30 Nov (Tue): Plants and Their Uses - a guided tour for kids

Plants play a key role in our lives. Come explore the plant collection in our Garden where opportunities to study, smell and feel selected plant specimens will be provided! Special emphasis will be made on the economic uses of these plants to human.

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels.

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

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

22-28 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• "Our Home, The Mangroves" with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs
• Paint along with Pui San at Sungei Buloh
• Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
• Arboretum Workshop for kids

LOTS of fun nature activities for kids and the family in the upcoming December holidays. Here's some highlights!

Walks in wild places

• A Walk with Your Neighbours: The Macaques of Bukit Timah
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday with a Special Marine Fish tour at 3.30pm and Sunday.
• HortPark Butterfly Garden guided tour
• Evolution Garden guided tour
• Guided walk at the Fort Canning Spice Trail

Talk

• 27 Nov (Sat): "Butterfly Appreciation for Photographers"

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Birdwatching at Rifle Range
• Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes with Ian Rickword

Chek Jawa intertidal walk dates for the whole of 2011 now online! Online bookings open 1 Dec 2010. More details.

Registration now open

• 19 Dec (Sun): "Native Marine Mammals" for kids at Pasir Ris
• 18 Dec (Sat): NSS Kids’ Fun with Nature Photography at MacRitchie
• 17 Dec (Fri): "Seashore Life" for kids at Pasir Ris
• 12 Dec (Sun): "Our Home, The Seashore" with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• 12 Dec (Sun): Seaside Amazing Race for kids at Pasir Ris
• 11 Dec (Sat): Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
• 11 Dec (Sat): We love the night-life! a kid's workshop
• 5 Dec (Sun): M.A.D. for Turtles!

28 Nov (Sun): "Our Home, The Mangroves" with Cicada Tree Eco Place

Gooey mangrove mud is home sweet home to the mudskipper, fiddler crab, chut-chut snail and many others. These amazing animals use the mud to make tunnels to live in, build mud ‘condos’, and also find their food! The mangrove tree rises above the mud, on its stilt roots. On it, a kingfisher will find a dry perch. Let’s explore the mangroves together and find out who else shares this muddy world!

Just as we treasure Singapore as our home, so too do many native (local) plants and animals call Singapore’s wild habitats their home. Sadly, most kids and grown-ups know very little about our natural areas like our forest, grassland, freshwater swamp, mangrove and seashore habitats, where many species of native wildlife live. Through “Our Home” lessons on Singapore’s natural habitats, kids will learn about animals, plants and ecology of Singapore’s wild habitats.

This environmental education program is suitable for kids aged 5 to 10, from kindergarten to primary school.

Time: 2.30-4.30 pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve or Pasir Ris Park
Cost: $15 which includes a custom-made button-badge and information pamphlet will be given to all registered kids.
Contact: Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

28 Nov (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: 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

28 Nov (Sun): Birdwatching at Rifle Range

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Ju Lin leads this walk. This is a good time to look for wintering birds like the Forest Wagtail, Arctic Warbler and the elusive Ferruginous Flycatcher. We will also be seeking for our resident birds like the Asian Fairy Bluebird, Blue-winged Leafbird and Short-tailed Babbler.

Time: 7.30am. Meet at junction of Rifle Range Road and Dunearn Road.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

28 Nov (Sun): Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes with Ian Rickword

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

We begin with a pleasant stroll along a countryside road to the Kranji Marsh where we will continue our walk along the PUB Bund. The marsh is designated by URA as a Nature Park and is currently adopted by NSS under the PUB’s ABC Waters Programme. Birding highlights here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Eagle and more.

Booking required by 19 Nov (max: 20 pax) at email: kranji@nss.org.sg.

Time: 7.45am
Venue: Meet at Kranji Dam Carpark near the Tidal Gates of Kranji Reservoir (off Kranji Way). Reachable by Bus 925 from Kranji MRT Station. From here, a hired bus will ferry us to our destination.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

28 Nov (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

27 Nov (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 event and how to get to Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin on the Adventures with the Naked Hermit Crabs blog.

Time: 9.30am meet at the Chek Jawa Info Kiosk, Pulau Ubin.
Duration: Two hours
Cost: no charge for now, but donations accepted.
Website: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/
Contact: nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com

27 Nov (Sat): Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh

This one day camp encompasses a series of fun-filled and educational indoor and outdoor learning of the wetlands and nature conservation issues through worksheets, nature walks and hands-on activities. Children will earn a stamp for every completed activity, and a full collection of stamps will earn them a series of cloth badges.

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

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

Time: 9am- 5pm
Cost: Each participant needs to purchase a young naturalist passport from the Visitor Services Counter at 50 cents. Registration of $5 is applicable, and cheques will be returned upon attendance and completion of the camp. The fee will be donated to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve education fund if the child fails to turn up for the camp upon registration and confirmation. Admission charges (50 cents per child) apply.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: 67941401

27 Nov (Sat): Arboretum Workshop for kids

Calling all 5 to 7 year olds!

Come learn about the beautiful and important forest trees at Yishun Park through a nature walk, animal yoga and story telling! You will learn how trees grow, why they are important, and the plants and animals that call trees home.
To register, please email your name, age, contact number to contact@cicadatree.org.sg

Time: 9.30-11.30 am
Venue: Yishun Park amphitheatre
Cost: $10 per participant
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

27 Nov (Sat): Talk on "Butterfly Appreciation for Photographers"

Butterflies are beautiful flying jewels in the natural environment. However, they are not easy models as they are always fluttering from flower to flower. Come and join us in this interactive session to learn about the unique habits of butterflies and how you can snap your first good photograph of a butterfly!

Speaker is Syaiful Hakim and this session is a collaboration between HortPark and Butterfly Circle.

The talk is free but registration is required. To register email NPARK_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg or call 6471-5601.

Time: 11am-noon
Venue: The Lab, Hands-On House, HortPark
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

27 Nov (Sat): HortPark Butterfly Garden guided tour

HortPark's Butterfly Garden is a 150-sqm landscaped theme garden comprising an enclosure and an outdoor garden. Providing a visual feast of tropical plants and nearly 20 species of native butterflies, the Butterfly Garden enables visitors to learn about the different stages of metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar into butterfly. Within the enclosure, visitors are greeted with an up close and personal encounter with these flying jewels and can observe how pupae emerge into adult butterflies before taking their maiden flight.

The Butterfly Garden also serves as an experimental garden for National Parks Board to work on a Butterfly Species Recovery Programme to research on suitable nectar and host plants for breeding a variety of butterfly species, including locally extinct species such as Clipper (Parthenos sylvia) and Common Sergeant (Athyma perius).

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 free and is held every last Saturday of the month.

Time: 9-11am, please gather at the Butterfly Garden for the tour
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6471 5601

27 Nov (Sat): Evolution Garden guided tour

Take a journey through time, from the fiery planet that our world was in ancient times before memory, through the planet of dinosaurs, and into the modern world of 250,000 different flowering plants we enjoy today.

Journey through time with our volunteer guides in this one-hour tour.

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 Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre.

Time: 9am (English tour) and 4pm (Mandarin tour)
Venue: Register at Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre before the tour starts.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

27 Nov (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.

Special Marine Fish 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

27 Nov (Sat): Guided walk at the Fort Canning Spice Trail

"Revisiting History, Embracing Nature"
Join us as we guide you along The Fort Canning Spice Trail and discover the fascinating world of spices.

This trail sits on the site of Singapore’s first experimental and botanical garden. A small replica of the 19ha garden, it now has a collection of more than a hundred species of plants - spice, herbs, medicinal, economical and ornamentals. Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) trees, which were planted extensively in the first garden, can be found there as well.

Other attractions along this trail also includes the Archaeological Dig, which showcases the actual excavation site, the only such exhibition in modern Singapore and Keramat, believed to be a tomb of Singapore’s last king, Sultan Iskandar Syah.

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.

You may also opt for the Heritage on the Hill tour, which will bring you around the park and discover the events that have changed and shaped the face of Fort Canning over the years.

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

27 Nov (Sat): A Walk with Your Neighbours: The Macaques of Bukit Timah

The long-tailed macaques are the most conspicuous animals at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Although commonly seen, they are very misunderstood. Few seeing them realise anything about the social world these monkeys live in. They have kin networks, power struggles, friends, foes, and an otherwise complex social network. In many ways, they provide a mirror of our own sociality.

In collaboration with the National Parks Board (NParks), the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) will be holding a series of guided walks led by resident primatologist Dr Michael Gumert, who also teaches at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

If you would like to learn more about your community and the interesting world of your neighbouring macaques at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, please join our walk. Find out more about the world of our simian cousins.

Time: 5-6.30pm
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Visitor Centre (in front of Ranger Counter)
Website and contact: http://janegoodall.org.sg/

15-21 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• "Monkey and You" with the Nature Keepers
• The Art of Paper Folding at Sungei Buloh
• Our Kitchen Garden Tour at Pasir Ris

Special events

• A Walk with Your Neighbours: The Macaques of Bukit Timah
• Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research

Walks in wild places

• Mangrove walk at Pasir Ris Park.
• Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin
• Rainforest walk at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday with Special Marine Fish tour at 3.30pm and Sunday with Mandarin guided tour at 9.30-11.15am.
• National Orchid Garden guided tour

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Birdwatching at Semakau
• Plant Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir

Registration now open

• 19 Dec (Sun): "Native Marine Mammals" for kids at Pasir Ris
• 18 Dec (Sat): NSS Kids’ Fun with Nature Photography at MacRitchie
• 17 Dec (Fri): "Seashore Life" for kids at Pasir Ris
• 12 Dec (Sun): "Our Home, The Seashore" with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• 12 Dec (Sun): Seaside Amazing Race for kids at Pasir Ris
• 11 Dec (Sat): Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
• 11 Dec (Sat): We love the night-life! a kid's workshop
• 5 Dec (Sun): M.A.D. for Turtles!
• 28 Nov (Sun): "Our Home, The Mangroves" with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• 27 Nov (Sat): A Walk with Your Neighbours: The Macaques of Bukit Timah
• 27 Nov (Sat): Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
• 27 Nov (Sat): Arboretum Workshop for kids with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• 27 Nov (Sat): Talk on "Butterfly Appreciation for Photographers"

Announcements
Lower Peirce Nature Trail will be closed 10 Oct 2010 to 31 March 2011 for repairs to the boardwalk and upgrading works. To get to Lower Peirce Reservoir go via the main entrance. More info on the NParks website.

21 Nov (Sun): The Art of Paper Folding at Sungei Buloh

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.

For this session, learn how to fold paper shrimps!

For more details see the Purple Mangroves blog.

Time: 1.30-3pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, meet at the Information Counter at the Visitor Centre
Entry charges: While the event is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website and contact: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/

21 Nov (Sun): Birdwatching at Semakau

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

This is a good time to visit Semakau for resident birds and migrant surprises. Resident attractions include the Great-billed Heron, Pacific Reef Egret, Malaysian Plover and Osprey. Sightings of uncommon migrants such as the Black-capped Kingfisher, Peregrine Falcon and Eastern Marsh Harrier are possible.

Non-refundable $28 fee for boat and administration. Send your cheque to the NSS office by 14 Oct with the All Purpose Form. Number of persons for this trip: 11, 22 or 33. Email details to Azmi Mohamed at azmimohamed@gmail.com by 12 November. Resident/PR identity card or passport is mandatory for boarding. Strictly for members only on a first come first served basis. Under NEA regulations, children below 12 years old are not allowed to come. Please note that your reservation is not automatically confirmed until you hear from your trip leader after the closing date.

Time: 7.30am-2pm. Meet at West Coast Pier near the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

21 Nov (Sun): Plant Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Dr Shawn Lum will lead us to sites where Dipterocarps are growing and we will get to see their saplings and learn how to identify them.

Time: 9.30am. Meet at MacRitchie Reservoir Visitor Centre.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

21 Nov (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.

Mandarin guided tour at 9.30-11.15am.

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

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

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

20 Nov Sat): "Monkey and You" with the Nature Keepers

Part of NPark's Nature Keeper Programme, kids will learn to read the facial expressions and behaviors of Long-tailed Macaques, and react appropriately and safely according to their behavior.

Suitable for children aged 7 to 12 years old. The event is free but pre-registration is required with Jeanne Tan (Ms) at 65545123 or Jeanne_Tan@nparks.gov.sg

Nature Keeper Programme is designed to stimulate the interest of young children in our forest and natural heritage. Children will have both indoor learning as well as outdoor field walks and experiences. More about the Nature Keeper Programme.

Time: 9am - 12pm
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

20 Nov (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.

Special Marine Fish tour at 3.30pm.

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

20 Nov (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 until 13 Nov.

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. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin.
Cost: $60 per group of 15 persons, maximum 6 groups
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

20 Nov (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: 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.

20 Nov (Sat): Our Kitchen Garden Tour at Pasir Ris

Excite your senses with our Kitchen Garden Tour. Find out how vegetables are grown before it gets onto your plate! You will also learn about some natural remedies that our grandmothers might have planted in their own backyard.

Suitable for children from K1-P6 levels.

To register, please contact Wei Teng at 64653305 or email chong_wei_teng@nparks.gov.sg

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

20 Nov (Sat): Mangrove walk at Pasir Ris

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 two days 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:Lili at lin_lili@nparks.gov.sg

20 Nov (Sat): Rainforest walk at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the largest surviving primary rainforest in Singapore. Come and join us on a fascinating journey of discovery to learn more about the natural wonders of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and why we should protect and conserve its complex ecosystem and diversity.

At this walk, the guide will introduce you to the common native flora and fauna found in the primary rainforest.

This guided walk is suitable for families with children and groups of not more than 5. Along a slightly undulating natural path, 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.

Registration is required at least a week before the walk. Contact Vanessa Chang at 6554 5127 or Vanessa_CHANG@nparks.gov.sg.

Time: 9.30am. Meet at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, at the ranger counter.
Tour duration: About one hour.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

20 Nov (Sat): National Orchid Garden guided tour

Explore the beauty and diversity of orchids in the National Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Since 1859, orchids have been closely associated with the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The products of the Gardens' orchid breeding programme, which began in 1928, deserve a place where they can be displayed in their full splendour. The very design of these orchids is, one could say, 'hand-crafted' by the Gardens' horticultural staff, dedicated to bringing out the finest in any hybrid cross.

Over 1000 species and 2,000 hybrids are now found in the Gardens' collection, with about 600 species and hybrids on display. Every year, more vibrant and enduring hybrids are added on. So that all may admire and enjoy their diversity, richness and beauty, the National Orchid Garden now offers a permanent showcase, the largest display of tropical orchids in the world.

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

20 Nov (Sat): A Walk with Your Neighbours: The Macaques of Bukit Timah

The long-tailed macaques are the most conspicuous animals at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Although commonly seen, they are very misunderstood. Few seeing them realise anything about the social world these monkeys live in. They have kin networks, power struggles, friends, foes, and an otherwise complex social network. In many ways, they provide a mirror of our own sociality.

In collaboration with the National Parks Board (NParks), the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) will be holding a series of guided walks led by resident primatologist Dr Michael Gumert, who also teaches at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

If you would like to learn more about your community and the interesting world of your neighbouring macaques at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, please join our walk. Find out more about the world of our simian cousins.

Time: 5-6.30pm
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Visitor Centre (in front of Ranger Counter)
Website and contact: http://janegoodall.org.sg/

8-14 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• PrawnWatch at Sungei Buloh
• HeART for Nature Workshop for kids
• Sara goes Carbon Footprinting a guided tour for kids

Walks in wild places

• Roots, Shoots and Fruits! at Admiralty Park
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday with Marine Fish guided tour and Sunday.
• Trees of the Fort a walk at Fort Canning Park
• Forest walk at the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail
• "Getting to Know MacRitchie" a guided tour
• Sensory Trail Walk @ Pulau Ubin

Talks this week

• 13 Nov (Sat): "Capture the moment in Nature" A Talk on Nature Photography at Pulau Ubin
• 13 Nov (Sat): "Fabulous Frogs & Terrible Toads"

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Talk on Dipterocarps in the Central Nature Reserve

New! DIY trail guides issued by NParks
Explore our marvellous biodiversity on your own with these Do-It-Yourself trail guides just issued by NParks. The trail guides cover a wide range of places including: Changi, Pulau Ubin, Pasir Ris, Labrador, Bukit Batok Nature Park, MacRitchie boardwalk, Fort Canning Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Southern Ridges, Western Adventure Park Connector Network. Download the trail guides from the NParks website. More about the trail guides on the Celebrating Singapore's Biodiversity blog.

Announcements
Lower Peirce Nature Trail will be closed 10 Oct 2010 to 31 March 2011 for repairs to the boardwalk and upgrading works. To get to Lower Peirce Reservoir go via the main entrance. More info on the NParks website.

14 Nov (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

13 Nov (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

13 Nov (Sat): Roots, Shoots and Fruits! at Admiralty Park

The Plant Kingdom is made up of a large variety of plants that use different methods according to the habitats they thrive in for survival. This guided walk highlights how different plants have adapted to the environment to allow successful growth and reproduction in Admiralty Park.
To register, please contact Mr Tan at raem_tan@nparks.gov.sg or Ms Nanthini at nanthini_elamgovan@nparks.gov.sg.

Guided tour will go ahead once 15 persons sign up.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Amphitheatre, Admiralty Park
Cost: $4 per person
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 Nov (Sat): HeART for Nature Workshop for kids

This art workshop helps children to delve deep into their hearts to express nature in various themed art activities like drawing, fingerprinting, origami, puppet making. The children will also learn about our natural heritage.
Suitable for children aged 5 to 10 (with parental supervision).

Limited spaces available. Please call 3 days in advance at 65545127 (Mondays to Fridays) to register for the activity.

Time: 9.30am - 11.30am
Venue: Lower Pierce Reservoir Park (big shelter next to fishing ground)
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 Nov (Sat): "Capture the moment in Nature" A Talk on Nature Photography at Pulau Ubin

Nature is all around us in Singapore, our City in a Garden. Nature photography is for anyone who wants to pick it up. In this talk, Jeremy will share about basic photography equipment and techniques, ethics on nature photography and some places you can go to start your own nature photography adventure.
Jeremy Ang, Pulau Ubin conservation officer is an avid nature photographer with photographs published in books such as, Birds of Istana, Singapore's Splendour - Life on the Edge and Wetlands in a City.

For more information and registration, please email choi_yook_sau@nparks.gov.sg by 11 Nov (Thu).

Time: 10-11.30am
Venue: Ubin – HSBC Volunteer Hub, Pulau Ubin. Take a 10 min boat ride ($2.50/trip) from Changi Point Ferry Terminal (nr Changi Village) to P. Ubin and then a 10mins walk to the Volunteer Hub. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 Nov (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

13 Nov (Sat): Trees of the Fort

Embark on this adventure and discover the secret lives of our heritage trees and more!
Our nature-loving guides from The Green Volunteers will walk you through this public park that has undergone a series of historical transformation through the centuries. Although much of the original vegetation has disappeared due to these changes, active greening efforts have converted this once formidable fort into an idyllic respite from the hustle and bustle of city life amidst lush and magnificent trees. Meet the Towering Kapok, Flaky Gelam, Gnarled Madras Thorn and many more.

Learn how plants and animals have co-existed and to a certain extent become co-dependant on one another for survival. Immerse yourself in the sounds of nature orchestrated by chirping birds and shrilling cicadas as you walk along the trail.

In a vastly developed urban jungle, Fort Canning offers that unique pocket of biodiversity to appreciate the greenery within our vibrant city.

This is a free public outreach programme in the park, held every second Saturday.

Time: 4-6 pm
Venue: Meet at courtyard, opposite NParks Visitor Centre, Fort Canning Centre
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6332 1200 or lee_weiling@nparks.gov.sg or or visit thegreenvolunteers.blogspot.com

13 Nov (Sat): Forest walk at the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

13 Nov (Sat): "Getting to Know MacRitchie" - a guided tour

Embark on this “Earth & Water” walk at MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Suitable for young children, this walk helps them to understand why forests are so amazing and their relationship with our most essential necessity – water.

This walk is held every second Saturday.

For registration, please email NParks_MAILBOX@nparks.gov.sg and put in the subject title - ATTN: MacRitchie Reservoir Park - Guided Walk. Upon registration, a confirmation email will be sent to you.

Time: 9-11am, meet 8.55am at the Amenities Centre.
Venue: Meet at amenities centre of MacRitchie
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 Nov (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.

Special Marine Fish Tour at 3.30pm.

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

13 Nov (Sat): Talk on "Fabulous Frogs & Terrible Toads"

Fabled as the lowly, green and slimy partner of a Princess in a fairytale, it was planted with a reluctant kiss and transformed into a charming Prince! Is there more to frogs in the real world than this popular bed‐time story? The truth is: many frogs in the wild may not enjoy a life of ‘happily ever after’ with current threats to their survival.
While most frogs and toads around the world deserve to be safeguarded in their natural home range, a handful of sinister species have had their populations spiral out of control when introduced into foreign lands, creating ecological havoc in
their wake.

About the Speaker: Since his undergraduate days, Leong Tzi Ming has immersed himself chest‐deep in ponds, streams, swamps and other wet habitats in order to see eye‐to‐ eye with his amphibian subjects of study. His curiosity and wanderlust has led him to investigate the frog diversity beyond Singapore’s shores.

Join us as he shares his experience with the frog and toad diversity of Singapore and the region. This is part of the IYB2010 Biodiversity Talks.

Admission is free. But registration is required with jeanne_tan@nparks.gov.sg by Friday 12 Nov 3pm.

Time: 10am
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre Level 1, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg./

10 Nov (Wed): Talk on Dipterocarps in the Central Nature Reserve

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Dr Shawn Lum gives this talk. Have you ever felt frustrated when you encounter a familiar little plant in the nature reserves and wonder if it is a Dipterocarp sapling? Now is your opportunity to learn from Shawn how to tell apart one Dipt from another. This slide talk will be followed by a Plant Walk on 21 November.

Time: 8pm
Venue: The Sunflower (NSS office), 510 Geylang Road #02-05,Singapore 389466
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

9 Nov (Tue): Sensory Trail Walk @ 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.

Special event held in conjunction with Clean and Green Singapore 2011.

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. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin.
Cost: $60 per group of 15 persons, maximum 6 groups
Website and contact: 65424108 http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

1-7 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• HeART for Nature Workshop for kids
• Our Kitchen Garden Tour at Pasir Ris Park

Walks in wild places

• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday with marine fish tour and Sunday with a special Mandarin walk.
• Edible and Medicinal Plants tour at the Botanic Gardens.
• Up Close and Personal @ Peirce

Talks this week

• 6 Nov (Sat): "Who's Your Neighbour?"

Registration now open

• 5 Dec (Sun): M.A.D. for Turtles!
• 28 Nov (Sun): "Our Home, The Mangroves" with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• 27 Nov (Sat): A Walk with Your Neighbours: The Macaques of Bukit Timah
• 27 Nov (Sat): Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
• 27 Nov (Sat): Arboretum Workshop for kids with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• 27 Nov (Sat): Talk on "Butterfly Appreciation for Photographers"
• 20 Nov (Sat): A Walk with Your Neighbours: The Macaques of Bukit Timah

Highlights of Singapore nature news

• PUB tests for estrogen in water sources Contamination unlikely, but the agency is playing it safe, Grace Chua Straits Times 31 Oct 10;
• East Coast oil spill in May costs S$7m to clean up Wayne Chan Channel NewsAsia 29 Oct 10;
• Singapore contributes to global biodiversity conservation Channel NewsAsia 30 Oct 10;
• Weird and wonderful creatures of the deep New book features over 1,600 Pacific reef critters; some are new species Victoria Vaughan Straits Times 30 Oct 10;
• UN to adopt Singapore nature 'report card' for cities Grace Chua Straits Times 28 Oct 10;
• Outdoor learning cuts dropout rate Si Ling Secondary students' grades are up too with pilot outdoor education programme Jennani Durai Straits Times 27 Oct 10;
• Climate change top concern for only 12% of Singaporeans: survey Karen Ng Business Times 27 Oct 10;

Highlights of Singapore nature blogs

• Why We Should Have The Green Corridor from AsiaIsGreen
• Life History of the Malayan Lascar from Butterflies of Singapore
• Long-tailed Parakeets eating tropical mistletoe fruits from Bird Ecology Study Group
• My Green Space: A flying 'tree doctor', rare tree rescue and more! from Celebrating Singapore's BioDiversity!
• Oil spill exercise near Cyrene from wild shores of singapore
• Butterfly of the Month - October 2010 from Butterflies of Singapore
• What's That On The Hydroids? from colourful clouds

7 Nov (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.

Special mandarin guided walk at 9.3am.

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

6 Nov (Sat): Talk on "Who's Your Neighbour?"

Conflict sometimes can occur between neighbours and people living close together, for many reasons. Similarly, when people live too near the forests, some conflicts do occur between human and nature, because of different needs. Children will learn about what these conflicts are, and how to lessen them between humans and nature. Ms Jeanne Tan gives this talk which is suitable for kids.

Time: 3-4pm
Venue: Bukit Panjang Library
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Ms Zheng Jiahui zheng_jiahui@nparks.gov.sg

6 Nov (Sat): HeART for Nature Workshop for kids

This art workshop helps children to delve deep into their hearts to express nature in various themed art activities like drawing, fingerprinting, origami, puppet making. The children will also learn about our natural heritage.
Suitable for children aged 5 to 10 (with parental supervision).

Limited spaces available. Please call 3 days in advance at 65545127 (Mondays to Fridays) to register for the activity.

Time: 9.30am - 11.30am
Venue: Lower Pierce Reservoir Park (big shelter next to fishing ground)
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/