29 Nov (Tue): Storytime with Sara at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden

Join us for a fun-filled storytelling session, specially designed for little ones. Children will explore Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden with Sara the Botanicosaurus and her squirrel friends, Fluff-tail and Twitchy. To conclude the programme, children will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with plants that are featured in the story, and even have the chance to rock the Suspension Bridge and play hide-and-seek in the Maze.

Suitable for children in N1 – N2 levels.

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

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $6 per child.
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/education/workshopchi.asp
Contact: Singapore Botanic Gardens 6471 9961

21-27 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• Kids visit the Raffles Museum with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• Chek Jawa Walk with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• Greet our Forest Giants! for kids with Cicada Tree Eco Place.
• 1, 2, TREE! for kids
• Paint along with Pui San at Sungei Buloh
• Young Mathematician of the Garden
• Fun with Maths & Plants!

The school holidays are here! Lots of biodiversity events for kids and the family, on the Celebrating Singapore's Biodiversity blog. More events especially for kids and the family during the school holidays.

Walks in wild places

• Botanical Wonders of MacRitchie
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.
• HortPark Butterfly Garden guided tour
• Evolution Garden guided tour

Make a difference

• Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research with Nature Society (Singapore)

Talks this week

• 26 Nov (Sat): "Singapore's Southern Haunt" by Debby Ng

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Birdwatching at Semakau Landfill

New places to explore!

• New-look Punggol Point: Waterfront buzz Former seafood haunt features a park, 1.2km section of promenade by Jessica Lim and Shuli Sudderuddin Straits Times 21 Nov 11;

27 Nov (Sun): 1, 2, TREE! for kids

Trees are an important part of our City in a Garden. Without the trees lining our roadsides and parks, our city would be a harsh landscape of concrete buildings. In this programme, participants, both children and parents, can learn to recognise key features of trees and be able to identify the common trees in Singapore. This will be followed by a game session where families and friends bond together by playing the ‘1, 2, Tree!’ card game and test their knowledge of plants in a fun way.

For kids (primary school and above) and families

The sharing session on trees will be conducted by Mr Joey Gan, who manages the Heritage Tree Scheme at the National Parks Board (NParks).

Time: 2-4pm
Venue: Serangoon Public Library
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

27 Nov (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.


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

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

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

27 Nov (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).
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 Nov (Sun): Greet our Forest Giants! for kids

Greet some lovely forest trees! Find out about the animals and plants that live on and around them. Planted along the Southern Ridges, these forest trees form the Sembcorp Forest of Giants - an arboretum project undertaken by the National Parks Board as part of its efforts to enhance the biodiversity within urban areas.

For kids aged 5-10 years. This programme is conducted with Cicada Tree Eco Place and made possible by the Garden City Fund and Sembcorp Industries.

Pre-registration is required and is on a first-come-first-served basis. Registrations close 5 days before each programme. All programmes will only commence with a minimum of 15 participants. To register please contact HortPark Visitor Services at 6471-5601 or NPARKS_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9.30-11.30am
Venue: Telok Blangah Hill Park, Multi-Purpose Plaza
Cost: $10 per child
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

26 Nov (Sat): Talk on "Singapore's Southern Haunt" by Debby Ng

Can you dive with wild turtles and sharks in Singapore? Yes! Pulau Hantu is one of Singapore's most renowned Southern Islands for its myriad of micro and mega fauna.

Although it's been visited for decades, divers continue to discover new species records in the small but rich coral reefs of Singapore. How do these wild marvels cope with a relentlessly changing coastline, and how do they adapt to development? Join  us for this marine talk given by Debby Ng, a photojournalist with a passion for the environment, who will bring clarity to the usually murky waters of Pulau Hantu with her underwater photos and videos. More about Debby's work at Pulau Hantu on the Hantu Blog.

Time: 2pm
Venue. The National Geographic Store, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-19 VivoCity.
Website and contact: http://www.ngsingaporestore.com/exhibits/coral_reefs.html

To celebrate Universal Children's Day, the National Geographic Store will organise a short colouring session for kids after Debby's talk.

Please RSVP for the colouring session by emailing singapore.events@worldwideretailstore.com, or by registering on NatGeo's Singapore facebook page or just walk in and register at the store.

The National Geographic Store is also hosting a marine exhibition of posters of Singapore's marine life by wildsingapore from 1 Nov-31 Dec.

26 Nov (Sat): Botanical Wonders of MacRitchie

Learn more about our natural heritage and treasures! Come on down to MacRitchie Reservoir Park and learn about our silent giants - the trees!

This guided walk is held every last Saturday.

For registration enquiries, please contact Ms Mardiah Effendi Mardiah_Effendi@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9-10.30am
Meeting point: Amenities Centre. A minimum of 10 persons is required for the guided walk to commence. In case of bad weather, the guided walk will be cancelled one hour before the schedule time.
Cost: $60 per group (maximum 15 pax) or $4 per person.
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

26 Nov (Sat): HortPark Butterfly Garden guided tour

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

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

Get  up close and personal with the flying jewels, and learn their different  stages of metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar into butterfly. Observe  how pupae emerge into adult butterflies before taking their maiden  flight within HortPark's Butterfly Garden.

This walk is free and is held every last Saturday of the month.

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

26 Nov (Sat): Evolution Garden guided tour

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

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

Suitable for kids.

This walk is held every fourth Saturday of the month. Please register 15 minutes before the tour. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre.

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

26 Nov (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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 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 Nov (Sat): Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research

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, by clicking on the 'ATTEND' button.

Time: 3.30pm, 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.

26 Nov (Sat): Birdwatching at Semakau Landfill

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

November is a good time to visit Semakau for migratory birds and migrant surprises. Resident attractions are the Great-billed Heron, Pacific Reef Egret, Malaysian Plover, etc. It is also possible to catch sightings of rare migrants such as the Chinese Egret, Ashy Drongo, etc.

Click on the ‘ATTEND’ button to register and a non-refundable fee of $28 per person (for boat & administration) is required. Please make payment online or send your cheque together with the All Purpose Form to reach us by 11 Nov 2011.

For online payment, please go to this page: http://www.nss.org.sg/event_payment.aspx. Please note that for online payment, an additional $2 is applicable to offset bank charges. Therefore, the total fee for online payment is $30 per person.

Number of persons per trip: 11 or 22 or 33. Identity card (for Singaporeans/PRs) or passport is mandatory for boarding. Strictly for members only on first-come-first-served basis. Children under 12 are not allowed (NEA regulation).

Please note that your registration 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 Free parking at Carpark 2 off the West Coast Highway.Club.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

25 Nov (Fri): Chek Jawa Walk with Cicada Tree Eco Place

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

Note: This activity will be on the boardwalk, walking on mudflats is not allowed.

Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. To register email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no.

Time: 3-6pm
Cost: $15 per person (adult or child), excluding bumboat ride and mini-bus ride to Chek Jawa. The bumboat ride is $2.50 per person one way. The mini-bus ride is $4 return per person to and from the main village. Minimum 20 pax for walk to go ahead.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

22 Nov (Tue): Young Mathematician of the Garden

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

Suitable for children in P3 – P6 levels.

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

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

22 Nov (Tue): Fun with Maths & Plants!

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

Suitable for children in K1 – P2 levels.

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

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

22 Nov (Tue): Kids visit the Raffles Museum with Cicada Tree Eco Place

Join this guided tour of the museum, highlighting Singapore's incredibly rich biodiversity of fauna and flora, our tropical habitats, conservation issues and animals of Southeast Asia and more! With a special feature on Singapore’s bats.

Although Cicada Tree Eco-Place usually promotes the study and appreciation of living things and living ecosystems, we think that a visit to this museum of dead and preserved animals will give invaluable insights on native biodiversity, many of which are rare or already locally extinct.

Pre-registration is required. Email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no.

Time: 9-11 am
Venue: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science National University of Singapore 6 Science Drive 2 Blk S6, #03-01 Singapore 117546 how to get there.
Cost: $15 per kid (max. 20 kids and max. 1 adult accompanying each kid, due to limited gallery space)
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

14-20 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• Bats are Beautiful! with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• The Art of Paper Folding at Sungei Buloh
• PrawnWatch at Sungei Buloh: hands-on experience of traditional prawn farming.

The school holidays are coming! Here's some highlights of biodiversity events for kids and the family, on the Celebrating Singapore's Biodiversity blog. More events especially for kids and the family during the school holidays.


Walks in wild places

• Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday; and Sunday with free mandarin guided walk.
• Rainforest walk at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
• Fort Canning Spice Trail guided walk

Talks this week

• 19 Nov (Sat): "Singapore's Coral Reefs" by Jeffrey Low with children's colouring session after the talk

New places to visit

• Gardens by the Bay open to public next week AsiaOne 12 Nov 11;
• Kranji Heritage Trail launched Get in touch with nature and history with 14 agricultural, historical landmarks Amelia Tan Straits Times 10 Nov 11;
• Healing Garden's toxic plant section to open for guided tours Olivia Siong Channel NewsAsia 7 Nov 11;

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Birdwatching at Rifle Range

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

Origami is not only fun, but is also an artistic way of interpreting animals, plants, objects, or basically anything you can think of! The focus of this origami workshop will be on animals that can be found in our nature areas.
For more details see the Purple Mangroves blog.

Time: 11.30am-12.30pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, meet at the Information Counter at the Visitor CentreEntry 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/

20 Nov (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

Free Mandarin guided walk 9.30-11.30am, meet at the Visitor Centre. Pre-register by calling 67941401, a minimum of 5 participants needed to go ahead with the tour. Limited to maximum 15 participants.


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

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

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

20 Nov (Sun): Birdwatching at Rifle Range with Tan Ju Lin

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

This is a good time to look for wintering birds like the Forest Wagtail, Arctic Warbler and maybe, the elusive Ferruginous Flycatcher! We will also be looking out for our resident birds like Asian Fairy Bluebird, Blue-winged Leafbird and Short-tailed Babbler. For members only.

Time: 7.30am to 11.00am. Meet Ju Lin at the junction of Rifle Range Road and Dunearn Road. And we will car-pool to the starting point of the walk.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

19 Nov (Sat): Talk on "Singapore's Coral Reefs" by Jeffrey Low

The world is three-quarters water, therefore men should spend 75% of their life at sea!

Most Singaporeans can be forgiven if they think that there is no marine life in our waters -- the waters are a bit murky, and our busy urban lifestyle leaves most people disconnected from nature, and even more so, from the marine environment. Even the die-hard divers do not know of (or choose to ignore) the hidden gem right at their doorstep, just 30 minutes from the urban heart of Singapore! Let experienced scuba diver and one of the founding members of the Blue Water Volunteers, Jeffrey Low, unveil the unseen and under-appreciated world of Singapore's coral reefs!

Time: 2.30pm
Venue. The National Geographic Store, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-19 VivoCity.
Website and contact: http://www.ngsingaporestore.com/exhibits/coral_reefs.html

To celebrate Universal Children's Day, the National Geographic Store will organise a short colouring session for kids after Jeffrey's talk.

Please RSVP for the colouring session by emailing singapore.events@worldwideretailstore.com, or by registering on NatGeo's Singapore facebook page or just walk in and register at the store.

The National Geographic Store is also hosting a marine exhibition of posters of Singapore's marine life by wildsingapore from 1 Nov-31 Dec.

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

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

At this free 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.

To register, email vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg or call 6554 5127.

Time: 9.25am-10.30am. Meet at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, at the ranger counter.
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

19 Nov (Sat): Prawnwatch at Sungei Buloh

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

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

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

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups.

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

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

19 Nov (Sat): Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin

Experience Ubin's wonderful nature through your senses along our Sensory Trail. This is an excellent introduction to the rustic and natural character of the island. You will be able to touch, see or smell fruit trees, spices and herbs for cooking, plants used in traditional medicine and native plants of the mangrove forest. 

This walk is held every third Saturday of the month.

Booking now online until 12 Nov.

For more details about this walk, see the NParks website More about the Sensory Trail on the wildsingapore website and Ubin Volunteers blog

Time: Walks starts 9.30am and lasts for about 1.5 hours. Meet at the Pulau Ubin Main Information Kiosk next to the Ubin Jetty. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin.
Cost: $60 per group of 15 persons, maximum 6 groups
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

19 Nov (Sat): Fort Canning Spice Trail guided walk

"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 nurul_asyiqin_jaffar@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 4-6pm
Venue: Meet courtyard opposite NParks Visitor Centre, Fort Canning Centre
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

18 Nov (Fri): Bats are Beautiful! with Cicada Tree Eco Place

Let’s celebrate International Year of the Bat at Dairy Farm Nature Park this November! Bats are nocturnal creatures and the only mammals capable of true flight. Some species have excellent night vision defying the common belief that bats are blind. In Singapore, we have about 20 different types of bats. What do they eat? Where do they live? What do they look like? Come see them as they fly about in our forest.


Pre-registration required.Email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no.

Time: 6-8pm
Cost: $15 per kid (with maximum of 2 adults accompanying each kid at no charge)
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park, 100 Dairy Farm Road. Meet at Carpark B along Dairy Farm Road. Map
Getting there: Take bus service SMRT 700, 700A or 966 and alight at bus stop along Petir Road between Chestnut Ave and Dairy Farm Road
What to bring: Torchlight, herbal insect repellent, water bottle. Wear long pants and long sleeved shirt or tee shirt, and comfortable covered shoes and socks.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

7-13 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• Free Chek Jawa Boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs
• HeART for Nature free workshop for kids
• Kitchen Garden Tour at Pasir Ris Park
• Mangrove Guided Tour at Pasir Ris Park
• Sara goes Carbon Footprinting

The school holidays are coming! Here's some highlights of biodiversity events for kids and the family, on the Celebrating Singapore's Biodiversity blog. More events especially for kids and the family during the school holidays.

Walks in wild places

• A walk with your neighbours the macaques of Bukit Timah
• Trees of the Fort at Fort Canning Park.
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday.

13 Nov (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.


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

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

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

12 Nov (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: 10.30-11.30am
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park- Wallace Education Centre
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12 Nov (Sat): Sara goes Carbon Footprinting

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

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

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels

Time: 10-11am
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fee: $8.50 per child (includes $2.50 “Sara Goes Carbon Footprinting" workbook) and $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg
Contact: 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

12 Nov (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 Nov (Sat): Kitchen Garden Tour at Pasir Ris Park

Topic 3: Explore! Science in my Kitchen. There’s more than what meets the eye. Explore and learn all about plants: Classification, life cycle, plant systems the functions of leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds. Come to our outdoor science classroom. You will leave in awe of mother nature and cultivate the love of plants.

Suitable for children from K1-P6 levels.

To register, please email your name, contact number and total no. of participants to 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.

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

12 Nov (Sat): A walk with your neighbours - the macaques of Bukit Timah

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

If you would like to learn more about your community and the interesting world of your  neighbouring macaques at Bukit Timah, please join our walk, led by experts in these unique creatures.

Register at sg.monkey.walk@gmail.com, at least 3 days in advance. Do provide us with your 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, we will reply with a confirmation email. The walk will be cancelled if there is bad weather 45 minutes before the walk.

Time: 5-6.30pm
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (Meeting point is at the Ranger Counter)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12 Nov (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

The Naked Hermit Crabs introduce you to Chek Jawa without getting your feet wet. Even though we are not going on to the shore, there is still much to see and enjoy. There are monitor lizards, fiddler crabs, spiders, rare plants, wild boars, mudskippers and lots of fruit trees. If we are lucky, we might even spot the Oriental Pied Hornbill, White-bellied Sea Eagle and the giant Atlas Moth.

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

More details on the event and how to get to Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin on the Adventures with the Naked Hermit Crabs blog.

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

12 Nov (Sat): Trees of the Fort

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

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

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

This is a free public outreach programme in the park.

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

31 Oct - 6 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• HeART for Nature FREE workshop for kids

Early next week

• 7 Nov (Mon): Tampines Eco Green Nature Park for kids with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• 7 Nov (Mon): Chek Jawa Walk with Cicada Tree Eco Place

Walks in wild places

• "A Forest No Less" in Bukit Batok Nature Park
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday

7 Nov (Mon): Tampines Eco Green Nature Park for kids with Cicada Tree Eco Place

This newly opened nature area looks promising, as it has been left quite natural. Old dead trees are not cut down but left as perches for birds. This is a good place for woodpeckers to search for grubs in the abundant dead wood and to make their nest holes. The freshwater marshes and ponds here are well-vegetated, providing viable feeding grounds and safe, hidey homes for wildlife. Care has been taken by NParks to only introduce native trees and shrubs. Our route will go through open grassland, scrubland, secondary forest and marshes.

Suitable for kids 5 years and above. Pre-registration required with Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile number.

Time: 9-11 am
Venue: Meet at junction of Tampines Avenues 9 and 12.
Cost: $13 per person (adult or child).
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

7 Nov (Mon): Chek Jawa Walk with Cicada Tree Eco Place

We go on the extensive boardwalk at Chek Jawa on Pulau Ubin. Here we shall see a diversity of unique flora and fauna. At low tide, exposed seaweeds used to be collected by locals to feed their pigs. From the mangroves, Attap Palm leaves were harvested for thatching while durable Nibong Palm trunks were used to build kelongs. The shallow sea here has incredible marine biodiversity, and is home to many species of fishes, starfishes, anemones, crabs, sponges, seaweeds, including the Dugong or Sea Cow which comes in to graze the extensive seagrass beds here.

Note: This activity will be on the boardwalk, walking on mudflats is not allowed.

Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. To register email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no.

Time: 9am-12noon
Cost: $15 per person (adult or child), excluding bumboat ride and mini-bus ride to Chek Jawa. The bumboat ride is $2.50 per person one way. The mini-bus ride is $4 return per person to and from the main village. Minimum 20 pax for walk to go ahead.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg

6 Nov (Sun): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.


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

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

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

5 Nov (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 - 10.30am
Venue: Lower Peirce Reservoir Park (big shelter next to fishing ground) Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

5 Nov (Sat): "A Forest No Less" in Bukit Batok Nature Park

Learn about the importance of the forest in your daily life!
This one hour tour at Bukit Batok Nature Park highlights the interesting plants and wildlife found in an established secondary forest habitat.

To register, please contact Ms Adelle at adelle_wang@nparks.gov.sg or call 62738602.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Meeting point 2, Bukit Batok Nature Park
Cost: $4 per person
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

5 Nov (Sat): Plant Appreciation and Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes with Gerard Francis

This walk is open to the public.

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. Interesting plants will be highlighted along the way. And bird species that can be seen here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and more.

Click on the ‘ATTEND’ button to register by 1 Nov 2011. A registration form will then be emailed to you. Max: 20 pax.

Time: 7.45am to noon. Meet at Kranji Dam Carpark B 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.

5 Nov (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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 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