20-26 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• Organic farm tour & tea at Green Circle Eco-Farm with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• Fun Nature Drawing Lessons for kids with Cicada Tree Eco Place

Walks in wild places

• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
• HortPark Butterfly Garden guided tour
• Guided walk at the Fort Canning Spice Trail
• Evolution Garden guided tour.

Explore our wild places on your own! Try out NParks' DIY trail guides. More about our wild places, what to see and do on wildsingapore. A tip for hassle-free explorations during long weekends: visit early and leave early. The animals are more active in the cool morning anyway.

Photo of the week: Otter at Woodlands Park! It's amazing what you can see if you go out and look!

26 Dec (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: Cafeteria and Visitor Centre.
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

26 Dec (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

25 Dec (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)
Venue: Register at Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre before the tour starts.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

25 Dec (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

25 Dec (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

25 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

23 Dec (Thu): For kids - organic farm tour & tea at Green Circle Eco-Farm

This event has been rescheduled to 21 December 2010, 3-6pm.

Come with Cicada Tree Eco Place to to Evelyn and Tian Soo's organic farm for a fun day looking at how they grow their vegies without chemicals and with help from the wild animals that live there.

This organic farm grows vegies, herbs, fruit trees, medicinal and other useful plants.
The farm also makes its own compost and soil, so you can see how this is done.

There will be a guided tour of the farm and we will collect some herbs to pot up and bring back home.

If Uncle Andrew is able to, he may even make us some pulot hitam with suntan (coconut milk) for tea.

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

Time: 9am-12pm
Cost: $20 per kid (5-12 yrs), with maximum of 2 adults accompanying each kid.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

22 Dec (Wed): Fun Nature Drawing Lessons for kids with Cicada Tree Eco Place

If you have always wanted to be able to draw a bird, cat, fish, frog or any other animal, now you can easily learn to do so in our fun lessons!

Lesson 1: Two-hour indoor session
Warming up your drawing arm, doing basic sketching techniques, sketching animal shapes, studying and adding details, learning to draw with pencil and pastel chalk.
Date: 20 Dec (Mon)
Time: 9.30-11.30am.
Venue: HortPark, 33 Hyderabad Road, off Alexandra Road.

Lesson 2: Two-hour outdoor session (Nature Shed)
Warming up your drawing arm, drawing an animal and its habitat, learning to do colour combination.
Date: 22 Dec (Wed)
Time: 9.30-11.30am.
Venue: Bollywood Veggies, 100 Neo Tiew Road.
(Please note that Bollywood Veggies does not allow outside food so if the kids need to eat they can buy food from the bistro- they have kids meals like burgers, fish & chips etc.)

Parents and guardians please note, you can join in these lessons too.

Pre-registration required. Email Celine Low contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participant's name, age & your mobile no.

Cost per lesson: S$25 for kid or adult
Package price for both lessons: S$45 per kid or adult
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

21 Dec (Tue): For kids - organic farm tour & tea at Green Circle Eco-Farm

Come with Cicada Tree Eco Place to to Evelyn and Tian Soo's organic farm for a fun day looking at how they grow their vegies without chemicals and with help from the wild animals that live there.

This organic farm grows vegies, herbs, fruit trees, medicinal and other useful plants.
The farm also makes its own compost and soil, so you can see how this is done.

There will be a guided tour of the farm and we will collect some herbs to pot up and bring back home.

If Uncle Andrew is able to, he may even make us some pulot hitam with suntan (coconut milk) for tea.

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

Time: 9am-12pm
Cost: $20 per kid (5-12 yrs), with maximum of 2 adults accompanying each kid.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

20 Dec (Mon): Fun Nature Drawing Lessons for kids with Cicada Tree Eco Place

If you have always wanted to be able to draw a bird, cat, fish, frog or any other animal, now you can easily learn to do so in our fun lessons!

Lesson 1: Two-hour indoor session
Warming up your drawing arm, doing basic sketching techniques, sketching animal shapes, studying and adding details, learning to draw with pencil and pastel chalk.
Date: 20 Dec (Mon)
Time: 9.30-11.30am.
Venue: HortPark, 33 Hyderabad Road, off Alexandra Road.

Lesson 2: Two-hour outdoor session (Nature Shed)
Warming up your drawing arm, drawing an animal and its habitat, learning to do colour combination.
Date: 22 Dec (Wed)
Time: 9.30-11.30am.
Venue: Bollywood Veggies, 100 Neo Tiew Road.
(Please note that Bollywood Veggies does not allow outside food so if the kids need to eat they can buy food from the bistro- they have kids meals like burgers, fish & chips etc.)

Parents and guardians please note, you can join in these lessons too.

Pre-registration required. Email Celine Low contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participant's name, age & your mobile no.

Cost per lesson: S$25 for kid or adult
Package price for both lessons: S$45 per kid or adult
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

13-19 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• "Native Marine Mammals" for kids at Pasir Ris.
• "Seashore Life" for kids at Pasir Ris.
• Let’s Discover Plants & Animals a guided tour for kids.
• NSS Kids’ Fun with Nature Photography at MacRitchie
• "Singaporeans You've Never Met" with the Nature Keepers
• Our Kitchen Garden Tour at Pasir Ris
• Plants and Their Uses a guided tour for kids
• "Creatures in Nature" Drama workshop for kids
• The Art of Paper Folding at Sungei Buloh

Special events

• Bird Census Programme at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
• Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers

Walks in wild places

• Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin
• 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.
• Mangrove walk at Pasir Ris
• Rainforest walk at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
• National Orchid Garden guided tour

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Birdwatching at Choa Chu Kang Cemeteries
• Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research

Announcements

• Lower Peirce Nature Trail 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.

Registration now open

• 21 Dec (Tue) and 23 Dec (Thu): Organic farm tour & tea at Green Circle Eco-Farm for kids with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• 20 Dec (Mon): Fun Nature Drawing Lessons for kids with Cicada Tree Eco Place

19 Dec (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

19 Dec (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 and flapping birds!

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/

19 Dec (Sun): Birdwatching at Choa Chu Kang Cemeteries

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Alan OwYong leads this session. Cemeteries provide excellent birding in urban areas as they are relatively undisturbed. The cemeteries at CCK border the Western Live Firing areas and Poyan. Open landscapes as well as scattered trees and scrubs make up most of the habitat here. We can check out the birdlife inside the Poyan restricted areas from the Muslim Cemetery. The Jerdon’s Baza, an accidental visitor has been seen here before, while the Common Buzzard was reported over at Tengah Airbase. Flocks of Oriental Pratincoles could fly by overhead. Please car pool.

Time: 7.30am. Meet at Path 2 and 13 of the Christian Cemetery and then drive around the fringes to the Indian, Chinese and Muslim Cemeteries, stopping at several vantage points to look out for raptors and passerine migrants.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

19 Dec (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

19 Dec (Sun): "Native Marine Mammals" for kids at Pasir RIs

Fun Naturally! @ Pasir Ris Park! How would you like to learn more about the Dugong or Sea Cow; the Otter, and the Pink Dolphin? We are giving an exclusive lesson on the native marine mammals!
Suitable for kids 5-10 years old.

Workshops require a minimum of 15 persons to go ahead. Registration closes 1 week before activity day. For enquiries and registration, email lin_lili@nparks.gov.sg Please send in name(s), age(s) of participant(s) and at least one contact number.

Time: 9.30-11.30am
Venue: D’Space (Carpark E, Pasir Ris Park)
Cost: $20/person
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

18 Dec (Sat): Let’s Discover Plants & Animals - a guided tour for kids

Apart from plants, we often come across many animals in the Gardens, such as, birds, frogs, squirrels, butterflies, dragonflies, ants, earthworms. Be amazed by the many different types of animals in Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden! Learn fascinating facts about wildlife in the Garden and pick up tips on respecting them in nature and our environment. You may even have the chance to get up-close-and-personal with an oriental whip snake and a monitor lizard too!

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

18 Dec (Sat): Bird Census Programme at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is proud to conduct two sessions that show you how we monitor the birds that visit us every year from September to March the following year.

To register your interest in participating, call 67941403 or email mendis_tan@nparks.gov.sg and more information will be provided to you.

Time: 1-4pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

18 Dec (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

18 Dec (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.

18 Dec (Sat): NSS Kids’ Fun with Nature Photography at MacRitchie

How do you capture for posterity that fleeting chance encounter with wildlife? Apart from sketching it from memory, there is the handy digital camera to snap that quick shot before the insect or animal flies, scuttles or slithers away.

Let your kids (4 to 14 years old) learn the basics of nature photography in a two-hour nature walk at MacRitchie Reservoir. All you need is a point-and-shoot digital camera (at least one camera to two children).

Please register your children with Gloria at gloria_seow@yahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if they are NSS members or not, and let us have your mobile number. A fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to join in at no charge. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

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

18 Dec (Sat): "Singaporeans You've Never Met" with the Nature Keepers

Part of NPark's Nature Keeper Programme, kids will learn that our forests are home to many native plants and animals, and some are unique only to Singapore. They will also learn about the richness of our biodiversity and how they are important to our ecosystems.

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 and 2-5pm.
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

18 Dec (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 11 Dec.

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/

18 Dec (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

18 Dec (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

18 Dec (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/

18 Dec (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

17 Dec (Fri): "Seashore Life" for kids at Pasir Ris

Fun Naturally! @ Pasir Ris Park! They live with the tides, waves, hot sun and make cozy homes from rocks and sand, to shells and seaweed. Who are they? Let's learn all about the plants and animals that call this home!
Suitable for kids 5-10 years old.

Workshops require a minimum of 15 persons to go ahead. Registration closes 1 week before activity day. For enquiries and registration, email lin_lili@nparks.gov.sg Please send in name(s), age(s) of participant(s) and at least one contact number.

Time: 9.30-11.30am
Venue: D’Space (Carpark E, Pasir Ris Park)
Cost: $20/person
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

15 Dec (Wed): 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/

14 Dec (Tue): "Creatures in Nature" Drama workshop for kids

Samuel Squirrel Shows Responsibility

Discover nature and its creatures through story, dramatization and the use of props in this drama series! Centered on nature and creatures whose habitat are gardens and rainforests, each workshop will feature a creature and a character building value to educate children to emulate the good value in their lives.

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: 2-3pm
Cost: $10 per child
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

6-12 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• "Our Home, The Seashore" with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• Jingling through the Night with Cicada Tree Eco Place
  
• Seaside Amazing Race for kids at Pasir Ris
• We love the night-life! a kid's workshop
• HeART for Nature Workshop for kids
• Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh.
• "If You Love Me, Don't Let Me Go" with the Nature Keepers

Walks in Wild Places

• Forest walk at the Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail.
• Trees of the Fort at Fort Canning Park.
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.

Other activities

• Bird Census Programme at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes with Lee Ee Ling
• Plant walk at MacRitchie’s Lornie Trail Boardwalk

Announcements

• Free admission to the National Orchid Garden: School Holidays Special 20 Nov to 5 Dec 2010 to all school students and accompanying parents. More details on the NParks website.
• Lower Peirce Nature Trail 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.

Registration now open

• 19 Dec (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers
• 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

Tides come in and out from the sea. Those living on the seashore have adapted to living with the tides, waves and hot sun. They make their cozy homes in all sorts of things, from rocks and sand, to shells and seaweed. Who are they? Let’s have fun on the seashore and learn all about the plants and animals that call this home.

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.

Five topics will be offered in a series of 5 lessons. Children who register for all 5 sessions will enjoy a discount of $15 (Attend 5 lessons, pay for 4). Registration is subject to space availability. More details on http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

Time: 2.30-4.30 pm
Venue: Changi Beach
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

12 Dec (Sun): Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes with Lee Ee Ling

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

We begin with a pleasant stroll along a countryside road to the Kranji Marshes 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, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and more.

Pre-registration required at kranji@nss.org.sg by 3 December 2010 (max: 20 pax).

Time: 7.45am. Meet at Kranji Dam Carpark near the Tidal Gates of Kranji Reservoir (off Kranji Way). Reachable by Bus 925 from Kranji MRT Station. From the meeting place, 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.

12 Dec (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

12 Dec (Sun): Seaside Amazing Race for kids at Pasir Ris

Fun Naturally! @ Pasir Ris Park! Our wondrous sea kingdom is in danger and ONLY YOU CAN SAVE IT! Join us for an adventure of a lifetime by the beach! Learn about our amazing local marine creatures through fun and fantasy!
Suitable for kids 5-10 years old.

Workshops require a minimum of 15 persons to go ahead. Registration closes 1 week before activity day. For enquiries and registration, email lin_lili@nparks.gov.sg Please send in name(s), age(s) of participant(s) and at least one contact number.

Time: 9am-noon
Venue: D’Space (Carpark E, Pasir Ris Park)
Cost: $20/person
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

11 Dec (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: Dairy Farm Nature Park- Wallace Education Centre
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

11 Dec (Sat): Jingling Through the Night

Enjoy the smell of night-blooming flowers while you ramble with us and find out more about the 'nightlife' at Kent Ridge Park in a fun nature event that will bring us from Hort Park to Kent Ridge Park learning more about wildlife that loves the night.

This event is a collaboration with Cicada Tree Eco Place.

Suitable for kids aged 6-12 years. Preregistration is required with NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg or call HortPark Visitor Services Centre at 64715601.

Time: 6-9pm
Cost: $20/child
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

11 Dec (Sat): Bird Census Programme at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is proud to conduct two sessions that show you how we monitor the birds that visit us every year from September to March the following year.

To register your interest in participating, call 67941403 or email mendis_tan@nparks.gov.sg and more information will be provided to you.

Time: 1-4pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

11 Dec (Sat): Plant walk at MacRitchie’s Lornie Trail Boardwalk

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Join Yap Von Bing and the Plant Group as we explore the forest along the boardwalk parallel to the Lornie Trail. Besides the Jiring and Chemperai trees, we will look out for Streblus elongatus, Heritiera simplicifolia, Calophyllum lanigerum, Gordonia singaporeana and the relatively rare strangler Ficus xylophylla.


Time: 9am. Meet at junction of Lornie Road and Sime Road at the MacRitchie side of the road. Cars can be parked around Bukit Brown Cemeter
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

11 Dec (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

11 Dec (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

11 Dec (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

11 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

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

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

11 Dec (Sat): We love the night-life! - a kid's workshop

Join us in this fun nature walk from HortPark to Kent Ridge Park. Experience the night-blooming flowers and your nocturnal nature friends such as owls, geckoes, snakes, bats and frogs.

Suitable for ages 6-12.

Pre-registration is required with NParks_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg or call 6471-5601. Registration closes 2 days before the programme, which only continues with a minimum of 15 participants.

An NParks event in collaboration with Cicada Tree Eco Place.

Time:6-9pm
Venue: Meet at the HortPark Visitor Services Centre
Cost: $20/child
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

8 Dec (Wed): "If You Love Me, Don't Let Me Go" with the Nature Keepers

Part of NPark's Nature Keeper Programme, kids will learn that releasing animals into the nature reserves, reservoirs, parks and waterways will cause them more harm than help. Most of the animals released are bought from pet shops and are domesticated animals. Most of them are unable to fend for themselves, and an estimated 90% of the released animals die within the day. Kids will also learn that having a pet is a responsibility and one will have to look after the pet for as long as the pet lives.

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 and 2-5pm.
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

29 Nov-5 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

for kids and the family

• M.A.D. for Turtles!
• Our Kitchen Garden Tour at Pasir Ris Park
• Plants and Their Uses a guided tour for kids

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

Special events

• 2-4 Dec: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research Open House 2010
• 5 Dec (Sun): Sungei Buloh Anniversary Walk - held only once a year!

Walks in wild places

• Mangrove walk at Pasir Ris
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday with Special Marine Fish Tour at 3.30pm and Sunday.
• Edible and Medicinal Plants tour at the Botanic Gardens.

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Birdwatching at Pulau Semakau

Announcements

• Chek Jawa intertidal walk dates for the whole of 2011 now online! Online bookings open 1 Dec 2010. More details.
• Free admission to the National Orchid Garden: School Holidays Special 20 Nov to 5 Dec 2010 to all school students and accompanying parents. More details on the NParks website.
• Lower Peirce Nature Trail 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.

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): Sungei Buloh Anniversary Walk

In 1993, an area of Sungei Buloh mangrove was declared a nature park and four years later, a group of veteran and young guides have conducted a free guided walk annually in celebration of the conservation of this mangrove. In 2001, the park was upgraded to a nature reserve and called the Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve.
Guides from Raffles Museum Toddycats will regale you with stories about the animals, plants and the ecology of the mangrove. During the rising tide you will see tree-climbing crabs, mudskippers, drills, neritas, water monitors, archer fish, mullets, halfbeaks and garfish. Besides their ecological adaptations and regional economic uses, we will also point out the nearby Mandai mangroves, revisit the WWII invasion of Singapore through this area and contemplate the uncommon scene in of a river draining into the straits of Johor!

It is also time for the migratory birds that have winged down from the north. And sometimes the crowd pleasers appear - the resident family of Smooth-coated otters and the crocodile.

For registration and more details, please visit the Sungei Buloh Anniversary Walk webpage.

Time: 8am
Venue: Meet at the Visitor Centre of at Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve
Website and contact: http://sbaw.rafflesmuseum.net/

5 Dec (Sun): M.A.D. for Turtles!

Fun Naturally! @ Pasir Ris Park! Join us for a lesson about where sea turtles live, what they eat, and the dangers they face! How can we make a positive difference in their lives? It will be jam-packed with fun, story-telling, art and craft and nature learning!
Suitable for kids 5-10 years old.

Workshops require a minimum of 15 persons to go ahead. Registration closes 1 week before activity day. For enquiries and registration, email lin_lili@nparks.gov.sg Please send in name(s), age(s) of participant(s) and at least one contact number.

Time: 9am-noon
Venue: D’Space (Carpark E, Pasir Ris Park)
Cost: $20/person
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/