30 Nov (Sat): Roots, Shoots and 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 Alex_Tam@nparks.gov.sg or 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/

30 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.

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

30 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

30 Nov (Sat): For kids - Exploring Ubin's Kampong and Nature

Our nature-guided stroll will bring us through a herb, spice and medicinal plant garden, coffee, coconut, durian and other fruit tree plantations, mangrove forest, grassland and woodlands. We will also bypass 'kampong' village houses with their backyard flower and food gardens. Along the way, we may encounter wild pigs, jungle chickens, monitor lizards and a diversity of birds and bugs living among the wayside wildflowers. This walk starts and ends in the main village which has remained almost unchanged since the 1960s. Come experience Ubin's culture before its all gone.
Kampong from the lily pond at Pulau Ubin
Please note: Bring poncho/raincoat/umbrella, hat, fully-filled refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent. Wear long pants, otherwise wear thick repellent. Long-sleeved shirt, socks and covered shoes are recommended. Ubin has shops selling drinks and snacks. There are restaurants open for lunch and dinner.

Pre-registration required, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile number.

Time: 8.30-11.00am, meet at 8.30am at basement of Changi Jetty (also known as Changi Point Ferry Terminal) at Lorong Berkukong, 5 mins walk away from Changi Village hawker centre.
Cost: $13 per pax (adult or kid). Excludes the bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin which is $2.50 per person one way. Free for kids age 5 yrs and below accompanying adult participants.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.sg/2013/11/nov-2013-school-hols-walks.html

29 Nov (Fri): A Long Nature Trek for kids into Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

This beautiful nature reserve is an important resting and feeding spot for migratory birds from the north. November and December are the best months to see thousands of them checking into the reserve. It is also home to a fantastic diversity of native fauna and flora, from rare otters to monitor lizards, woodpeckers and mudskippers! This is The place to spot an Archerfish. In the past, the area had several kampongs (villages) with the locals tending to vegetable and fruit tree plots. Many of these fruit trees and traditional herbs still survive and may be encountered along the trails. The villagers had also constructed fish and prawn ponds in the mangroves which are now used by wetland wildlife such as a family of rare Smooth Otters and two Saltwater Crocodiles. We will also go onto the lovely, long and winding mangrove arboretum boardwalk. The current reserve area may soon be closed to the public, once the connecting new Kranji adventure park is ready. So come see it all before you can't anymore!
Kids looking at shorebirds at Sungei Buloh
Please note: Bring poncho/raincoat/umbrella, hat, fully-filled refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent, snacks. Wear long pants, otherwise wear thick repellent. Long-sleeved shirt, socks and covered shoes are recommended.

For this trek, we will be taking the longer routes to get deep into the heart of the reserve, but it will be on level dirt trails and elevated boardwalks, suitable for use of strollers and wheelchairs. Participants who come must be ready and able to do quite a bit of walking.

Pre-registration required, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile number.

Time: 8.30-11.30am, meet at 8.30am at the ticket counter inside the visitor centre of SBWR.
Cost: $13 per pax (adult or kid). Free for kids age 5 yrs and below accompanying adult participants. Does not include entry fee of $1 for adult and 50 cents for kids.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.sg/2013/11/nov-2013-school-hols-walks.html

28 Nov (Thu): "Trees Around Us" Drama Series for kids

"Trees Around Us" Drama Series: 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.

Jack and The Beanstalk (A Drama Workshop)
Based on the popular fairytale about Jack and the magic beans, children will embark on an adventure with Jack and the amazing beanstalk that grew its way into the giant’s castle! Through participating in dramatization and play, children will find out about the wonders of plants and see their importance in 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
Contac: 64719961 / 6465 0196
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

28 Nov (Thu): Kids Study Pondlife at Singapore Botanic Gardens

The ponds in the garden are alive with a diversity of freshwater-dependent critters. Here, kids can easily find, observe and study colourful dragonflies, pond-skaters and other aquatic bugs, and learn about their magical life cycles. Living among the water plants here are the Waterhen, Whistling Ducks, kingfishers, and reptiles such as the Water Monitor Lizard and Red-eared Terrapins. Topics covered include adaptations of aquatic fauna and flora, life cycles, food chain, habitat, water, pollution and conservation issues. Participants must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

Please note: Bring poncho/raincoat/umbrella, hat, fully-filled refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent, snacks. Wear long pants, otherwise wear thick repellent. Long-sleeved shirt, socks and covered shoes are recommended.

Pre-registration required, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile number.

Time: 9-11.30am, meet at 9.00am at the clock tower inside the Nassim Gate Visitor Centre (NOT at the Tanglin Gate entrance at Cluny Road facing Gleneagles Hospital).
Cost: $15 per kid age 7 to 11 yrs. Participants' sibling age 6 yrs and below can come along free.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.sg/2013/11/nov-2013-school-hols-walks.html

27 Nov (Wed): Nite Critter Walk at Singapore Botanic Gardens (Tanglin Gate)



We will observe Short-nosed Fruit Bats at their daytime roost before they wake up and fly off at dusk. Then use our bat detector to locate insect-eating bats. As night falls, we go to investigate the nearby ponds for other nocturnal critters such as the Four-lined Treefrog with its bubble nest, and the tiny Painted Chorus Frog with its silvery tadpoles. We will then wander on the forest boardwalk to look for scorpions and other multi-legged critters of the night.

Please note: This easy walk is mostly on level, paved pathway with a few steps at certain parts. Have an early dinner before coming. Bring torchlight with batteries, poncho/raincoat/umbrella, refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent. Please wear long pants, tee-shirt, socks and covered shoes. Long-sleeved shirt is recommended.

Pre-registration required, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile number.

Time: 6.15 - 8.30pm, meet at 6.15pm at the service counter of the visitor centre at old Tanglin Gate entrance at Cluny Road facing Gleneagles Hospital (NOT the Nassim Gate Visitor Centre at Nassim Road).
Cost: $13 per pax (adult or kid). Free for kids age 5 yrs and below accompanying adult participants.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.sg/2013/11/nov-2013-school-hols-walks.html

26 Nov (Tue): Nite Critter Watch for kids at Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk

As dusk falls, we use a bat detector to locate bats. We explore deep into the mangrove forest via the extensive boardwalks to look for other nite critters such as the Dog-faced Watersnake and Black-crowned Night-heron. Tree-climbing crabs can be seen perched high above on branches, as if they're birds. Several species of owls have been encountered here, plus the Large-tailed Nightjar, another nocturnal bird with a loud "chonk-chonk-chonk" call. Fireflies live in this forest. Though only seasonally numerous, we should meet some. This easy walk is on level pathways and wooden boardwalks. There will be a rest stop at the shelter over the scenic Tampines River.
People on a free guided tour of Pasir Ris mangroves by the Naked Hermit Crabs
Please note: Bring torchlight with batteries, poncho/raincoat/umbrella, fully-filled refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent. Bring, poncho/raincoat/umbrella, water in your refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent. Have an early dinner before coming. Please wear long pants, tee-shirt, socks and covered shoes. Long-sleeved shirt is recommended.

Pre-registration required, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile number.

Time: 6.15 - 8.30pm, meet at 6.15pm outside the public toilet block at right side of Car Park C at end of Pasir Ris Green Road which is off Pasir Ris Drive 3 road.
Cost: $13 per pax (adult or kid). Free for kids age 5 yrs and below accompanying adult participants.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.sg/2013/11/nov-2013-school-hols-walks.html

18-24 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family
Wondering what to do with the kids during the school holidays? Check out the highlights of exciting nature activities specially for kids lined up for the December school holidays!
And MORE fun school holiday activities to discover and enjoy Singapore's biodiversity!

Walks in wild places

More wild happenings

25 Nov (Mon): A Trail Of Colours - guided tour for kids

Have you ever been captivated by the colourful flowers you see in the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden? Join us for this guided tour that will encourage children to examine selected flowering plants closely to understand the forms and functions of flower parts. Let the mysterious role of flowers in pollination unfold right before the eyes of your children!
Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels

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

Time: 10-11am
Venue: The Green Pavilion, Tanglin Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg

25 Nov (Mon): Nature Guided-walk for kids at Chek Jawa Nature Reserve, Pulau Ubin

In 2001, plans to destroy CJ were shelved and now it is a nature reserve. CJ is one of Singapore's most treasured and loved nature spots, with a diverse combination of scenic habitats and wildlife. Here exists rare coastal forest, rocky seashore, sea grass meadows, ancient coral reef rubble, mud-flats, mangrove and Attap Chee groves. The shallow sea here supports incredible marine biodiversity, and is home to the rare and globally-endangered Dugong or Sea Cow. We go onto the extensive boardwalk to access the various habitats and to spot a diversity of unique wildlife such as mudskippers, fiddler and tree-climbing crabs, the Great-billed Heron and many others. 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 beachcombing for seafood.
Kids on the Chek Jawa boardwalk
Please note: This walk will only be on the boardwalk and dirt trails. We will not be going onto the seashore or mud-flats. Bring poncho/raincoat/umbrella, hat, fully-filled refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent. Wear long pants, otherwise wear thick repellent. Long-sleeved shirt, socks and covered shoes are recommended. Ubin has shops selling drinks and snacks. There are restaurants open for lunch and dinner.

Pre-registration required, email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile number.

Time: 8.30am to 12.30pm
Venue: Meet at 8.30am at basement of Changi Jetty (also known as Changi Point Ferry Terminal) at Lorong Berkukong, 5 mins walk away from Changi Village hawker centre.
Cost: $13 per pax (adult or kid). Free for kids age 5 yrs and below accompanying adult participants. Excludes the bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin at$2.50 per person one way, and the mini-bus ride to CJ at $4 per person return.
Website: http://cicadatree.blogspot.sg/2013/11/nov-2013-school-hols-walks.html

24 Nov (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 14 Nov. 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.

24 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 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://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve at info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

23 Nov (Sat): Free Ecolife Tour for Families

It’s the school holidays again. Want to spend time with your family and learn more about Bishan–Ang Mo Kio Park and biodiversity in and around the river?

Ecolife introduces the park and the biodiversity found in the area through the use of interactive explorational themes and activities. It is to encourage family bonding between parents and child through the process of learning together. This tour is conducted by volunteers.
For children between 6 and 14 years old.

There are 20 spaces available for each session, but a minimum of 10 signups is required for the tour to take place. Each signup is for one adult and one child.

For enquires and registration, please email Ms Shanny Tan (shanny_tan@nparks.gov.sg)

Time: 9 to 11am
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

23 Nov (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 orNParks_SBG_Visitor_Services@nparks.gov.sg.

23 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

23 Nov (Sat): 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. Or register online.

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

23 Nov (Sat): Young Naturalist Passport Camp (Basic) at Sungei Buloh

This one day camp encompasses a series of fun-filled and educational indoor and outdoor learning of the wetlands and nature conservation issues through worksheets, nature walks and hands-on activities. Children will earn a stamp for every completed activity, and a full collection of stamps will earn them a series of cloth badges.

Limited to 40 children between the age of 6 to 11 years old. Registration is required.

More information on the programme and online registration form on the Reserve website.

Time: 9am- 5pm
Cost: Each participant needs to purchase a young naturalist passport from the Visitor Services Counter at 50 cents. Registration of $5 is applicable, and cheques will be returned upon attendance and completion of the camp. The fee will be donated to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve education fund if the child fails to turn up for the camp upon registration and confirmation. Admission charges (50 cents per child) apply.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: 67941401

11-17 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family
Wondering what to do with the kids during the school holidays? Check out the highlights of exciting nature activities specially for kids lined up for the December school holidays! And MORE fun school holiday activities to discover and enjoy Singapore's biodiversity!


Walks in wild places

17 Nov (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 Mandarin guided walks on the Purple Mangrove blog. 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

16 Nov (Sat): Free Ecolife Tour for Families

It’s the school holidays again. Want to spend time with your family and learn more about Bishan–Ang Mo Kio Park and biodiversity in and around the river?

Ecolife introduces the park and the biodiversity found in the area through the use of interactive explorational themes and activities. It is to encourage family bonding between parents and child through the process of learning together. This tour is conducted by volunteers.
For children between 6 and 14 years old.

There are 20 spaces available for each session, but a minimum of 10 signups is required for the tour to take place. Each signup is for one adult and one child.

For enquires and registration, please email Ms Shanny Tan (shanny_tan@nparks.gov.sg)

Time: 9 to 11am
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

16 Nov (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

16 Nov (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 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

16 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.

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/

16 Nov (Sat): Secrets of the Swamp – Storytelling and Activities for kids

Join us at this storytelling and activities session, where we will share about a new children’s book published by the National Parks Board, titled Secrets of the Swamp.
One of Singapore’s bestselling authors, Neil Humphreys, and award-winning illustrator Cheng Puay Koon (PK) will be there at this interactive session. Be spellbound as Neil takes you into another world full of the unknown, and discover your artistic talent with PK’s sketching activity. You will also get the opportunity to interact with Neil and PK through an autograph and picture taking session. The book will be available for purchase at the event.

Suitable for children aged 7-12. Admission is free.

Online registration is available at www.nparks.gov.sg/sketching.

Time: 2-3m
Venue: Children’s Green Library, Central Public Library
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

16 Nov (Sat): Waders' Watch Workshop at Sungei Buloh

The migratory bird season has started and the birds are here at Sungei Buloh! Sungei Buloh is an important bird site for these birds. Every year, thousands of these birds visit Sungei Buloh and other parts of Singapore to find food and shelter during winter in the northern parts of the world. Join in this workshop to know how to identify these amazing birds. Also learn how to Birdwatch and how you can help NParks in studying the migratory patterns of these birds in Singapore.

The workshop comprises a lecture and discussion about the birds followed by a field tour to practice identifying migratory shorebirds. It would be good if you have a pair of binoculars but we can loan you a limited number of binoculars. Attire: Cotton, covered comfortable walking shoes

Please email info@sbwr.org.sg to reserve your place as there are limited slots. Upon receiving your cheque, the Reserve will confirm your registration.

Time: 9am - 12noon
Cost: $5 (Includes admission fees and materials) (Please pay by cheque payable to National Parks Board, Attn: Waders' Watch and snail mail to 301, Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718925)
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

9 Nov (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 orNPARKS_SBG_Visitor_Services@NPARKS.GOV.SG

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

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/

9 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

9 Nov (Sat): Clean & Green Week Special: Storytime with Sara - Learning about the 3Rs

Join us for a fun-filled session, specially designed for little ones, to commemorate Clean and Green Week! Children will explore Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden with Sara the Botanicosaurus and her squirrel friends, Fluff-tail and Twitchy through a story-telling session. To conclude the session, they will learn to reuse and recycle objects from home and nature, and transform them into useful items for decorative or practical purposes. It is never too early to start your children on eco-friendly habits and to help them become environmentally conscious!
For enquiry and registration, please contact the SBG Education Branch at 6471 9961; 6465 0196 or email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg.

Or register online.

Suitable for children in K1-P2 levels

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

28 Oct - 3 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family



Walks in wild places





3 Nov (Sun): Guided walk at Nature Ways in Tampines

In conjunction with the Clean and Green Singapore (CGS) 2014 campaign, NParks is organising free tours to take participants on a guided walk of the Nature Ways in Yishun (2 Nov 2013) and Tampines (3 Nov 2013), where they can spot birds and butterflies and learn more about the plants grown along these green corridors.
Nature Ways are routes planted with specific trees and shrubs to facilitate the movement of animals like birds and butterflies between two green spaces.

To sign up for the tours, please email nparks_nature_ways@nparks.gov.sg and include the following details: Name, number of family members/friends, dontact number, name of tour. Availability is based on first-come-first-served basis.

Date: Yishun Nature Way tour (2 Nov 2013), Tampines Nature Way tour (3 Nov 2013)
Time: 8.30am - 11.00am
Venue: Meeting point to be advised upon registration

2 Nov (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)

2 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.
Photo courtesy of Vanessa ChangSuitable 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/

2 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

2 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 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 theAdventures 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 Nov (Sat): Guided walk at Nature Ways in Yishun

In conjunction with the Clean and Green Singapore (CGS) 2014 campaign, NParks is organising free tours to take participants on a guided walk of the Nature Ways in Yishun (2 Nov 2013) and Tampines (3 Nov 2013), where they can spot birds and butterflies and learn more about the plants grown along these green corridors.
Nature Ways are routes planted with specific trees and shrubs to facilitate the movement of animals like birds and butterflies between two green spaces.

To sign up for the tours, please email nparks_nature_ways@nparks.gov.sg and include the following details: Name, number of family members/friends, dontact number, name of tour. Availability is based on first-come-first-served basis.

Date: Yishun Nature Way tour (2 Nov 2013), Tampines Nature Way tour (3 Nov 2013)
Time: 8.30am - 11.00am
Venue: Meeting point to be advised upon registration