wild happenings in singapore: March 2013

25-31 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

PrawnWatch at Sungei Buloh

Walks in wild places

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Birdwatching at Bidadari

31 Mar (Sun): 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: Visitors are advised to reach the Reserve by 9am. Meet the guide at the Information Counter to bring you for an approximate half an hour walk to the prawn and fish demostration site.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

30 Mar (Sat): Birdwatching at Bidadari

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

The former Bidadari Muslim Cemetery, bounded by Bartley Road and Upper Serangoon Road, has proven to be an interesting site for migrants and visitors in recent years. Notable sightings include the Hooded Pitta, Ruddy Kingfisher, Crowbilled Drongo, as well as various cuckoos and flycatchers. Development work may start soon, so join Yong Ding Li in exploring Bidadari while it is still a peaceful bird haven. NSS Kids attending the walk with their parents will have a dedicated kids' guide.

Time: 7.30-11am
Venue: Meet by the Woodleigh MRT Station at the junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Upper Aljunied Road.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

30 Mar (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

30 Mar (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

18-24 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Make a wild difference

Help conserve our forest!

For Nature Society Singapore members only

Butterfly Walk at the Rail Corridor

24 Mar (Sun): Butterfly Walk at the Rail Corridor

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Simon Chan will lead us on a butterfly quest following the former railway track, from King King Albert Park passing through the Bukit Timah Railway Station and ending at Old Holland Road. The walk runs through Clementi forest and is probably the richest butterfly stretch along the entire Rail Corridor. Expect to see a good mix of forest and open field butterflies. We can virtually guarantee sightings of Singapore's largest butterfly the Common Birdwing. Bring along your binoculars, a cap, water and lots of sunblock.

Time: 9.30am - 12noon
Venue: Meet outside McDonalds at the intersection of Bukit Timah Road and King Albert Park.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg
Contact: contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

24 Mar (Sun): Paint along with Pui San at Sungei Buloh

Free art-and-nature appreciation at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

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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 Information 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.sgor call 6794 1401

24 Mar (Sun): Otter Cycling Trail @ Changi

What better way to spend your Sunday than to get engaged with wildlife and some exercise while you’re at it? Well, for that we have the Otter Cycling Trail! It is a bike ride that runs along the PCNs (NPark’s Park Connector Networks) in the northeastern part of Singapore. Interspersed with pit stops, your friendly guides will introduce you to a host of wildlife in beat-up natural areas that run along the route. What’s more, these are all the hotspots for otter sightings – we may get to see them if we’re reeeally lucky!

More details and registration on the Toddycats blog.

Time: 8am-2pm
Venue: Meet at Changi Village

24 Mar (Sun): Help conserve our forest!

Help play a part in conserving our forests by participating in our invasive species removal programme. You will help improve the quality of the habitat on site, so join us if you are keen to make a change!

Individuals, families and organised groups such as schools and corporate companies are welcome to participate.

Pre-registration is required and is on a first-come-first-served basis. Registrations close 1 week 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: 9-11am
Meeting point: Telok Blangah Hill Park, Multi-purpose plaza
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

23 Mar (Sat): Free Pasir Ris Mangrove boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

There are fascinating mangroves at Pasir Ris Park! Easily explored through the boardwalks and it's open even at night! Join the Naked Hermit Crabs for an evening stroll through this interesting but often overlooked mangrove.

Here, we are sure to see lots of crazy tree climbing crabs, delightful giant mudskippers and cool monitor lizards. Pasir Ris is also one of the few places where nesting herons are easily observed. And as the sun sets, we might spot some nocturnal animals like watersnakes. If we're lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the rare Mangrove pitta or the family of otters that have been seen here! More details on the Naked Hermit Crabs blog.

Register through this online form. A confirmation note will be sent.

Time: 5pm. We should end at around 6.30pm, just before sunset.
Meeting point: Pasir Ris Park, Carpark C, meet near the first toilets nearest the entrance to the carpark. The meeting point is a short stroll from the Pasir Ris MRT station. Map
Website and contact: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/

23 Mar (Sat): Roots, Shoots, & Fruits Guided Walk

Learn more about the diversity of plant life, their unique and interesting characteristics, and their importance to people.

To register, please email Mr Raem Tan Raem_Tan@nparks.gov.sg or Ms Eileen Chia Eileen_Chia@nparks.gov.sg A minimum of 10 participants is required per guided walk.

Time: 9-10am (Registration at 8.30am)
Venue: Sengkang Riverside Park
Cost: $5 per person/ $80 per venue (for 15 persons)
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

23 Mar (Sat): Workshop for kids - We Love the Night Life!

Who loves the night life? Bats, snakes, frogs, toads, owls and night jars! Join our lesson to find out more - we will start with a talk showcasing native nocturnal wildlife, followed by an art and craft session where kids can make and keep paper souvenirs of our nocturnal animals. The event will end with a night walk at HortPark where we will try and spot nocturnal wildlife.

Suitable for kids 5-10, this programme is conducted with Cicada Tree Eco Place.

Pre-registration is required and is on a first-come-first-served basis. Registrations close 1 week 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: 6-8pm
Venue: Meet at HortPark, Hands-On House
Cost: $25 per child
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

23 Mar (Sat): Kent Ridge Park Heritage Tour

Kent Ridge Park is one of the few places in Singapore that is rich in both historical and natural heritage. Discover the interesting flora and fauna, and learn all about the fiercest and one of the last battles fought in Singapore during World War II.

Suitable for kids aged 7 and above.

Pre-registration is required and is on a first-come-first-served basis. Registrations close 1 week 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: 9-10.30am
Venue: Kent Ridge Park, Carpark B
Cost: $7 per person
Contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

23 Mar (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.

Time: 9-10am
Venue: Meeting point 2, Bukit Batok Nature Park
Cost: $5 per person
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

23 Mar (Sat): Race Against Time – Science behind a Botanic Garden Tour

Join this free one-hour tour by the Botanic Gardens staff to learn more about the Gardens’ research work.

Come and explore the hub of the Gardens' research facilities at the Singapore Botanic Gardens to learn about botanical research. Find out about the urgency of plant exploration, collection and scientific documentation as species and habitats continue to be lost in the region. Visit the Orchid Micro-propagation and hybridisation display and find out how new hybrids are produced. You can also enter the restricted domain of the Herbarium and Library to learn about the valuable historical treasures they hold for science and posterity.

Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Green Pavilion, Botany Centre. Limited to 20 participants.

Time: 10-11am
Meeting point: Green Pavilion, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: NParks_SBG_Visitor_Services@nparks.gov.sg.

23 Mar (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

22 Mar (Fri): Adventure with Plants - Sara at the Evolution Garden

In this guided tour for kids, join a giant prehistoric dinosaur, Sara, who lost her friends in the Evolution Garden. Travel back through time with Sara and help her search for her squirrel friends. By going through the thematic trail, you will also learn about some ancient plants which emerged on earth millions of years ago!

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: $8.50 per child (includes $2.50 "Adventure with Plants, Sara at the Evolution Garden" workbook) and $6 per accompanying adult.
Venue: Evolution Garden, Central Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/

19 Mar (Tue): Chek Jawa Walk for kids

We go on the extensive boardwalk at Chek Jawa on Pulau Ubin. Here we shall see a diversity of unique flora and fauna. A low tide will expose the seagrass 'lawn' on the mud-flats and perhaps a Carpet Sea Anemone or Sea Cucumber. Hundreds of Fiddler Crabs will also be out and waving about. Seasonally, a variety of edible seaweed may be tossed up by the waves. Winding through the mangrove forest, we walk under Attap Palms whose leaves are still harvested for thatching, and seeds added into Ice Kachang. The shallow sea here supports incredible marine biodiversity, and is home to the rare and globally-endangered Dugong or Sea Cow. At CJ, the lush, coastal forest grows right down to meet the Rocky Seashore where, if lucky, we may glimpse a flock of Red Jungle Fowl or a family of Wild Pigs foraging for seafood.

Note: This walk will only be on the boardwalk and dirt trails, some parts with gentle slopes. We will not be going onto the seashore or mud-flats.

To register, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no.

Time: 8.30am for a 3 hour walk. End time at Changi point ferry terminal: around 12.30pm.

Meeting place: Changi point ferry terminal.
Cost: $15 per person (adult or child), excluding the 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 (10-12 pax per bus).
Website and contact: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

18 Mar (Mon): Walk on The Wild Side! Meet our Forest Friends!

We'll be leading you along the Lower Peirce Trail where certain forest friends live, like the mousedeer, pangolin and colugo. Strange names, right? Come and find out about them! There's more! Our trail is also home to wild pigs, monitor lizards, flying lizards and monkeys. If we're lucky that day (and why shouldn't we be?) we will spot our forest feathered friends - drongos, babblers, barbets, cuckoos, flowerpeckers, sunbirds, an eagle or two, and we might prick up our ears and get to hear the calls of the regal kingfishers! Also bring along your magnifying glass to peek at all sorts of lovely jungle bugs. Our nature guides will be telling us their proper names, and we will learn more about your new friends. Come along! We'll be walking along shady boardwalks, and it will be nice and cool. It will be quite enchanting, as Lower Peirce is tucked away from the noise of the city. This will be a great nature break!

What to Bring: Water in your re-usable water bottle, and herbal insect repellent. Be sure to dress cool in cotton clothing, and bring a hat and a poncho, raincoat or umbrella, to be prepared for any kind of weather! Kids should wear long pants with socks and covered shoes.

To register, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no.

Time: 9-11am
Cost: $15 for each child. No charge for one accompanying adult.

Meeting Place: Main Entrance car park of Lower Peirce Reservoir Park, Old Upper Thomson Road. Ends at Casuarina Road prata shop exit (we will backtrack for those who want to return to starting point).
Website and contact: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

18 to 22 Mar: "The Last Hurrah!" tours of the RMBR

Come for a last look at the Public Gallery at the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research! The Gallery will be closed on 1 Apr in preparation for the move to the new museum in 2014.

Veteran guides of the museum are conducting a final series of lunch time and evening tours on 18 to 22 March 2013.

Register online at http://tinyurl.com/rmbr-lh. Each session is limited to just 15 persons as the space to move around the museum is small.

More about what you can see and do at the Public Gallery.

Dates: 18-22 Mar
Times: 12noon-2pm, 7-9pm
Venue: Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, link to campus map.
Website: http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/
Contact: 65-6516-5082

18 Mar (Mon): Children's Treasure Hunt - a guided tour

A giant forgetful prehistoric dinosaur has left its eggs in the Singapore Botanic Gardens! Children will discover some interesting members of the plant kindgom in this guided tour ending in a treasure hunt.

Suitable for children in K1 - P2 levels

For enquiry and registration, please contact the SBG Education Branch at 6471 9961 or 6465 0196 or email nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg. Online registration is available on www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education")

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $8.50 per child (includes $2.50 "Sara, The Forgetful Dinosaur" Workbook)
Venue: The Green Pavilion, Tanglin Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

11-17 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Flights of Fantasy! for kids with Cicada Tree Eco Place
Garden tour and night mangrove walk at Pasir Ris with Cicada Tree Eco Place
Fun walk along the Southern Ridges
"Trees Around Us" - drama workshop for kids

18 to 22 Mar: "The Last Hurrah!" tours of the RMBR before it closes forever
Walk on The Wild Side! Meet our Forest Friends! with Cicada Tree Eco Place
Children's Treasure Hunt - a guided tour

and LOTS more school holiday activities.

Walks in wild places

Make a wild difference

Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research

Wild announcements

9-23 Mar - National Orchid Garden School Holidays Special: Free admission to the National Orchid Garden to all school students and accompanying adults, no limit to the number of adults each student can bring. More details.

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Northeast Riverine Ramble

17 Mar (Sun): Birdwatching at Kranji Marsh

Open to the public.

To celebrate 2013 World Water Day, NSS together with PUB is conducting a birdwatching walk at Kranji Marshes and the nearby Kranji Reservoir Bund.

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 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.

Interested participants should register at the NSS website before 6 March 2013. Limited to 100 pax. Individual or group registrations are on a first-come-first-served basis. A registration form will be emailed and all registrations are subject to confirmation. Contact Lee Ee Ling leeel60@yahoo.com.sg for more information.

Time: Meet at 8 am in front of D’Kranji Resort at Neo Tiew Lane 2.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

17 Mar (Sun): Mandarin guided tour 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.

Pre-register by calling 67941401, minimum 5 participants to start the tour and maximum 15. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve.

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

Time: 9.30 am, meet at the Information Counter, 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

17 Mar (Sun): Flights of Fantasy! for kids

If you are between the ages of 5 to 10 years old, and are interested in birds, join in this bird-watching workshop and find out about the birds and plants that live on and around the Singing Forest along the Forest Walk. Bring along your binoculars and you might spot some of the 43 species of birds that may be found here! Planted along the Southern Ridges, these fruit trees form the Singing Forest - an arboretum project undertaken by the National Parks Board as part of its effort to enhance biodiversity within urban areas.

This programme is conducted with Cicada Tree Eco Place and made possible by the Garden City Fund and STMicroelectronic Industries.

Pre-registration is required and is on a first-come-first-served basis. Registrations close 1 week 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: 8.30-10.30am
Venue: Telok Blangah Hill Park, Multi-Purpose Plaza
Cost: $10 per child
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

16 Mar (Sat): Northeast Riverine Ramble

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Take in the wide open spaces of Punggol Point, Coney Island and Lorong Halus in this morning ramble. We will explore the habitats around Serangoon River and its environs. Expect to see shore plants and birds.

The walk is unsuitable for children below 12 years of age.

Time: 8am, This walk will take 3 to 4 hours.
Venue: Punggol Jetty and end at Pasir Ris Drive 3. Meet Benjamin Ho at 8 am at Punggol End bus stop 65139, which can be accessed via Bus 84 from Punggol Temporary Interchange.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

16 Mar (Sat): Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research

Open to the public

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&Rer. We recommend that you bring a cap, shoes/booties, sun block, repellent, cutter (for HSC rescue) and camera. Washing facilities available.

Please register with Kerr Pereira kerry@nss.org.sg or at the NSS website, stating your name, if you are a NSS member or not, affiliations (eg school, company), experience if any, and contact details

Time: 7-10am, 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.

16 Mar (Sat): Roots, Shoots, & Fruits Guided Walk

Learn more about the diversity of plant life, their unique and interesting characteristics, and their importance to people.

To register, please email Mr Raem Tan Raem_Tan@nparks.gov.sg or Ms Eileen Chia Eileen_Chia@nparks.gov.sg A minimum of 10 participants is required per guided walk.

Time: 9-10am (Registration at 8.30am)
Venue: Admiralty Park
Cost: $5 per person/ $80 per venue (for 15 persons)
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

16 Mar (Sat): Garden tour and night mangrove walk at Pasir Ris

We visit this newly-revamped garden plot inside Pasir Ris Park. Here we see many kinds of herbs, spices and vegetables being grown, and stroll through a butterfly-attracting garden. Learn to identify the plants that are crucial to butterflies, moths, honeybees and other important pollinators, as nectar-food and caterpillar-food plants. Learn how to grow and propagate these plants too.

As dusk falls, we enter the mangrove boardwalk to look for nocturnal animals and night-blooming plants. Here we are sure to see some Dog-faced Watersnakes coming out to hunt. Tree-climbing Crabs are also more active at night, many perching up on branches like birds! Pong-Pong flowers perfume the air. If lucky, we may see many fireflies too.

Both garden plot and boardwalk have level pathways suitable for those in wheelchairs. There is a carpark and public toilet nearby.Bring torchlight and batteries, poncho, raincoat or umbrella, packed dinner, water in your refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent. Please wear long pants, tee-shirt, socks and covered shoes. Long-sleeved shirt is recommended.

To register, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no.

Time: 6.15-8.30pm
Cost: $15 per child (suitable for children 5 years and above). No charge for one accompanying adult.
Venue: Pasir Ris Park, mangrove walk. Meet at toilet block at front corner of Car Park C at end of Pasir Ris Green Road. Pasir Ris Green, carpark C.
Website and contact: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

16 Mar (Sat): Fun walk along the Southern Ridges

Take your family on a leisurely stroll through the Southern Ridges, a soothing sanctuary of greenery that is steeped in history and home to some of nature's greatest gifts of flora and fauna. Highlights of the free tour include the Henderson Waves, Sembcorp Forest of Giants, Forest Walk and Singing Forest.

This free walk is conducted by the Sembcorp volunteer guides. The walk is free and made possible by Garden City Fund and Sembcorp.

This event is part of the Connecting with Nature programme at the Southern Ridges. Pre-registration is required, closing date 1 week before the programme. Programme will commence only with a minimum of 15 participants. Contact 6471-5601 or NParks_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg.

Time: 9-11am
Venue: Mount Faber Park, entrance of Henderson Waves.
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

16 Mar (Sat): Heritage Tree and Heritage Roads Tour (Southern Singapore)

Heritage Trees are mature trees of special historical, botanical, social, cultural and/or aesthetic value in society. Through this tour, you can get up close and personal with the trees, which are an important part of our roots as a City in a Garden. This session will bring participants to a tour of selected Heritage Trees and Heritage Roads in the Southern part of Singapore.

More about the guide

Gan Khing enjoys looking at trees and has been working in NParks for the past six years. She is now in the Urban Gardening Section/Heritage Tree Secretariat, sharing with the public her passion for trees.

The tour is limited to 35 participants. Registration is free of charge. Please register at http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg/ on a first-come-first-served basis.

Time: 2-4.30pm
Venue: Queenstown Public Library
Contact: nparks_urban_gardening@nparks.gov.sg

16 Mar (Sat): "Trees Around Us" - drama workshop for kids

Trees around us are of great importance to nature and to our environment. They contribute countless benefits to our daily lives by shading us from the hot sun, shielding us from rain, providing us with clean air. Trees are also homes to many living creatures. Through play and dramatization in this drama series, children get to take on various participating roles in the story, to learn about the beauty of trees. Through each story, children learn to emulate and incorporate good, moral value in their lives.

Based on a short story by Shel Silverstein, children will open their eyes to another side of trees. They will learn that a tree has many wonders and through this short drama, participants will see in various ways that trees can contribute to our daily lives.

Suitable for children in K1 – P6 levels

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $10/child
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/ or 64719961 / 6465 0196

16 Mar (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.

Booking now online until 6 Mar.

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/

16 Mar (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

16 Mar (Sat): A walk in an ancient forest, 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.

This free guided walk will introduce you to the common native flora and fauna found in the primary rainforest.

This guided walk is suitable for families with children 9 and above, 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.

Sign up on this online form.

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

16 Mar (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

4-10 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

HeART for Nature - FREE workshop for kids

Walks in wild places

Make a wild difference

Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research

Announcements
Chek Jawa intertidal walks 2013 open for booking from 1 Mar! more details

Wild March school holidays!
Exciting nature activities specially for kids are lined up for March school holidays! Highlights include guided walks at mangroves (Pasir Ris, Admiralty, Sungei Buloh),wetlands (Kranji Marsh, Sengkang Riverside), forests (Bukit Timah, Southern Ridges, Bukit Batok), offshore islands (Pulau Ubin's Sensory Trail). Or go cycling at Changi. Join fun children's activities from treasure hunts, drama and craft workshops, night walks and lots more. Also opportunities to make a difference for our forests as a family. MORE school holiday activities!

March is the last chance to visit the Public Gallery at the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research! The Gallery will be closed on 1 Apr in preparation for the move to the new museum in 2014.

So if you haven't visited the Gallery yet, or would like to get a last look, drop by before 1 April! A great family outing for the March school holidays too! More details.

9 Mar (Sat): Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research

Open to the public

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&Rer. We recommend that you bring a cap, shoes/booties, sun block, repellent, cutter (for HSC rescue) and camera. Washing facilities available.

Please register with Kerr Pereira kerry@nss.org.sg or at the NSS website, stating your name, if you are a NSS member or not, affiliations (eg school, company), experience if any, and contact details

Time: 2-5pm, 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: contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

9 Mar (Sat): Trees of The Fort

Nature-loving guides from The Green Volunteers will walk you through the grounds of Fort Canning park, which has undergone a series of transformations over the centuries. Though much of the original vegetation has been lost over time, active greening efforts have converted the ex-military fort into a tranquil oasis, lush with magnificent trees.

Meet our Towering Kapok tree, Flaky Gelam tree, Gnarled Madras Thorn and many more.

Learn how plants and animals co-exist and depend on one another for survival while you immerse yourself in gentle birdsong and cicadas calls.

The walk in free. For enquiries and registration: lim_shen_jean@nparks.gov.sg or call 6636 2393.

Time: 4-5.30 pm
Venue: Meet at Courtyard, opposite NParks Visitor Centre, Fort Canning Centre
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/ and http://thegreenvolunteers.blogspot.com

9 Mar (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 a boardwalk, 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.

Tours in Mandarin are available at 10am and 4pm.

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am and 4pm; 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

9 Mar (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 8 years (with parental supervision).

Limited spaces available. Register online or email vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9.30-10.30am. The workshop will be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park- Wallace Education Centre
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

9 Mar (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

25 Feb - 3 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

2 Mar (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 boar, 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.

Wild boar crossing! Getting close to nature

Not more than five persons in a group, pre-register with this online form.

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

2 Mar (Sat): Tour of the Healing Garden, Botanic Gardens

A free guided tour of the newly launched Healing Garden which showcases over 400 varieties of plants used medicinally. It is laid out thematically relating to component parts of the body such as head, respiratory and reproductive systems. Spread over 2.5 hectares, this garden is designed as a tranquil retreat with medical plants traditionally used in Southeast Asia as the main focus.

This walk is conducted every first Saturday of the month.

Time: 9am and 10am, please register 15 minutes before the tour
Venue: Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services (6471 7361)

2 Mar (Sat): HeART for Nature - FREE workshop for kids

Suitable for children aged 5 to 8 years (with parental supervision).

Limited spaces available. Register online or email vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9.30-10.30am. The workshop will be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
Venue: Hindhede Nature Park (meet at Pulai Hut)
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

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