21-27 Feb: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• The Birthday Day Party a guided tour for kids
• The Art of Paper Folding at Sungei Buloh

Special events

• PrawnWatch at Sungei Buloh
• Paint along with Pui San at Sungei Buloh

Walks in wild places

• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
  

Also ongoing until Sep 2011, the Mangrove Exhibition at Sungei Buloh. Learn more about our forests and our mangroves. More about the exhibition on the Reserve website and wild shores of singapore.

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes

Check out the new Wireless Trail at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve! The free wireless trail using ColorCode allows visitors using mobile devices with cameras and internet connection (such as smartphones) to learn more about the flora and fauna at SBWR. More about the wireless trail.


Registration now open

• 19 Mar (Sat): Public Bird Census Programme at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
• 12 Mar (Sat): Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
• 6 Mar (Sun): Seashore Study for kids – St. John's Island with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• 5 Mar (Sat): Kayaking Sungei Khatib Bongsu with Nature Society (Singapore)
• 3 Mar (Thu): Seashore Study for kids – Chek Jawa Wetlands (boardwalk) with Cicada Tree Eco Place

27 Feb (Sun): The Birthday Day Party - a guided tour for kids

Sara is celebrating her baby brother's birthday party. At the last minute, she realizes she forgot the birthday present! Help Sara search for the perfect gift at the Children's Garden. Along the way, have a fun and memorable experience in this new Garden dedicated to children.

Suitable for children in K1 – P2 levels.

To register, email nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg or call 64719961 or register online at www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education")

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $8.50 per child (includes $2.50 “The Birthday Party. Sara at the Children’s Garden” workbook); $6 per accompanying parent.
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 6471 9961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

27 Feb (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 fishes!

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/

27 Feb (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: Hide 1E.
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

27 Feb (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.

With Mandarin guided tour 9.30-11.15am. Please register on this link: http://tinyurl.com/register-for-mandarin-guide

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

26 Feb (Sat): Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

From the meeting place, a hired bus will ferry us to our destination. 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.

Dr. Ho Hua Chew leads this walk. From the meeting place, a hired bus will ferry us to our destination. 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, maximum 20 persons. Email kranji@nss.org.sg by 18 February 2011.

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

26 Feb (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

26 Feb (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

14-20 Feb: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• Seashore Study at Pasir Ris Mangroves with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• NSS Kids’ Fun in the Forest
• "The Green Factory" with the Nature Keepers

Special events

• Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers

Walks in wild places

• Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin
• Rainforest walk at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
• Guided walk at the Fort Canning Spice Trail
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday with Marine Fish Tour at 3.30pm and Sunday.
• National Orchid Garden guided tour

Talks this week

• 19 Feb (Sat): "Discovery of Singapore's Fern Plant Species"

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Butterfly Walk at Orchard
• Birdwatching at Pulau Semakau
• Birdwatching at Dairy Farm

Registration now open

• 19 Mar (Sat): Public Bird Census Programme at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
• 12 Mar (Sat): Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
• 3 Mar (Thu): Seashore Study for kids – Chek Jawa Wetlands (boardwalk) with Cicada Tree Eco Place

Just launched! Free wireless trail at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Media reports about this on wildsingapore news.

20 Feb (Sun): Seashore Study at Pasir Ris Mangroves with Cicada Tree Eco Place

Discover more about our precious, wild seashores! What is the importance of mangroves? Where are mangroves found? How do mangroves breathe and live in salt water? What kind of animals live in mangroves? What do fireflies eat? What can I do to help protect and conserve mangroves for future generations?

Suitable for kids 8 years and above. Pre-registration required. Email Celine Low contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participant's name, age & your mobile no.

This outdoor learning lesson is the second of a series of seashore study lessons offered by Cicada Tree Eco-Place this quarter.

Time: 6 - 8 pm
Cost: $15 per child (with maximum of 2 adults accompanying each kid at no charge).
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

20 Feb (Sun): Birdwatching at Dairy Farm

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

We intend to bird around the Wallace’s Education Centre to look for beautiful forest gems such as the Blue-winged Leafbird, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Crimson Sunbird and Banded Woodpecker. Migrants should still be around such as the Arctic Warbler, Forest Wagtail and with luck, some thrushes. We will then make our way towards the Singapore Quarry where we hope to find the Little Grebe, kingfishers and soaring raptors.

Time: 7.30am
Meet at the Dairy Farm Nature Park Carpark B (opposite Petir Road).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

20 Feb (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

20 Feb (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

19 Feb (Sat): Butterfly Walk at Orchard

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Take a leisurely stroll along the newly-created Butterfly Trail at Orchard to witness the sight of butterflies living in an urban environment. Our walk will start at Stamford Green, through SMU, Istana Park and end at the open space at Penang Road. Walk duration is around 2.5 hours. We hope to see butterflies like the Plain Tiger, Leopard, Tawny Coster, Autumn Leaf and more. Do bring enough water along.

Time: 9.30am
Meet at the open space in front of the National Museum of Singapore (93 Stamford Road). Stamford Green butterfly garden is accessible by the outdoor escalator next to the museum.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

19 Feb (Sat): Birdwatching at Pulau 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 Kim Keang at kklimsg@singnet.com.sg to register. 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.

19 Feb (Sat): NSS Kids’ Fun in the Forest

Is the forest a dark and mysterious place to you? Get acquainted with its plants and animals in a two-hour nature walk along the Lornie Trail of MacRitchie Reservoir, led by veteran nature guide Goh Si Guim.

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, if you need us to loan you a pair of binoculars 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: Meet at the Lornie Trail of MacRitchie Reservoir
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

19 Feb (Sat): "The Green Factory" with the Nature Keepers

Part of NPark's Nature Keeper Programme, kids will learn that forests are important to us as they are a source of food (such as figs) and material needs for mankind. Over the years, researchers have harvested ingredients for various medicines from research on plants found in the forests. Many of the items used in our everyday lives (such as timber furniture) also come from the forests.

Suitable for children aged 7 to 12 years old. The event is free but pre-registration is required with Jeanne Tan (Ms) 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/

19 Feb (Sat): Talk on "Discovery of Singapore's Fern Plant Species"

They are beautiful, they are delicious and some are fast growing! Join us and discover the great diversity of fern plants in our tropics. Focusing on the ornamental group, the economically important species and the invasive aliens found in Singapore, you will learn all about the basic biology of ferms and the allied fern plants, and how you can grow and propagate these ferms to decorate indoors or to creature beautiful gardens.

Dr Benito C. Tan of the Department of Biological Sciences, NUS gives this talk.

The talk is free and all are welcome.

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

19 Feb (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 third 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 nurul_asyiqin_jaffar@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 4-6.30pm
Venue: Meet courtyard opposite NParks Visitor Centre, Fort Canning Centre
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

19 Feb (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/

19 Feb (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

19 Feb (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 12 Feb.

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/

19 Feb (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.

With 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

7-13 Feb: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs.
• Mangrove Guided Tour at Pasir Ris Park.
• HeART for Nature: FREE workshop for kids.

Special events

• Mangrove Forest Exhibition at Sungei Buloh: celebrating World Wetlands Day, walks, talks and live exhibits.
• The Battle of Pasir Panjang Commemorative Walk: this annual walk will share stories about the Battle of Pasir Panjang, the geography, history and the flora and fauna of Kent Ridge.

Walks in wild places

• A Walk with Your Neighbours: The Macaques of Bukit Timah.
• Forest of Elders at Yishun Park.
• 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.

Talk this week

• 12 Feb (Sat): "Birds in our Urban Parks & Gardens"

Registration now open

• 19 Mar (Sat): Public Bird Census Programme at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
• 12 Mar (Sat): Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
• 20 Feb (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers
• 19 Feb (Sat): NSS Kids’ Fun in the Forest

International Year of Forests 2011 was officially launched in February! What is the state of forests worldwide? And how can we learn more about Singapore's own forests? More on the Celebrating Singapore's Biodiversity blog.

Creature of the week: Andy took a great video clip of a Banded filesnake on Pulau Semakau. It was shedding its skin!

banded file snake - 01Feb2011 from SgBeachBum on Vimeo.

13 Feb (Sun): The Battle of Pasir Panjang Commemorative Walk

The Pasir Panjang Guides commemorate the Malay Regiment's defense of the ridge every year. We will share with you stories about the Battle of Pasir Panjang, the geography, history and the flora and fauna that first drew us to explore the ridge decades ago.

This walk is conducted by the Raffles Museum Toddycats, volunteers of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, NUS. In collaboration with the National Archives of Singapore, NHB.

More details on the habitatnews blog.

Time: 7am - 12pm
Start Point: University Cultural Centre
Website: http://pasirpanjang.rafflesmuseum.net/

13 Feb (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 Feb (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

12 Feb (Sat): Mangrove Forest Exhibition at Sungei Buloh

In celebration of World Wetlands Day, NParks is organizing a mangrove exhibition, talks on mangroves, and guided walks at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Join us to learn more about mangrove forests, why mangroves are important to us, its many uses and benefits, and how mangroves can adapt to the daily tidal fluctuations.

As a special treat, NParks is also launching a new wireless trail at the wetlands that day. Be one of the first to try out this new trail with your smartphones on 12 February!

Events include:
Mangrove Forest Guided Walk at 9.30am and 3pm
Marine life at Mangroves Guided Walk at 10am and 3.30pm
Talk on the Role of Mangroves at 10.30am

Also view the Mangrove Forest Exhibition (9.30am to 7pm) and Uses of Mangrove Station Exhibits (10am to 7pm)

Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Website and contact: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/

12 Feb (Sat): Forest of Elders at Yishun Park

Join us at this nature walk to learn about the beautiful and important forest trees in the Dipterocarp Arboretum of Yishun Park. Find out how the fauna life exists together with these giants in the forest!
To register, please contact Ms Nanthini at nanthini_elamgovan@nparks.gov.sg or call 62738602.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Yishun Park Amphitheatre
Cost: $4 per person
Wesbite: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12 Feb (Sat): Talk on "Birds in our Urban Parks & Gardens"

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

More about the speaker: Yuet Hsin is a manager in the Parks Division in National Parks Board. She works in Labrador Park, which puts her in close proximity to the wildlife which inhabits the park.

Registration is not required and the talk is free-of-charge. For more enquiries, please contact Ms Zheng Jiahui at zheng_jiahui@nparks.gov.sg

Time:3-4pm
Venue: Queenstown Public Library
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12 Feb (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.

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

12 Feb (Sat): Mangrove Guided Tour at Pasir Ris Park

Creatures Up Close and Personal 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.

Suitable for children K1 - P6

To register, please email Yvonne yvonne_chee@nparks.gov.sg

Registration closes 3 days before the event. The walk will only take place with a minimum of 15 persons.

Cost: $4 per person
Time: 9-10am
Venue: Pasir Ris Park, Car Park C
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12 Feb (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

12 Feb (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 NParks, Crystal will be leading Monkey Walks at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. After a short introduction to the Long-tailed macaques, head out to wherever the Hindhede monkeys happen to be, which is typically near the Visitor Centre or carpark at that time of day. As we all observe the macaques, Crystal will share more about their behavior, how to identify specific individuals, how the hierarchy of this group is organized, and more.

Crystal has been working with the Bukit Timah monkeys for the past year and a half and looks forward to the opportunity to share what she has learnt about these fascinating creatures.

The event is free but pre-registration is required. Walks will be limited to the first ten people to sign up.

Register at sgmonkeywalk@gmail.com at least three days before the day of the walk. Provide your preferred date, name, contact number (in case of cancellation, we will contact you), number of adult and children participants (at most, 5 participants per registration). Upon receiving your registration, you should get a confirmation email. The walk will be cancelled if there is bad weather 45 minutes before the walk.

The walk is held every second Saturday, Jan-May 11. Next walks on 12 Mar, 9 Apr, 14 May.

For more details, see Crystal's blog and the NParks website.

Time: 5-6pm
Venue: Meet at the Bukit Timah Visitor Centre. If it rains up to 45 minutes before the walk, the walk will be canceled.

12 Feb (Sat): HeART for Nature - FREE workshop for kids

This FREE 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/

12 Feb (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

31 Jan - 6 Feb: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• HeART for Nature FREE workshop for kids

Special event

• 4 Feb (Fri): Istana Open House for Lunar New Year

Walks in wild places

• Roots, Shoots and Fruits! at Admiralty Park
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
• Edible and Medicinal Plants tour at the Botanic Gardens

Registration now open

• 19 Mar (Sat): Public Bird Census Programme at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
• 12 Mar (Sat): Young Naturalists Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
• 20 Feb (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers
• 19 Feb (Sat): NSS Kids’ Fun in the Forest
• 13 Feb (Sun): The Battle of Pasir Panjang Commemorative Walk
• 12 Feb (Sat): Monkey Walk at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

This long LONG weekend, why not 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.

2 Feb is World Wetlands Day 2011! Find out more about celebrations of the Day and about our wetlands.

Rain, rain go away! Rain is puts a real damper on us! But how will the incessant rain affect our wild places such as Chek Jawa? Find out more.

Photo of the week: What is this amazing psychedelic plant?! Find out more on Joseph Lai's blog.

6 Feb (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

5 Feb (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.

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/

5 Feb (Sat): HeART for Nature - FREE workshop for kids

This FREE 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/

5 Feb (Sat): Edible and Medicinal Plants tour at the Botanic Gardens

Join this free tour by our volunteer guides and spice up your knowledge of Edible and Medicinal Plants.

This tour is conducted every first Saturday. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Centre, 15 minutes before the tour starts.

More information on the Singapore Botanic Gardens website.

Time: 9am and 10am, register 15 minutes before the tour at Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services (6471 7361)

5 Feb (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

4 Feb (Fri): Istana Open House for Lunar New Year

The Istana grounds are open to the public in celebration of Lunar New Year.

Highlights include school band performances by Jurong Primary School, Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School and Presbyterian High School, a Chinese dance performance by PA Talents, and an exhibit of birds by the Jurong Bird Park.

View the Istana gardens while a variety of performances on the grounds provide entertainment. You may also have the chance to have your photos taken with the President and First Lady when they come by to greet visitors.

Selected function rooms with displays of gifts presented to the President and Prime Minister by foreign dignitaries can be viewed for a fee of $2. All proceeds from entrance fees and the sale of Istana souvenirs will be donated to charity.

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