanced Studies, United Nations University

"COP10 and Beyond" by Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Director, CBD Secretariat

More details on the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity website and download provisional programme (PDF) and registration form (WinWord doc).

Registration closes 18 September 2009

Cost: Registration fee S$75. Only 30 places are allocated for the Singapore public (inclusive of NGOs).
Contact: Register with wendy_yap@nparks.gov.sg (Tel: 64651688) or muslim_anshari_rahman@nparks.gov.sg (Tel: 64651679)

12-18 Oct: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in our wild places

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Talks this week

Film screening

Other events

Announcements
  • The Kampong Melayu trail going into Chek Jawa Wetlands from Kelichap Hut to Punai will be closed for repair and improvement works from 9 Oct to 30 Nov. Access to Chek Jawa will be via the Quarry trail from Berberek Hut to Punai Hut.
  • Kusu Island pilgrimage season 18 Oct - 16 Nov: road to Pier closed, regular ferries to St. John's suspended.
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 remora shared by Marcus on his annotated budak blog. This fish is usually stuck to a larger marine animal such as a shark! It's amazing what we can encounter on our shores.

IMG_9152, originally uploaded by budak.

18 Oct (Sun): Horseshoe crab rescue and research

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Join us for this monthly mission to rescue and study the Mangrove Horseshoe Crab (HSC). We have also started an ongoing 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, repellent, cutter (for HSC rescue) and camera. Washing facilities available.

Pre-registeration required. Register with Dr Cartwright-Taylor at cartwrighttaylor@gmail.com, stating your name, if you are a NSS member or not, affiliations (eg. school/company), experience (if any) and contact details.

Time: 4pm, 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.

18 Oct (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

18 Oct (Sun): Walk on the Chek Jawa boardwalk with Cicada Tree Eco Place

Living Earth Walks goes to the extensive boardwalk at Chek Jawa on Pulau Ubin. Here we shall see a diversity of unique flora and fauna. At low tide, exposed seaweeds used to be collected by locals to feed their pigs. From the mangroves, Attap Palm leaves were harvested for thatching while durable Nibong Palm trunks were used to build kelongs. The shallow sea here was also a rich hunting ground. Many natural resources were depended upon, and used in sustainable ways by the kampong folk who lived at Chek Jawa.

Trails: Wooden boardwalk. Earth paths, some parts with gentle slopes.

Minimum 20 pax for walk to go ahead.

Advance registration & payment is required. Register with Celine Low contact@cicadatree.org.sg

Time: 3pm
Cost: $15 per person (adult or child), minimum 6 years of age, excluding the bumboat ride and mini-bus ride to Chek Jawa. The bumboat ride is $2.50 per person one way. The mini-bus ride is $4 return per person to and from the main village.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/
Contact: Celine Low contact@cicadatree.org.sg

17 Oct (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

17 Oct (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.

Booking now online.

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 and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

17 Oct (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

17 Oct (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 (English) and 4pm (Mandarin), 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

17 Oct (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.

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

17 Oct (Sat): "The Amazing World of Bryophytes" by Dr. Benito C. Tan

"The Amazing World of Bryophytes - Unveiling its Science and Beauty"
by Dr. Benito C. Tan, The Singapore Botanic Gardens and National University of Singapore.
Embrace the rich diversity of bryophytes such as liverworts, mosses and hornworts, found in the tropics and learn more about its ecology, economic importance and the conservation of this group of little known plants in this talk-cum-demonstration session.

See how these plant groups are used as ornamental plants in the design and building of aquarium and terrarium, and get tips on how to grow them at home!

Demonstration by Mr. Loh Kwek Leong from Killies.com., Ms Serena Lee from Herbarium, SBG, and Ms Ng Yimin from NUS.

Time: 3-4 pm
Venue: HortPark, Fruit Room
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

17 Oct (Sat): Istana Open House

The Istana grounds are open to the public in celebration of Deepavali. 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.

From the Straits Times 16 Oct 09;

THE Istana will be open to the public for Deepavali celebrations.

Admission is free for Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents. Other visitors must pay a $1 fee each. Entrance to the grounds will be via the main gate on Orchard Road.

Birds from Jurong Bird Park will be on display. There will also be live performances by two school bands and an Indian dance troupe from the People's Association.

Selected function rooms with displays of gifts presented to the President and Prime Minister by foreign dignitaries can be viewed for a fee of $2.

All proceeds from entrance fees and the sale of Istana 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/

17 Oct (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

16 Oct (Fri): Screening of "The Age of Stupid" at the Hollandse Club

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?"



More about the screening on the Hollandse Club website.

Time: 7.30pm
Venue: 22 Camden Park, (Off Adam Road)
Cost: $5 for non-members
Website and contact: http://www.hollandseclub.org.sg/

14 Oct (Wed): "Good COP, Bad COP - the Compelling Case for a Good Global Climate Deal"

A Public Lecture by James Leapes, Director General, WWF International

James Leape is in Singapore as a Distinguished Visitor of the Singapore International Foundation.

Climate change will have profound economic and social effects, with increases in the costs of basic economic inputs particularly water, agricultural produce and insurance (from the increased incidence and severity of extreme weather events). Poverty will in turn be exacerbated in many developing countries. Beyond the significant human tragedy, these events will also significantly affect development, profitability, government costs, revenue streams and investment flows. Other economic impacts will relate to the partial or greater collapse of ecosystems, the loss of biodiversity, growing water and food shortages and increased healthcare costs.

A bad deal emerging from the crucial UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009 will do nothing to hold back these impacts on the economy.

A good deal in Copenhagen on the other hand presents the world with an opportunity keep economic growth and development while cutting GHG emissions, encourage efficiency and promote renewable energy. Producing more with less represents significant potential savings for business and governments and provides a unique opportunity for profitable investment, unleashing global low-carbon markets and creating millions of green jobs.

The financial case for a good Copenhagen deal is compelling. Economic and finance officials need to prepare for and engage in the climate debate in order to take full advantage of the benefits associated with a good deal and avoid the significant costs that stem from a failed deal.

WWF’s experience in over 100 countries convinces them that immediate and strong action to reduce global emissions on a trajectory which keeps the world well under 2°C must be reflected in a global treaty by the 2009 UNFCCC negotiations in Copenhagen. A +2°C world is one in which there is more human misery, rapidly increased species loss and foregone opportunities to develop in a sustainable way. WWF is working with governments, businesses, civil society and other NGOs as partners to ensure a good deal.

To register email info@wwf.sg or call Christine 63230100 by 9 October 2009

Time: 2.30-4pm
Venue: Ballroom 2, Level 2, Grand Park City Hall, Singapore

14 Oct (Wed): CleanTech Happy Hour October Edition

CleanTech Happy Hour was started in January 09 and is a unique relaxed get-together of the Green and Clean Community of Singapore where you can exchange ideas and pretty talk about anything under the sun (literally) . Think of it as a business matching/networking session with great drinks minus the suit and tie. The networking session happens mostly on Wednesday between 7-10 pm and without any specific agenda.

Time: from 7pm onwards.
Venue: Durty Nelly's, Marina Square #01-01 to #01-03, 6 Raffles Boulevard
Website: http://cleantechhappyhoursg.blogspot.com
Contact: Joost van Acht/Amelia Lim at cleantechhappyhoursg@gmail.com

14 Oct (Wed): "Pangaea, Hope for the Planet" by Mike Horn

Mike Horn is recognised worldwide as one of the greatest modern day explorers. He began his journey by setting challenges for himself – swimming the rivers, sailing the oceans, surviving alone in different environments and in extreme weather conditions, confronting all elements of nature, and continually pushing himself to his physical and mental limits.

“The problem today is that we are losing contact with nature, forgetting its beauty, and most importantly, its overwhelming power,” he has said. In 2008, he began his Pangaea expedition, which aims to “cultivate respect for the environment and the protection of its resources for the sake of future generations.”

Hear Mike discuss his Pangaea journey, and be inspired to redefine, rediscover, and make a difference for the world in this talk.

For more information, please visit http://www.respectingwater.com and http://www.mikehorn.com.

To register, please email your contact details to archifest@sia.org.sg with the header “Pangaea of Hope for the Planet”.

Time: 1-2pm
Venue: Level 16 - The Pod in National Library Building
Website and contact: http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg/

13-24 Oct: Exhibition "A Garden Dialogue" - Nature Paintings by Eng Siak Loy

"A Garden Dialogue - Nature Paintings" by award-winning artist Eng Siak Loy celebrates the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ 150th Anniversary. Featuring 30 paintings inspired by the greenery and iconic locations in the Gardens, this exhibition captures the special essence, character and history of the Gardens, encapsulating the fond memories of millions of visitors. Adopting an impressionist style using a mix of oil and acrylic paints, Mr Eng captured the images as someone would see if they just caught a glimpse of the scene.
Time: 10am–7pm daily
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens (Function Hall, Botany Centre) map
Contact: Elizabeth Ee, Elizabeth.ee@hillandknowlton.com.sg / 6390 3356 (Office)

5-11 Oct: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Talks

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Exhibitions

Announcements


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 gorgeous shot taken by Jimmy Goh at our very own wild reef at Pulau Hantu. It was shared on the Hantu Blog and their flickr. Join them for their next dive at Hantu on 25 Oct (Sun).

11 Oct (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.

Special Mandarin guided tour at 9.30am to 11am. Please call at 67941401 to book this free guided tour. We need a minimum of 5 participants to commence the tour. Limited to maximum 15 participants.

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

11 Oct (Sun): "How You can Make a Difference during Your School Holidays"

Manora, a tertiary student studying Business Management and recent intern at the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore), is a passionate volunteer for the environment. She will share her experiences at both JGIS and the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Youth Volunteer Programme in Madagascar.

By relating her experiences as an example of the many ways in which youth can get involved in working for a better planet, she aims to inspire young people to take action. This fascinating presentation will provide youth with the opportunity to learn about the various and exciting volunteer avenues for the planet.

This talk is held in collaboration with Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore).

TimeL 2-3.30pm
Venue: Programme Zone in Bishan Public Library
Website and contact: http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg/

11 Oct (Sun): Birdwatching at Chinese/Japanese Garden

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Wing Chong leads this walk. This will be our last outing under the Green Birding Series for 2009, just prior to the Green Bird Race 2009 on 17 and 18 October. As we walk around this well-kept garden, expect to encounter an interesting mix of garden, parkland and even shore birds. Towards the later part of the day, we have a good chance of seeing soaring raptors such as Brahminy Kites and Whitebellied Sea Eagles.

Time: 7.30am, meet at the Chinese Garden MRT Station.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

10 Oct (Sat): Grow it! Eat it! for kids by Cicada Tree Eco Place

In this fun workshop, kids will learn about edible plants, how to grow and propagate them, and how they can create their own mini organic food garden at home. They will also learn to create yummy simple dishes from their own harvest!

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

10 Oct (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

10 Oct (Sat): Nature walk at 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