31 Aug (Sat): Butterfly Walk to Bukit Panjang Park and Forest

Open to the Public

Come appreciate the butterflies at Bukit Panjang Park and adjacent forest patch with Amy and KC Tsang (HP: 9817-5549). It is close to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and remains rich in forest butterflies. Recent sightings here include forest species such as Royal Assyrian, Horsfield Baron, Knight, Branded Imperial, Common Lascar and the fascinating Bigg's Brownie butterflies, which often feed together with ants on 'honey dew' exuded by aphids. The area’s grassland and scrubland have also yielded attractive butterflies like the Pea Blue and Peacock Pansy. As the construction of new condominiums continues close by, it is hoped that this forest patch remains intact.

Time: 9.30am
Venue: Meet the base of Block 201 Petir Road, near the start of a footpath which goes uphill towards Bukit Panjang Park.

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

31 Aug (Sat): Love MacRitchie Walk with Cicada Tree Eco Place

FREE public guided nature walks to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve at Venus Drive (MacRitchie) The MacRitchie Forest Trail at Venus Drive meanders along the banks of a crystal-clear forest stream that is full of freshwater life. Here live dragons and damsels, freshwater crabs and prawns, the Puff-faced Watersnake, Pygmy Halfbeak and Saddle Barb.

Photo by Russel Low

Look out, too, for the Green Crested Lizard, Red-bellied Squirrel, Long-tailed Macaque, Blue-rumped Parrot and Colugo. Walk in the cool shade of old trees. Feel the peace that only a rainforest can give.

The government recently announced, in its White Paper, its intention to build a Cross Island MRT Line through this forest. If implemented, this shall most certainly destroy large tracts of what remains of our rainforest ecosystem, as well as endanger the unique wildlife living in it.

Come with us, and learn more about this rainforest. Feel our natural heritage at risk.

The trail here is a dirt path which is relatively level and suitable for children, the elderly and the physically-challenged. Be prepared for some mud.

This walk is open to the public but registration is required as spaces are limited. To register, please email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no.

What to wear and bring: wear lightweight cotton long pants, cotton shirt or tee-shirt, closed walking shoes with socks. Bring water in your refillable water bottle. Herbal insect repellent will keep the mozzies away. A cap or hat to protect you from the sun, and a light poncho or umbrella in case of rain.

More information on the Love MacRitchie website

Time: 9-11am
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

31 Aug (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

19-25 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• Prawn and Fish Demo at Sungei Buloh
• NSS Kids’ Fun with Nature@The Rail Corridor

Walks in wild places

• Birdwatching at Bukit Batok Nature Park
• Race Against Time – Science behind a Botanic Garden Tour
• Evolution Garden guided walk
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Make a wild difference

• Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Twilight Ramble at Mandai Forest

25 Aug (Sun): Birdwatching at Bukit Batok Nature Park

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only
Situated in a densely populated corner of Singapore, Bukit Batok Nature Park is a green gem. This patch of woods is no bigger than the Botanical Gardens, yet supports a surprising variety of bird species. These include locally threatened birds such as the Violet Cuckoo and Changeable Hawk Eagle. It is one of the best places in Singapore, and perhaps Southeast Asia, to see the highly threatened Straw-headed Bulbul. Join Bird Group Chairperson Wing Chong in exploring this park.

Time: 7.30am-12pm
Venue: Meet at 7.30 am at the main entrance to Bukit Batok Nature Park
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

25 Aug (Sun): NSS Kids’ Fun with Nature@The Rail Corridor

Open to the public

The 26-km Rail Corridor runs along the spine of Singapore, from Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands. It is one of NSS’ flagship conservation projects, preserving the old railway line as a wildlife corridor that connects adjoining nature areas, also serving as a great place for walking and cycling. Join Uncle Benjamin Ho and the NSS Kids as we explore the nature offerings along the 2-km stretch at Bukit Timah Road near King Albert Park. Highlights include the old Bukit Timah station, the classic railway bridge and of course the birds, butterflies and insects that thrive in the open countryside. Time: 8 am to 10 am.

Please register your children (4 to 12 years old) with Gloria Seow at gloria_seow@yahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if they are NSS members or not, 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 and caregivers are encouraged to join in at no charge.

Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

Time: 8-10am
Venue: The Rail Corridor: Exact meeting point and more details will be emailed to those who register with Gloria
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg 
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

24 Aug (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 15 minutes before the tour starts, and 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: 64717361 / 64717138 or NParks_SBG_Visitor_Services@nparks.gov.sg.

24 Aug (Sat): Prawn and Fish Demo 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

24 Aug (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 and 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.

24 Aug (Sat): Twilight Ramble at Mandai Forest

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Let us enjoy the transformation of day to night as we ramble through Mandai forest to Dairy Farm Adventure Centre. Planet Saturn will be high up above our heads in the night sky. We hope to see nocturnal wildlife such as nightjars, owls, cicadas and fireflies. Meet Pandian and Sutari at the bus stop opposite the former Mandai Orchid Garden at 5 pm. The ramble will end around 11 pm.

Not suitable for children below 12 years old.

Time: 5-11pm
Venue: Meet at bus stop opposite the former Mandai Orchid Garden
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

24 Aug (Sat): Evolution Garden guided walk

A free guided walk of the Evolution Garden at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a 1.5-hectare area dedicated to telling the amazing story of how plants gave us life, and how, long before we humans arrived, they started to evolve into the myriad complex life forms that we see today.

Take a journey through time with our volunteer guides, 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.

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 Visitor Centre.

Time: 9am
Venue: Register at Visitor Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens before the tour starts.
Website and contact: http://www.sbg.org.sg/ Visitor Services 6471 7361

24 Aug (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

12-18 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• Love MacRitchie Walk with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• Hari Raya Special: Herbs and Spices Tour for kids
• Talk for kids on " The High Flyer"
• Istana Open House
  

Walks in wild places

• Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin
• Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes with Nature Society (Singapore)
• A walk in an ancient forest, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh
• National Orchid Garden guided tour

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

• Butterfly Walk at the Butterfly Trail @ Orchard
• Plant Walk from Venus Drive to Jelutong

18 Aug (Sun): Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes with Nature Society (Singapore)

Open to the public but children below 12 are not allowed for safety reasons.
From the meeting point, 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 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.

Register on the NSS website by 10 Aug 2013. A registration form will then be sent to you. Max: 20 persons.

Time: 7.30-11am
Venue: Meet at Kranji Dam Carpark near the Tidal Gates of Kranji Reservoir (off Kranji Way). Reachable by Bus 925 from Kranji MRT Station. If you are driving (from SLE or Kranji MRT Stn), follow Kranji Way heading towards Sg Buloh Wetland Reserve, and you will pass Sg Kadut Industrial Est and Kranji Reservoir before reaching Carpark B.  
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg 
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

18 Aug (Sun): Butterfly Walk at the Butterfly Trail @ Orchard

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

We will be taking a leisurely stroll along the Butterfly Trail @ Orchard (BTO) to take in the sight of butterflies flying free in an urban environment. Our walk will start at Stamford Green butterfly garden, passing through SMU and Istana Park, and ending at the Penang Road Open Space. We hope to see iconic Plain Tigers, Emigrants, Pansies and more. Do carry enough water. Meet Anuj (HP: 8139-1564) at 9.30 am at the open space in front of the National Museum of Singapore (93 Stamford Road). This walk will take around 2 hours. NSS Kids attending the walk with their parents will have a dedicated kids guide.

Time: 9.30-11.30am
Venue: Meet at the open space in front of the National Museum of Singapore (93 Stamford Road).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.  

18 Aug (Sun): Istana Open House

The Istana grounds are open to the public in celebration of Hari Raya Puasa and National Day.

There will be an On-The-Spot Art Competition and Arts and Heritage Village comprising activity booths set up by 11 museums and institutions.

For the first time, visitors can learn about designated landmarks on the Istana ground via a self-guided tour using the “Istana Garden Walk” phone application that can be downloaded from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store.

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.

More details on the Istana website.

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 $1 per person.
Website: http://www.istana.gov.sg/

17 Aug (Sat): Plant Walk from Venus Drive to Jelutong

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

We will repeat the route taken in the 6 July walk, but perhaps with some updated information on the planning for the Cross Island Line. It is not all about MRT lines though. Great plant life, habitat diversity, beautiful vistas, and lovely spots to relax or take photos in will be some of the many highlights of this outing. Be sure to join NSS President Dr Shawn Lum and the Plant Group. Meet at Venus Drive car park at 9 am. NSS Kids attending the walk with their parents will have a dedicated kids guide.

Time:  9am
Venue: Meet at Venus Drive carpark
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036. 

17 Aug (Sat): Talk on " The High Flyer"

Just as seeds need to move away from the shade of the parent plant to grow better, children will recognise the need to move out of their comfort zones for greater growth. In this programme, children will be able to appreciate the wonderful and effective designs of winged seeds. They will also make models of their own winged seed and try them out!

For children below 12

More about the speaker: Jiahui works in the National Parks Board. She enjoys gardening and is passionate about spreading her love for green and nature to the public, to let them appreciate the wonderful world of plants.

The talk is free of charge and registration is not required. For enquiries, please send an email to nparks_urban_gardening@nparks.gov.sg.

Time: 1.30 - 2.30pm
Venue: Central Public Library
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

17 Aug (Sat): Love MacRitchie Walk with Cicada Tree Eco Place

FREE public guided nature walks to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve at Venus Drive (MacRitchie) The MacRitchie Forest Trail at Venus Drive meanders along the banks of a crystal-clear forest stream that is full of freshwater life. Here live dragons and damsels, freshwater crabs and prawns, the Puff-faced Watersnake, Pygmy Halfbeak and Saddle Barb.

Photo by Russel Low

Look out, too, for the Green Crested Lizard, Red-bellied Squirrel, Long-tailed Macaque, Blue-rumped Parrot and Colugo. Walk in the cool shade of old trees. Feel the peace that only a rainforest can give.

The government recently announced, in its White Paper, its intention to build a Cross Island MRT Line through this forest. If implemented, this shall most certainly destroy large tracts of what remains of our rainforest ecosystem, as well as endanger the unique wildlife living in it.

Come with us, and learn more about this rainforest. Feel our natural heritage at risk.

The trail here is a dirt path which is relatively level and suitable for children, the elderly and the physically-challenged. Be prepared for some mud.

This walk is open to the public but registration is required as spaces are limited. To register, please email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no.

What to wear and bring: wear lightweight cotton long pants, cotton shirt or tee-shirt, closed walking shoes with socks. Bring water in your refillable water bottle. Herbal insect repellent will keep the mozzies away. A cap or hat to protect you from the sun, and a light poncho or umbrella in case of rain.

More information on the Love MacRitchie website

Time: 9-11am
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

17 Aug (Sat): Hari Raya Special: Herbs and Spices Tour for kids

Celebrate Hari Raya with us and learn about the different types of Herbs and Spices used by our local Malay community in culinary recipes and medicines. Come and explore our Herbs & Spices Garden, hear interesting stories and you will learn more about the uses and many benefits that herbs & spices can provide.

Suitable for children in K1 – P6 levels.

Register with the Singapore Botanic Gardens Education Branch at 6471 9961 / 6465 0196 or email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg. Or register online at www.sbg.org.sg (under "Education").

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

17 Aug (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.

Book online. 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/

17 Aug (Sat): National Orchid Garden guided tour

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

Full map at http://www.sbg.org.sg/map_nog.htm

This walk is conducted by the volunteers of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and is held every third Saturday of the month.

A tour in Mandarin is also conducted at 4pm.

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am (English) and 4pm (Mandarin), register at Visitor Centre 15 minutes before the tour starts. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Tour duration: One hour.
Cost: While the tour is free, admission charges to the Orchid Garden applies: $5/adult, $1/student, $1/senior citizens (above 60 years) , Child below 12 years - Free
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: Visitor Services 6471 7361

17 Aug (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/

17 Aug (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

5-11 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• HeART for Nature - FREE workshop for kids

Walks in wild places

• A walk with your neighbours - the macaques of Bukit Timah
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Make a wild difference!

• Celebrate our National Day with a mangrove cleanup @ precious Lim Chu Kang

Go wild on your own!
This long weekend, why not explore our wild places free-and-easy? Great destinations include Pulau Ubin and a wide range of seashores, mangroves and forest destinations. Lots of info for visitors on wildsingapore with tips on how to prepare for a trip, how to get there and what to see and do.

A tip for a long-weekend trip
Our wild places and parks can get VERY crowded on long weekends. The best way to avoid the crowds is to arrive early in the morning and leave early. Our wildlife is generally more active in the morning too!

10 Aug (Sat): Celebrate our National Day with a mangrove cleanup @ precious Lim Chu Kang

Join International Coastal Cleanup Singapore to tackle the trash at Lim Chu Kang mangroves. Lim Chu Kang mangrove is a beautiful and unique patch of unprotected mangrove in Singapore. Scientists have worked in this mangrove for decades and though it is but a small patch that remains, it is scientifically interesting and holds many stories about animal and plant life and heritage in Singapore. In 2008, the Sungei Buloh Master Plan revealed it would link up with the Lim Chu Kang mangroves.

Trash from the Johor Straits is regularly deposited on Lim Chu Kang beach and mangrove and since this is state land, and not used recreationally, the impact on marine life is battled through the efforts of various groups who take to the beach and mangrove during cleanups throughout the year.

The removal of trash is tackled sensitively through the actions of small groups. A pre-National Day cleanup is organised annually in celebration of Singapore’s birthday and welcomes anyone who might want to come.

Pre-registration is required, online by 7 Aug.

More details on the International Coastal Cleanup Singapore blog.

Time: 7.45am-11am
Venue: Lim Chu Kang mangroves
Website and contact: http://coastalcleanup.wordpress.com/

10 Aug (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/

10 Aug (Sat): A walk with your neighbours - the macaques of Bukit Timah

13 Jul The long-tailed macaques at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve are commonly seen, but often misunderstood. Few know about the social world of these monkeys. They have family members, power struggles, friends, foes, and a complex social network. In many ways, they mirror our own social life!

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.

This walk is held every second Saturday of the month.

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

10 Aug (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

29 Jul - 4 Aug: 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

Walks in wild places

• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh
• HeART for Nature - FREE workshop for kids

Other wild happenings

• 3 Aug (Sat): Talk on "Marine life in Singapore and the impact of man"

3 Aug (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.

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

3 Aug (Sat): Talk on "Marine life in Singapore and the impact of man"

Does Singapore have marine life? What is the impact of marine trash and how do we combat it?

N. Sivasothi of the International Coastal Cleanup Singapore will share more during this free public talk. The talk is suitable for the public. All are welcome.

More details on the ICCS blog, pre-registration required at http://tinyurl.com/iccs-lecture


Time: 9am to 12noon
Venue: National University of Singapore, LT32 map
Website: More details on the ICCS blog

3 Aug (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: Hindhede Nature Park (meet at Pulai Hut)
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

3 Aug (Sat): Tour of the Healing Garden, Botanic Gardens

A free guided tour of the 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)

3 Aug (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