21-27 Apr: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and families

Walks in wild places

Other wild happenings

Make a wild difference

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only





27 Apr (Sun): Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes

Open to the public but children below 12 are not allowed for safety reasons.

From our 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 her 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 18 Apr 2014. Total group size is limited to 60 for the walk and individual or group registrations will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. A registration form will be emailed to you and registration is subject to confirmation.

Time: 7.30-11.30am
Venue: Meet at 7.30am at Kranji Dam Carpark B near the tidal gates of Kranji Reservoiir, off Kranji Way. Reachable by Bus 925 from Kranji MRT Station.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

27 Apr (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.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve at info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

27 Apr (Sun): Imagine Ubin Workshop

Pulau Ubin is close to the hearts of many nature lovers and volunteers in Singapore. In response to the upcoming ‘Ubin Project’ chaired by Minister of State Desmond Lee, we hope to contribute to the future plans of Pulau Ubin by offering our ideas and aspirations for the island through this workshop.
This halfday workshop will start with a working visit around Ubin, followed by lunch and brainstorming of ideas, all on Pulau Ubin itself. We hope to inspire more productive discussions and creative ideas through immersing ourselves in the sights, smells and tastes of Ubin! Discussions and ideas from the workshop will then be compiled and shared with the ‘Ubin Project’.

SPEAKERS
Ria Tan, author of the Chek Jawa Guidebook as well as the WildSingapore series of websites. She can be found at every low tide visiting almost every piece of shoreline in Singapore. She can be found writing at the WildShores blog as well.

November Tan, an Environmental Geographer by training, nature guide by volition and the founder / coordinator of The Leafmonkey Workshop. 3 generations of her family traces their roots back to Pulau Ubin and she traces hers on Pulau Ubin Stories, a blog started in 2004 to archive stories old and new on Pulau Ubin. She did her undergraduate honors thesis on social capital and networks involved in "Saving Chek Jawa" and has inevitably become part of the same community passionate about Ubin.

PLEASE REGISTER by 23 April http://tinyurl.com/ImagineUbin

Registration is strongly advised as it allows us to better customize the workshop to suit YOUR needs! If you have difficulty submitting your registration on this website, please email us at


Spaces are limited, so register early to avoid disappointment!

PROGRAMME
8.30am - Registration on Pulau Ubin (Recommended to arrive at Changi Point Ferry Terminal around 8am)
9.00am - Short sharing by speakers
9.30am - Working visit around Pulau Ubin
11.00am - Lunch on Ubin (at your own expense)
12.00pm - Brainstorming session
2.00pm - End of Workshop

Time: 9am-2 pm
Venue: Pulau Ubin
Website: http://leafmonkeyworkshop.blogspot.sg/2014/04/imagine-ubin-workshop_2.html

26 Apr (Sat): Bukit Timah Railway Station to Sunset Way Ramble

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Let us explore this forgotten green area in the Bukit Timah environs. Nature is left undisturbed along the former KTM railway line. Here, a wild patch of forest harbours a rich array of birds, plants and insects. This 9-km ramble will end at Sunset Way housing estate.

Not suitable for children below 12 years old.

Time: 7.45 am, Meet at the junction of Dunearn Road and Rifle Range Road.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036. 

26 Apr (Sat): Coastal Clean-Up at Mandai Mudflats

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Join us at the Mandai Mudflats to make a difference by helping to clean up the coast. Located at the extension of Kranji Road where it intersects with Kranji Loop, these mudflats are a key habitat for horseshoe crabs and an important feeding ground for wading birds. Things to Bring: Bring along a cap, shoes/booties, sunblock, repellent, and a camera. Washing facilities available.

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

Time: 2-5pm. Meet at the extension of Kranji Road near the junction with Kranji Loop. Details will be emailed upon registration.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

26 Apr (Sat): Earth Day Special: Storytime with Sara about the 3Rs - tour for kids

Join us for a fun-filled storytelling session, specially designed for little ones. Together with Sara and her friend, Rana the Frog, children will learn about the importance of trees, how to save the earth and what we can do to protect the environment.
For enquiry and registration, please contact the SBG Education Branch at 6471 9961; 6465 0196 or email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg.

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/

26 Apr (Sat): Art in Nature at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

For the serious artist and those with relevant art background, this Wildlife Art workshop is for you. Started in June 2010 and resumed early 2013, get ready to busy yourself with sketchpads and paint brushes.
Volunteer leader - Jerome Pang will be sharing and guiding volunteers and participants who are passionate in both art and nature conservation to develop their art skills while raising awareness on conservation and biodiversity. Themes include, local wildlife, animals, birds, insects and plants.

With the launch of Snake Exhibition at Wallace Education Centre (Launch End June) located at Dairy Farm Nature Park, participants will work on wildlife art, primarily on local snakes species and will get to have their artwork featured at exhibition.

Register online

- Registrants will have to bring their own art materials (Recommended by trainer, Jerome Pang)
- Only open for art students or anyone with drawing/sketching/painting skills
- 2 Subjects per workshop

Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Seminar Room (Level 2)
Contact: Ms Nur Fadzleen Niza fadzleen_arrifin@nparks.gov.sg / 98419965
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

26 Apr (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.

26 Apr (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 at least 4 days in advance by emailing ruth_foo@nparks.gov.sg or jeanne_tan@nparks.gov.sg.

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

26 Apr (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh


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

Suitable for young children.

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

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

26 Apr (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.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

26 Apr (Sat): Earth Day events at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Mangrove Forest – Earth’s gift for Man
Get up close and personal with nature by taking part in guided mangrove tours, talks, planting, and origami/art-and-craft sessions. Many activities are available for your participation.

No registration required.

Guided Mangrove Tour
9.30am, 11.00am and 1.00pm: Get to know the plants and animals of Sungei Buloh through a newly designed guided walk.

Plant-a-propagule
From 9.00am: Do your part to protect our fragile mangrove forest by planting propagated mangrove saplings.

Nature Origami
9.30am – 12.30pm: Learn to transform paper into animals and plants of the mangroves. Pen your thoughts on your masterpiece and share it with others when displayed on the Origami Tree in the visitor centre.

Glass Bottle painting
9.00am -1.00pm: Paint designs on used glass bottles. Materials are provided.

Mangroves and Man: A talk by NParks
10.00am and 12.00pm: For thousands of years, man has used mangroves for many purposes; especially building houses, energy production and creating fishing apparatus. Find out more about modern products and ecological uses of mangroves through this talk.

Time: 9am-1pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

26 Apr (Sat): Trees For Life Photography Workshop

Do you have a tree that’s special to you? Do you want to learn how to photograph trees better? Held in conjunction with the Trees For Life Photography Competition, this photography workshop will explore photography techniques with you, such as composition and exposure. It comprises of a classroom session, followed by a walk in the garden where you can practice the techniques taught. At the end of this session, you will submit your favourite photographs as entries in the NParks “Trees For Life” photography competition.
This workshop is only open to students aged 13 years old and above. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and remember to bring along a compact or DSLR camera, sufficient water and an umbrella.

Pre-registration is required. Max capacity: 30 persons. Registrations received after the maximum capacity is reached will be put on the waiting list. For enquiries, please call 6471 7518 or email nparks_urban_gardening@nparks.gov.sg.

Date: 8-11.30am
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Botany Centre (Tanglin Gate), Level 2 Function Room
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

26 Apr (Sat): Leaf and Let Live - a free tour

Learn about the importance of protecting our environment and learn about recycling by using recyclable materials found around the park to “dress up” a dead tree.

No prior registration required

Time: 9am-12noon
Venue: F&B area at River Plains, Bishan Park
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

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

Celebrate Earth Day as 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

19 Apr (Sat): The Fort Canning Spice Trail

You might have tasted Nutmeg and Clove in various cuisines, but have you ever seen how their trees look like? Join us as we guide you through the Spice Gardens, which was once the site of Singapore’s first botanical gardens and now planted with many herb and spice plants including those with medicinal values.

To register, email elaine_pang@nparks.gov.sg or call 6636 2393.

Time: 4-5pm
Venue: The Meeting Point (at the Roundabout between Hotel Fort Canning and Fort Canning Centre)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

19 Apr (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/

19 Apr (Sat): Earth Day Special - Sara goes Carbon Footprinting

Join Sara, the Botanicosaurus, and her new friend, Rana the Frog in this tour and learn about carbon footprints and the many little but important things that all of us can do to make a difference for our home, Planet Earth! Participants will also be introduced to some useful and multi-purpose trees and learn how to reuse and recycle objects from home and nature, and transform them into useful items for decorative or practical purposes!!

Suitable for children in P1 – P6 levels

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

Time: 10-11.30am
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fee: $11.50 per child (includes $2.50 “Sara Goes Carbon Footprinting" workbook)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

19 Apr (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

19 Apr (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/

19 Apr (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh


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

Suitable for young children.

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

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

19 Apr (Sat): Mangrove cleanup at Sungei Api-Api (Pasir Ris Park)

Sungei Api-api and its river bank is home to many native and migratory birds, otters and other animals important to the eco-system. With waste thrown into the sea and increasing development around the area, the mangroves are getting more polluted than it is naturally created to handle, threatening the homes of these animals and the ecosystem that thrives.
In celebration of Earth Day (on 22nd April), we are organising a mangrove clean-up. Do come along with your family and friends and do your part for the environment, to understand the importance of protecting our fragile eco-system and lastly, to have fun! What to bring and more details on The Green Volunteers blog.

This event is organised by The Green Volunteers and Sea Shepherd.

Time: 8am-1pm
Venue: Pasir Ris Carpark C; Wash up/Toilet area
Contact and details on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/218976774970387/

12 Apr (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

12 Apr (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/

12 Apr (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

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

Suitable for young children.

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

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

12 Apr (Sat): Heritage Tree and Heritage Roads Tour

Heritage Trees and Heritage Roads are the natural heritage of Singapore and serve as important green landmarks of our City in a Garden. Join us to find out more about the Heritage Trees and Heritage Roads, and let us introduce to you the natural heritage that Singapore possesses.
Start with an introduction to Heritage Tree and Heritage Road Scheme at the Programme Zone at Queenstown Library and then board the coach to go on a Heritage discovery adventure. The tour will bring you to selected Heritage Trees and Heritage Roads in the Southern parts (South Buona Vista Road, Bt Chandu, Seah Im carpark and Duxton Plain Park) You will then head back to Queenstown Library after the tour.

This is an estimated 2.5 hours tour. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear comfortable attire and walking shoes. Do remember to bring your umbrella and some drinks. The maximum capacity for this tour is 35 persons.

Register online here.


Time: 1.30-4pm
Venue: Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: nparks_urban_gardening@nparks.gov.sg.

12 Apr (Sat): "I will be Clean" storybook launch

For kids and the family! Come follow Sam, a water droplet, as he makes his journey around Lorong Halus, overcoming challenges to make himself clean. There will be storytelling and art and craft sessions for kids too!

Time: 1.45pm
Venue: My Tree House, Central Public Library
Website and contact: Tan Sijie

12 Apr (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/

31 Mar - 6 Apr: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

More wild stuff to do

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

6 Apr (Sun): Butterfly and Dragonfly Walk at Pasir Ris Park

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Pasir Ris Park is home to about 60 butterfly species including rare Nymphalids such as the Spotted Black Crow and Striped Black Crow. The pond area next to the kitchen garden also boasts many interesting dragonfly species. We will explore its mangrove and freshwater habitats for both butterflies and dragonflies.

Time: 9.30am
Venue: Carpark C, Pasir Ris Park
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036. 

5 Apr (Sat): NSS Kids’ Fun with Vertebrates at Upper Seletar Reservoir

Open to the Public - Registration Needed
Let your kids be inspired by 11-year old Mark Strange as he guides us in a fun romp through Upper Seletar Reservoir. Mark will point out the area’s many nature gems including birds and other vertebrates.


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 (FOC), and let us have your mobile number.

Time: 8-10am, Details will be emailed to those who sign up.
Cost: $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.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036. 

5 Apr (Sat): Kayaking to St John’s Island and Pulau Tekukor

Open to the Public - Nature Society (Singapore) members Given Priority - Registration Needed

This is a sea kayaking trip to two interesting Southern Islands Pulau Tekukor and St John’s Island. Pulau Tekukor used to be a military island. Although we cannot land, we will paddle past closely. St John’s Island was once the world's largest quarantine centre. It is now an oasis of mature trees, abandoned houses, holiday camps and sandy beaches. We will get to enjoy its fabulous sun, sand and sea.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 8-11.30 am
Meeting point: Emerald Pavilion (Siloso Beach, Sentosa).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036

5 Apr (Sat): Art in Nature at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

For the serious artist and those with relevant art background, this Wildlife Art workshop is for you. Started in June 2010 and resumed early 2013, get ready to busy yourself with sketchpads and paint brushes.
Volunteer leader - Jerome Pang will be sharing and guiding volunteers and participants who are passionate in both art and nature conservation to develop their art skills while raising awareness on conservation and biodiversity. Themes include, local wildlife, animals, birds, insects and plants.

With the launch of Snake Exhibition at Wallace Education Centre (Launch End June) located at Dairy Farm Nature Park, participants will work on wildlife art, primarily on local snakes species and will get to have their artwork featured at exhibition.

Register online

- Registrants will have to bring their own art materials (Recommended by trainer, Jerome Pang)
- Only open for art students or anyone with drawing/sketching/painting skills
- 2 Subjects per workshop

Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Seminar Room (Level 2)
Contact: Ms Nur Fadzleen Niza fadzleen_arrifin@nparks.gov.sg / 98419965
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

5 Apr (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)

5 Apr (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh


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

Suitable for young children.

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

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30am and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401