24-30 May: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• Biodiversity Race 2010 a fun way to find out about our wildlife!
• Paint along with Pui San art and nature appreciation at Sungei Buloh
• Beach Critters: I want my Lunch!!
• Fun with Maths & Plants!
• Young Mathematician of the Garden

Planning for the June school holidays? Publicised events for all of June have been uploaded on the blog! Here's some highlights. Or see the full list and register early for your favourite activities!


Special Ubin event!

• 27 May - 2 Jun: Traditional Wayang at Pulau Ubin

Walks in wild places

• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
• Heritage and nature guided walk at Fort Canning Park.
• HortPark Butterfly Garden guided tour.

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Butterfly Spotting at Mount Faber Park

Talks

• 25 May (Tue): "Plant Blindness - What Research Says"

New competition! BiodiverCity 'Voters' Choice' competition. Vote for your favourite nature photo and win iPod and other prizes. More details on Celebrating Singapore's BioDiversity!


Registration now open

• 27 Jun (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers
• 20 Jun (Sun): Fabulous Frogs & Terrific Toads! a night workshop for kids
• 19 Jun Sat and 20 Jun (Sun): Bugs & Slugs! What's Wild at HortPark?
• 19 Jun (Sat): Bats are beautiful! a night workshop for kids
• 12 Jun (Sat) and 26 Jun (Sat): Young Naturalist Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
• 12 Jun (Sat): Getting To Know Our Dipterocarps with Cicada Tree Eco Place

Other on-going events and announcements

• Video competition - "Love Green: Just Bin it" closing date 27 Jun.
• BiodiverCity Voters' Choice competition closing date 20 Jun.
• From 1 Jun: Free entry to National Heritage Board Museums

Highlights of Singapore nature news

• Face up to the green fact Straits Times Forum 24 May 10;
• Singapore marks International Day for Biological Diversity Satish Cheney Channel NewsAsia 22 May 10;
• Why researchers included Singapore in green study Straits Times Forum 21 May 10;
• More people releasing animals into wild Released creatures often die or disrupt ecological system here: NParks, Grace Chua Straits Times 21 May 10;
• NParks launches Nature Keeper Programme Mustafa Shafawi Channel NewsAsia 20 May 10;
• Bridge across BKE to link nature reserves Besides humans, it will allow animals, plants to cross the expressway, Grace Chua StraitS Times 19 May 10;
• Green study disregards Singapore's circumstances Straits Times Forum 19 May 10;

Highlights of Singapore nature blogs

• International Biodiversity Day! from Psychedelic Nature.
• World Biodiversity Day at Chek Jawa with the Naked Hermit Crabs from wild shores of singapore.
• Life History of the Short Banded Sailor from Butterflies of Singapore.
• A Word on the Monkeys from Crystal and Bryan in Singapore.
• Nature in Singapore: Frogs, fig snails, aliens and rediscovery of plants from Celebrating Singapore's BioDiversity!

Photo of the week was taken by Dr Chua Ee Kiam. It shows Minister Mah Bow Tan discussing a photo of Cyrene Reef during the launch of the BiodiverCity exhibition. Visit the exhibition to see more of Singapore's amazing wildlife and wild places!

30 May (Sun): Paint along with Pui San 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: Shelter 2 and 3, Mangrove Boardwalk.
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

30 May (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

30 May (Sun): Beach Critters: I want my Lunch!!

Sift through soft sand to find small animals that call our beaches home! Ever wondered what hermit crabs or anemones eat? Learn about their feeding habits at this very hands-on workshop! We will teach you how to make your own clay critters!

Suitable for kids 6 to 10 years old.

The workshop is free, but registration required. To register, please send the name(s) and age(s) of the participants and at least one contact number to Lili at lin_lili@nparks.gov.sg

Registration closes 3 days before the activity date or when class is full. Classes will commence with min 15 persons per session.

Time: 9-12pm
Cost: $10/person includes talk and crafts
Venue: D'Space, Pasir Ris Park (Carpark E)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

29 May (Sat): Butterfly Spotting at Mount Faber Park

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Gan Cheong Weei leads on a leisurely walk up towards the top of Mount Faber Park. Species that can be encountered include the Chocolate Grass Yellow, King Crow, Plain Nawab, Yamfly, Common Imperial, Fluffy Tit and Acacia Blue. Remember to bring along your NSS Butterfly Guide! This walk will last for about three hours.

Time: 9.30am.
Meet at the start of the Marang Trail along Marang Road (Exit D of Harbourfront MRT station).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

29 May (Sat): Biodiversity Race 2010

Ready for a fun-filled adventure? Form a team of four members and join an exciting race along Singapore's newest Park Connector Network - The Western Adventure Park Connector Network.
The Western Adventure Park Connector Network is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Spot birds, butterflies, dragonflies and plants, and identify them using guidesheets. The team with the most number of correct entries wins.

There are prizes worth $1000 to be won!

Closing date for registration: 30 Apr. To register, please contact Nanthini at nanthini_elamgovan@nparks.gov.sg or Kian Boon at teo_kian_boon@nparks.gov.sg

More about the Western Adventure Park Connector Network on Celebrating Singapore's Biodiversity.

Time: 8am-2pm
Start: Bukit Batok Nature Park
End: Choa Chu Kang Nature Park
Registration fee: $20 per team
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

29 May (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.

Marine Fish guided walk at 3.30pm.

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

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

29 May (Sat): Heritage and nature guided walk at Fort Canning Park

"Revisiting History, Embracing Nature"
This FREE programme highlights the changing faces of Fort Canning through the centuries.

Once the seat of Malay royalty in the 14th century, it was home to colonial governors and turned into a fort in the 19th century. In modern times, it was used as a military base during the Second World War. Today, a display of ancient relics dating back to the 14th century as well as the Fort Gate, remnant of the fortress built in the 1860s, are reminders of Singapore’s rich past.

You may also opt for a tour on The Fort Canning Spice Trail only. This trail was part of the tract of Singapore's first botanical and experimental garden and you will be introduced to the importance of spice back then and its uses in our daily life. Your exploration on the fascinating world of spices begins in the Spice Garden of Fort Canning Park.

Whether it is botanical or historical, learning about our history is just a walk in the park.

Walk is moderately easy but will involve walking up slopes and steps so do come dressed comfortably. The tour lasts two and a half hours. This walk is held every last Saturday of the month.

Pre-registration required. Call 63321200 or 63321302 or email surinam_sumsudin@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 4-6.30pm
Venue: Meet courtyard opposite NParks Visitor Centre, Fort Canning Centre
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 63321200 or 63321302 or email surinam_sumsudin@nparks.gov.sg

29 May (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

29 May (Sat): Fun with Maths & Plants!

Have fun being a little Mathematician and discover plants at the same time! Learn basic math concepts through colours, shapes, sizes and numbers. Practice your skills using leaves, flowers and other plant parts. You will discover that Mathematics is fun and interesting!

Suitable for children in K1 – P2 levels.

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

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying parent
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

29 May (Sat): Young Mathematician of the Garden

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

Suitable for children in P3 – P6 levels.

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

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying parent
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

27 May - 2 Jun: Wayang at Pulau Ubin

Traditional wayang (Chinese opera) in celebration of Tua Pek Kong's Birthday, as practiced by the villagers. The wayang shows will be from 27 May to 31 May following two nights of geitai show. You can also enjoy a sumptious dinner at the restaurants there before or while watching the show.
Thanks to the alert by Alan of Ubin NParks.

More about traditional wayang at Pulau Ubin and more details on the Pulau Ubin Stories blog

More about Pulau Ubin and how to get there and about wayang at Ubin on the wildsingapore website.

Time: wayang from sunset onwards
Venue: Pulau Ubin wayang stage

25 May (Tue): Talk on "Plant Blindness - What Research Says"

Have you heard of the term "Plant Blindness"? This theory explains how persons who have had few prior experiences with plants "see" the plant kingdom.

Professor Jim Wandersee and his colleagues from Louisiana State University (USA) noted that this phenomenon is most prevalent among city-dwellers. In this talk, Prof Wandersee will highlight some things plant science educators and parents can do to raise children who are not "plant blind".

Time: 4pm
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website and contact: http://www.sbg.org.sg/

until 20 Jun: BiodiverCity Voters’ Choice competition

The BiodiverCity photo competition is over but you can still win prizes by voting for your favourite photo!
Vote for your favourite photos and you could win iPod and other prizes.

17-23 Jun: Highlights of the week ahead

22 May is International Biodiversity Day! Lots of activities to choose from, especially for kids and the family!

• Raffles Museum Open House
• MAD Lesson on Mousedeer and her forest friends with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs
• Nature Adventure Walk at Dairy Farm Nature Park for kids
• MacRitchie Day Out for kids
• PrawnWatch at Sungei Buloh hands on tour of traditional prawn farming

Special talks and film screenings

• 22 May (Sat): "In Celebration of Singapore’s Biodiversity: News, Views and Surprises!" - by N. Sivasothi
• 22 May (Sat): "Birds in our urban parks and gardens!"
• 22 & 23 May (Sat & Sun): Screening of "Singapore Hornbill Project - Return of the King"
• 19 May (Wed): Screening of "Addicted to Plastic"

More special events

• Acres Gala Dinner 2010 help animals with your participation
• Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers.
• 22 May-20 Jun: BiodiverCity Photo Exhibition @ Orchard

Walks in wild places

• Kranji Nature Walk with Nature Society (Singapore) - open to the public.
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
• Evolution Garden guided tour.

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research
• Biodiversity Walk at The Sensory Trail at Pulau Ubin

June school holidays - wondering what to do with the kids? Check out Biodiversity for kids during the June holidays! from Celebrating Singapore's BioDiversity!

Registration now open

• 27 Jun (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers
• 20 Jun (Sun): Fabulous Frogs & Terrific Toads! a night workshop for kids
• 19 Jun Sat and 20 Jun (Sun): Bugs & Slugs! What's Wild at HortPark?
• 19 Jun (Sat): Bats are beautiful! a night workshop for kids
• 12 Jun (Sat) and 26 Jun (Sat): Young Naturalist Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
• 12 Jun (Sat): Getting To Know Our Dipterocarps with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• 29 May (Sat): Biodiversity Race 2010

Other on-going events and announcements

• Video competition - "Love Green: Just Bin it" closing date 27 Jun.
• From 1 Jun: Free entry to National Heritage Board Museums

Highlights of Singapore nature news

• More money for nature conservation in Singapore Growing interest in protecting Singapore's biodiversity leads to more funds for research, Victoria Vaughan, Straits Times 17 May 10;
• NParks to introduce more orchid species along Orchard Road Lynda Hong Channel NewsAsia 14 May 10
• Is Singapore the worst environmental offender? Victoria Vaughan Straits Times 14 May 10;
• Coming up: Chance to walk on water Submerged boardwalk will connect MacRitchie's banks as part of major makeover Straits Times 13 May 10;
• NParks to conduct coastal protection and restoration works at Pulau Tekong Channel NewsAsia 11 May 10;
• Singapore rejects claim of illegal sand imports It does not condone the illegal export or smuggling of sand: MND, Jessica Cheam, Straits Times 11 May 10;
• PUB's sticking to it: Drains are not bins Victoria Vaughan, Straits Times 11 May 10;
• Mass tree blooming in Singapore? Blooming difference in tropics and temperate zones
• Straits Times Forum 11 May 10;

Highlights of Singapore nature blogs

• NEW blog - Cyrene Exposed! from wild shores of singapore.
  
• Checking up on Pulau Sekudu 2010 from colourful clouds.
• Colourful St John's reef from wonderful creation.
• Singapore No. 1 global eco-destroyer? from wild shores of singapore.
• Butterfly of the Month: Striped Blue Crow from Butterflies of Singapore.
• Do birds sleep with their eyes closed? from Bird Ecology Study Group.
• Saving Singapore's last best mangroves at Pulau Tekong from wild shores of singapore.

Photo of the week is this gorgeous photo of migratory birds at Sungei Buloh shared by Mendis. One of these birds is special. As some of us found out during his talk on World Migratory Bird Day.

23 May (Sun): Raffles Museum Open House

In celebration of International Museum Day, a wonderful range of activities have been organised especially for kids.

Public gallery tour
Come down for a guided tour of our public gallery and hear stories of Singapore’s once-thriving wild life. Sessions: 10.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 4.00pm. No registration required.

‘Touchy – Feely’
Have you always wanted to hold a skull in your hand but never had the chance? Come to our ‘Touchy – Feely’ station for some hands-on experience!

Spot me if you can!
Get to know these masters of disguise and how they fool you into thinking what they are not.

Souvenir
Say ‘I love museums’ at the reception counter and receive a souvenir! Limited to one souvenir per visitor, on a first-come-first-served basis and while stocks last.

More about the upcoming new natural history museum and how you can help make it a reality!

Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Science Drive 2, Block S6, 3rd level Location map
A shuttle bus service to the Raffles Museum is available every 30 minutes from 9.45am to 4.15pm on 23 May 2010. Pick-up point is the bus stop in front of the MOE building at North Buona Vista Road.
Website and contact: http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/ or call 6516 8364

23 May (Sun): Kranji Nature Walk with Nature Society (Singapore)

Join this free nature walk at the beautiful Kranji Reservoir Marsh tucked in a remote corner of Singapore. Get away from it all and enjoy the interesting wildlife and the scenic landscape of Kranji Reservoir and the countryside. The walk is conducted by the Nature Society under the PUB's ABC Waters Programe.

The walk is free and open to all, but pre-registration is required. To register, email kranji@nss.org.sg

This walk is held every last weekend of the month.

Time: 8am.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

23 May (Sun): Nature Adventure Walk at Dairy Farm Nature Park for kids

This highly interactive Nature Adventure Walk is designed for children aged 9 – 12, allowing them to explore scientific aspects of the natural environment through hands-on activities. We promise an educational and interactive time of fun-filled activities that your whole family will enjoy.
Some of our activities include:

• A guided walk of Wallace Trail, where many fruit trees and interesting plants can be sighted
• Charades, where participants will learn about the diversity of nature – animals and their unique behaviours
• Dog and Bone, where the conservation message will be brought across to participants
• Flower Identification, where participants will learn how to identify different kinds of flowers and their characteristics
• Scavenger hunt, where participants can appreciate the wonders of nature that can be found in Dairy Farm Nature Park
• Personalised Souvenir-making, where participants can design their own cup, plant seeds in it, and watch their very own plant grow as the days pass

To register, email nature.trailblazers@gmail.com, or call 81801601/91551644.

Time: 8am-11am
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park
Website: http://naturetrailblazers.wordpress.com/

23 May (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

23 May (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

22 May (Sat): "In Celebration of Singapore’s Biodiversity: News, Views and Surprises!" - by N. Sivasothi

Did you know: species new to science are still being revealed amidst the urbanised city state of Singapore and her surrounding islands?
For the casual visitor, lovely surprises still await including the ever popular otters, dugongs, sea stars, octopus, dolphins, sea snakes, turtles and crocodiles.

Surprisingly though, the ecology of even some of our well-known denizens remain elusive. In recent years, we have learnt more about the ecology of a variety of creatures including civets, freshwater crabs, mudskippers, mousedeer, pangolins and wild boar. This talk will share highlights of Singapore's biodiversity through stories about people, encounters, events and issues.

Despite these exciting developments, our ecosystem fragments face many challenges to their survival. Have we addressed or neglected these issues? Has public interest increased since the 1980's? What can be done about it now?

The natural history community has grown and is actively engaged in discovery, research, management, public education and feedback through a growing number of channels and engagement with government. Find out about the opportunities to tap into and contribute to this active natural history community in Singapore.

Speaker: N. Sivasothi
Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore
Coordinator Raffles Museum Toddycats
Coordinator International Coastal Cleanup Singapore

A happy Otterman - From Ordinary Singaporeans lead the green charge Shobana Kesava, Straits Times 16 Aug 08;

About the speaker - N. Sivasothi, a.k.a. 'Otterman' is most comfortable when immersed in the mangroves which formed the backdrop to most of his research, education and conservation activities at the National University of Singapore since the late 80's. Currently focused on undergraduate teaching and research, his students have explored studies with freshwater and mangrove crabs, horseshoe crabs, mudskippers, civets, mousedeer, wild boar, otters and even stray cats!

During his years with the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, he and a team of “The Body-Snatchers” would race to recover skeletons from fresh or rotting carcasses of dugongs, pangolins, dolphins and long-tailed macaques off the streets and beaches of Singapore. Many of these stories were shared with the public through exhibitions and talks. In 2001, he led efforts to explore, share and appeal the fate of the newly-revealed jewel of an inter-tidal shore called Chek Jawa. Threatened with reclamation then, the "last chance to see" public education walks led surprisingly to the largest nature outing by the public in Singapore's history!

In 1999, he spent many nights at the Science Centre Singapore editing the "Guide to the Mangroves of Singapore". For over a decade now, he has been both the coordinator of the Raffles Museum Toddycats! and the national coordinator of the International Coastal Cleanup Singapore. Since 1998, he initiated Habitatnews and numerous other blogs and mailing lists. The Otterman is also a bicycling, macintosh, web2.0 and history enthusiast and a great story-teller!

This talk is part of the Shell Singapore Youth Science Festival 2010 in conjunction with the International Day of Biodiversity and the International Year of Biodiversity 2010 and is presented by the Science Centre Singapore.

All are welcome. The talk is free but pre-registration is required. Those registered for the talk can get free entry to the Science Centre. And receive SSYSF2010 premiums, as well as access to the newly opened Copyright Nature and Wildlife of Gondwana Exhibitions. Register online.

Time: 2-3pm
Venue: Maxwell Auditorium, Science Centre Singapore map
Website and contact: http://www.science.edu.sg/ssc/index.jsp

22 May (Sat): Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

The 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.

Not more than five persons in a group, pre-register at nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com

More details on the Adventures with the Naked Hermit Crabs blog.

Time: 9.30am 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

22 May (Sat): Horseshoe Crab Rescue & 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: 11.30am, 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.

22 May (Sat): Biodiversity Walk at The Sensory Trail in Ubin

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Join the Plant Group in celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity as well as the UN International Year of Biodiversity 2010. The Sensory Trail in Pulau Ubin is designed to engage all our senses in a journey of discovery!

More about the Sensory Trail.
More about how to get to Pulau Ubin.

Time: 9am.
Meet at the NSS Green Hub @ Ubin located at No 34 Ubin Village. Turn left at the Ubin jetty and walk straight for less than 5 minutes until you come to a colourfully painted house (with a hornbill) on your right.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

22 May (Sat): The MIA Night Trail at the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research

Discover secrets of Singapore's biodiversity at the Raffles Museum's Public Gallery in NUS, stroll through picturesque Kent Ridge Park to Reflections at Bukit Chandu, the interpretaive centre managed by National Archives of Singapore marking the defense of the ridge during the Battle of Pasir Panjang in World War II.
This is a rare opportunity to visit these two two museum galleries and the nature park at night with the experienced volunteer guides of the Raffles Museum Toddycats!

Participants will be guided by the volunteer Pasir Panjang Heritage Guides from the Raffles Museum Toddycats in collaboration with the National Archives of Singapore!

The MIA Night Trail is presented by The Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, NUS (RMBR) and National Archives of Singapore (NAS) as part of International Museum Day celebrations.

More details on the habitatnews blog.

Time: 5.15-10.30pm and 6.15-11.30pm
Meeting point: Harbourfront Centre Bus Bay
Website and contact: http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/

22 May (Sat): MacRitchie Day Out for kids

Have fun with art! And learn the importance of respecting biodiversity and caring for your pets. 22nd May is the International Day of Biodiversity! It is a celebration of life on earth and of the value of biodiversity for our lives. The world is invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: biodiversity.

Limited to 15 children, aged 5-11 years old. For more information and registration, email
Mardiah_Effendi@nparks.gov.sg by 17th May 2010.

Time: 11.30 am - 1.30 pm
Venue: Reservoir Deck, MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

22 May (Sat): Acres Gala Dinner 2010

Book a ticket to an evening of fun. And give an animal a ticket to freedom.
Your ticket will go far. It will cover the cost of an average animal rescue, which includes a medical check-up, a microchip implant, medication, equipment, treatment and transportation. It will take an animal from injury to health, from hunger to food, from captivity to freedom. For many wild creatures, the journey is from near-death to life. For making these rescues possible, we just can’t thank you enough.

Thanks to our sponsors, 100% of your ticket cost and/or donation will directly benefit the animals.

You will also receive a double tax exemption for your ticket cost and/or donation!

For booking assistance, contact Leanora Gaffar (98446486 / leanora@acres.org.sg)

Tickets are $150 for singles and $1,350 for a table.
Premium tickets are $300 for singles and $2,600 for a table.

Time: From 6pm
Venue: The Venus Grand Ballroom, Furama Riverfront Hotel, Singapore
Website: http://www.acres.org.sg.

22 May (Sat): MAD Lesson on Mousedeer and her forest friends

Did you know we have deer in our forests? Yes, Mousedeer and Sambar Deer! Where can we find them? What do they eat and who may want to eat them? What other animals live in our forests too? How can we make a positive difference in their lives? Find out by coming for our lessons on Mousedeer and her Forest Friends.

Photo by Chan Kwok Wai.

For kid between the ages of 5 and 10.
Please sign up early as it's limited to 20 kids per class.
For enquiries and registration, please contact Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg

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

22 May (Sat): Talk on "Birds in our urban parks and gardens!"

In our urban setting, people often relate birds to nuisance crows and mynas found in outdoor eating places. Too often, we forgot to appreciate what nature has to offer. Come and be fascinated by the different types of birds that can be found in our urban parks and gardens. Be amazed by the variety of delightful colours coupled with the distinctive calls of birds. Learn about the important role they play in the ecosystem.

This talk is by Ms Toh Yuet Sin, Manager with the Nature Parks branch (National Parks Board).

Time: 3-4pm
Venue: Sembawang Library
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

22 May (Sat): Evolution Garden guided walk

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

22 May (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.

Marine Fish guided walk at 3.30pm.

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

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

22 & 23 May (Sat & Sun): Screening of "Singapore Hornbill Project - Return of the King"

"Singapore Hornbill Project - Return of the King" is about the endeavour of a team of dedicated researchers, passionate citizen scientists, bird lovers and like-minded sponsors who spent more than 6 years studying the ecology and breeding behaviour of the Oriental Pied Hornbill.
This hornbill was thought to be extinct in Singapore as it had not been seen for more than 150 years but it was rediscovered in 1994. From a single individual, the population of the Oriental Pied Hornbill in Singapore has now increased to more than 50, mainly due to the research team's efforts in providing suitable artificial nest boxes and improving the habitats for the birds to breed.

This 40-minute documentary feature is a work of passion, which highlights the trials and tribulations of past years of research work to bring the King of the forest back to Singapore.

The event is free but registration is required. To register, please email choi_yook_sau@nparks.gov.sg

See also this article Hornbill breeding takes flight in Singapore Pair produces 3 chicks in a year after being released into the wild, Chang Ai-Lien, Straits Times 2 Jan 10;

Time: 10am – 12pm
Venue: Pulau Ubin, Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub how to get to Pulau Ubin
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

22 May (Sat): PrawnWatch at Sungei Buloh

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

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

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

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups.

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

Time: Meet at 9.30am at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Information Counter.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for older children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

22 May-20 Jun: BiodiverCity Photo Exhibition @ Orchard

This 'BiodiverCity' photo exhibition celebrates the rich biodiversity found in our urban environment. Singapore is often known as a bustling city state and a centre for commerce. Through the lenses of residents, we hope to show that it is also a haven for biodiversity.
This is part of a series of activities this year, which has been designated by United Nations as the International Year of Biodiversity 2010. Organised by NParks and the Photographic Society of Singapore with the support of PICO Art and Banyan Tree Holdings,

Admission is free.

Date: 22 May - 20 Jun
Venue: Outside Mandarin Gallery, Orchard Road
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/IYB2010

19 May (Wed): Screening of "Addicted to Plastic"

The film details plastic’s path over the last 100 years and provides a wealth of expert interviews on practical and cutting edge solutions to recycling, toxicity and biodegradability. These solutions – which include plastic made from plants – will provide viewers with a new perspective about our future with plastic.

More about the film.

This screening is a collaboration of Green Drinks Singapore with Young NTUC.

Time: 7.30- 9.30pm
Venue: NTUC Centre, Room 701, One Marina Boulevard
Cost: $2.50 per person
Contact: Olivia at olivia@greendrinkssingapore.com

10-16 May: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• MAD Lesson on Mousedeer and her forest friends with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• Nature Adventure Walk at Dairy Farm Nature Park for kids

School holiday planning? Publicised events for all of June have been uploaded on the blog! Check them out and register early for your favourite activities!

Walks in wild places

• Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin.
• Forest Giants at Yishun Park.
• Mangrove walk at Pasir Ris Park.
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday

For Nature Guides

• 14 May (Fri): What the Fig!

Talks and other activities

• 15 May (Sat): "Climate Change: An Update to May 2010" by ProfTim Flannery
• 15 May (Sat): "Reintroduction & Growing of Singapore Native Orchids"
• 15 May (Sat): Plant Conservation Day Bazaar at HortPark

Registration now open

• 27 Jun (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers
• 20 Jun (Sun): Fabulous Frogs & Terrific Toads! a night workshop for kids
• 19 Jun Sat and 20 Jun (Sun): Bugs & Slugs! What's Wild at HortPark?
• 19 Jun (Sat): Bats are beautiful! a night workshop for kids
• 12 Jun (Sat) and 26 Jun (Sat): Young Naturalist Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
• 12 Jun (Sat): Getting To Know Our Dipterocarps with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• 29 May (Sat): Biodiversity Race 2010
• 23 May (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers.
• 22-23 May (Sat & Sun): "Singapore Hornbill Project - Return of the King" free film screening
• 22 May (Sat): ACRES Gala Dinner 2010 in support of the animal rescue centre

Other on-going events and announcements

• Video competition - "Love Green: Just Bin it" closing date 27 Jun.
• From 1 Jun: Free entry to National Heritage Board Museums

Singapore news highlights

• What makes male youths become litterbugs? Straits Times 10 May 10;
• Please don't release animals on Vesak Day Creatures may find freeing process stressful; many can't survive on their own, Shuli Sudderuddin, Straits Times 9 May 10;
• Concept Plan 2011 focus group reveals draft suggestions Mustafa Shafawi/Satish Cheney Channel NewsAsia 6 May 10;
• Going Green in Singapore: Hits and Misses Grace Chua Straits Times 7 May 10;
• Singapore No. 1 in global ranking of environmental degradation New study ranks countries on environment impact University of Adelaide, EurekAlert 4 May 10;
• NParks to turn Southern Ridges into Singing Forest S Ramesh, Evelyn Choo Channel NewsAsia 5 May 10;
• Need to cut emissions and yet protect interests: PM Straits Times 5 May 10;
• Newater to meet 40% of Singapore's needs 2020 goal part of effort to be self-sufficient in water, says SM Goh Cassandra Chew, Straits Times 4 May 10;
• 'Musang' facing threat from annoyed residents Ang Yiying Straits Times 4 May 10;

Singapore nature blog highlights

• URA Concept Plan 2011 review First preliminary recommendations published; public feedback by 25 May 2010 from Habitatnews
• Hotsoup postcard from The Green Volunteers
• The Singing Forest and Forest of Giants at the Southern Ridges from Celebrating Singapore's BioDiversity!
• Life History of the Quaker from Butterflies of Singapore
• Migratory birds and Mangroves at Sungei Buloh from wild shores of singapore
• Civets of Siglap: Singapore' last wild urban carnivores from Celebrating Singapore's BioDiversity!
• Exploring Admiralty Park again from Macro Photography in Singapore
• Labrador Nature Reserve from Crystal and Bryan in Singapore
• Could This Be A Pemphis @ Chek Jawa? from colourful clouds
• Up a creek with a paddle from wild shores of singapore
• An underwater garden at Pulau Ubin from wild shores of singapore

Photo of the week is this endearing image shared by Shirls on her blog about a truly magical encounter with our Spotted wood owls.

16 May (Sun): Birdwatching at Springleaf

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Lim Kim Keang will lead us on a bird finding mission around this almost forgotten part of Singapore which still has plenty of rural charm. The numerous tall trees and thick woods at Springleaf are home to parakeets, woodpeckers, bee-eaters, trillers and many other countryside birds.

Time: 7.30am.
Meet at the junction of Sembawang Road and Nee Soon Road.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

16 May (Sun): MAD Lesson on Mousedeer and her forest friends

Did you know we have deer in our forests? Yes, Mousedeer and Sambar Deer! Where can we find them? What do they eat and who may want to eat them? What other animals live in our forests too? How can we make a positive difference in their lives? Find out by coming for our lessons on Mousedeer and her Forest Friends.

Photo by Chan Kwok Wai.

For kid between the ages of 5 and 10.
Please sign up early as it's limited to 20 kids per class.
For enquiries and registration, please contact Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg

Other date: 22 May (Sat)
Time: 2.30-4.30pm
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
Cost: $15 per child which includes a lovely badge.
Website:http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

16 May (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

15 May (Sat): Talk on "Climate Change: An Update to May 2010" by ProfTim Flannery

A talk in the NUS Distinguished Climate Lecture Series by Professor Tim Flannery BA, MSc, PhD

Tim Flannery is one of Australia’s leading thinkers and writers. A scientist, explorer, and conservationist, he has published more than 130 peer-reviewed papers and many books.

More details and to register

Time: 4-5.30pm
Venue: University Hall Auditorium, Lee Kong Chian Wing, Level 2, NUS
(Map at http://www.nus.edu.sg/campusmap/ and search University Hall)

15 May (Sat): Talk on "Reintroduction & Growing of Singapore Native Orchids"

About 226 species of native orchids have been recorded in Singapore over the years. Of these, 178 are considered to be extinct, and only 5 are common.

Join Dr Yam Tim Wing from the Singapore Botanic Gardens as he introduces some of Singapore’s native orchid species.

If you are keen to grow some of these orchids, there will also be a sharing session by Lim Xuan Hong, an avid orchid enthusiast, who will touch on orchid cultivation in a high-rise environment. At the same time, learn more about NParks’ orchid conservation programme which involves the monitoring of the status of existing species, conservation of their germplasm, multiplication and subsequent introduction of orchids into our local landscape.

Time: 3-5pm
Venue: HortPark, Fruit Room
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/