21-27 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family



Walks in wild places




The last weeks of the school holidays! Check out the highlights of exciting nature activities specially for kids!



And MORE fun school holiday activities to discover and enjoy Singapore's biodiversity!

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

27 Dec (Sun): Paint Along with Pui San at Sungei Buloh

Conducted by Mr Tham Pui San, a volunteer of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Pui San is an avid artist who expresses his passion for nature through his art work. Bring along your art materials and enjoy learning different drawing techniques at Sungei Buloh.
More in the art in the wetlands blog.

Limited to 20 persons. Register online.

Time: 8.30-11.30am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Visitor Centre. Meet at Api Api Lab (Kranji Way entrance)
Website: http://artinwetlands.wordpress.com/ and http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

26 Dec (Sat): Ecolife Family Tour by the Riverplains

Ecolife is a free two-hour tour which introduces the park and the biodiversity found in Riverplains through the use of interactive exploration themes and activities. The tour aims to encourage family bonding between parents and child through the process of learning together. Join us as we take you through this tour with worksheets provided and fun hands on activities such as doing up your very own underwater viewing scope.

Pre-registration is required by emailing Pauline Tan pauline_tan@nparks.gov.sg. Provide your name, contact number and number of participants.

Time: 9-11am
Meeting point: Bishan- Ang Mo Kio Park Riverplains, multi-purpose shelter
Contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

26 Dec (Sat): What's in my sky?

Birdwatchers, join us in this free guided walk and learn to identify many amazing birds of different species that passes through or make Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve their home.
Limited to 20 persons. Register online.

Time: 9.30am-11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wetland CentrePlease meet at Information Counter, Neo Tiew entranceWebsite: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

26 Dec (Sun): Love MacRitchie Walk at the TreeTop Walk

Join a special edition of the Love MacRitchie Walk at the TreeTop Walk! This is the last of the free guided walks for the year, conducted by the NUS Toddycats!
The trail, which starts and ends at Venus Drive carpark, will take you through some pristine forests with towering trees – home to a surprising diversity of wildlife. Take in a bird’s eye view of the forest on the TreeTop Walk suspended 25 metres above ground.

This trail is about 6 kilometres long and will take at least 4 hours to complete. If you are up for a little challenge, you are in for a big treat!

Note: This walk is not suitable for young children, elderly and the physically challenged.

Limited spaces available! Register at http://lmwalk-26dec.eventbrite.sg

Time: 8am - 12noon
More details on their blog.

25 Dec (Fri): Mandarin guided tour at Sungei Buloh

Join us for a morning guided walk around the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
This guided walk is suitable for everyone, including families with children.

The walk will be cancelled in the event of rain. Number of participants is limited to 20 people. Minimum number of participants is 5. Register online.

Time: 9.30-11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Visitor Centre. Please meet at the Information Counter, Kranji Way entrance
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

24 Dec (Thu): Chek Jawa Intertidal Guided Tour

Join the NParks volunteers for a tour to discover and learn about Chek Jawa's six ecosystems and the diverse array of animals that inhabits these unique habitats.
Journey through the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre, 1.1km long boardwalk, Jejawi viewing tower and sandbar with experienced guides.

More details and registration online. 'waitlist' will appear once event is fully booked.

Time: 6pm
Venue: Pulau Ubin, Open Lawn (Chek Jawa Visitor Centre)
Cost: $60 per group (for a maximum of 15 people)

19 Dec (Sa): FREE Guided Herp Walk at Dairy Farm Nature Park

Herps are reptiles like lizards and snakes, and amphibians like frogs. Let the HSS volunteers introduce you to some delightful and interesting herps on this walk.
In an effort to promote an awareness of Singapore’s natural and historical heritage, and to promote conversations amongst Singaporeans, the HSS has begun the Herp Walk @ Dairy Farm Nature Park. We want to raise awareness, in particular, about Herps! These misunderstood creatures are often thought of as scary or unnecessary. But we want to show Singaporeans that Herps are important and integral to the Singaporean ecosystem! You can read about our previous Herp Walk at this link!

So, do come down for a leisurely stroll along the Nature Park. Let the guides regale you with tales about the transformation of the entire area over the years. Learn about this green space that plays home to amazing biodiversity! If you’re lucky, you might get to see some of our scaly friends! Best of all, it’s absolutely free! So don’t wait and register at this link!

Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Tree Top Walk. More details on their blog.
Website: https://herpsocsg.wordpress.com/

19 Dec (Sat): Ecolife Family Tour by the Riverplains

Ecolife is a free two-hour tour which introduces the park and the biodiversity found in Riverplains through the use of interactive exploration themes and activities. The tour aims to encourage family bonding between parents and child through the process of learning together. Join us as we take you through this tour with worksheets provided and fun hands on activities such as doing up your very own underwater viewing scope.

Pre-registration is required by emailing Pauline Tan pauline_tan@nparks.gov.sg. Provide your name, contact number and number of participants.

Time: 9-11am
Meeting point: Bishan- Ang Mo Kio Park Riverplains, multi-purpose shelter
Contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

19 Dec (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.

A tour in Mandarin is also conducted at 4pm.

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am (English) and 4pm (Mandarin), register at Visitor Centre, Nassim Gate, 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.nparks.gov.sg/

19 Dec (Sat): Kampong Tour at Pulau Ubin

Take a walk with us to experience Ubin's wonderful natural and cultural heritage. The walk takes about 2 hour to complete. The tour will start at the Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub and take you through the spice trees around Jelutong campsite, Butterfly Hill, Pekan Quarry, Sensory Trail Ponds, Kampong House, Old Bin Kiang School site, Toa Pek Kong Temple and end at the Wayang Stage. You will hear about the use of spices in cooking and the interesting history of the different sites.
Do you know what the Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub was in the 1970s? When was the Toa Pek Kong Temple built? If you would like to know, then this is an excellent introduction to the heritage of the island.

For all ages, children under the age of 13 to be under parental/guardian guidance.

Limited to 4 groups, each group a maximum of 15 people. Register online.

Time: 9.30-11.30am
Venue: Meet at Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub, a 10-min walk from Ubin Jetty. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin.
Cost: Guided tours charges: SGD$60.00 / Group (for a maximum of 15 people) Only payment via cheque are allowed until further notice. 4 groups per day allowed, each group can accommodate a maximum of 15 people
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

19 Dec (Sat): Coney Island Park Guided Tour

Did you know that Coney Island Park has a very interesting history?
Come follow our volunteer guide to find out more and learn more about the interesting flora and fauna found on the island.

Limited to 30 participants. Register online.

Time: 10 - 11am
Venue: Coney Island Park, West Entrance
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

19 Dec (Sat): What's in my mud?

The mud at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a key habitat for the plants and animals. This unique habitat is full of surprises!
Get close and personal to the mud and observe the rich biodiversity; critical to the ecosystem at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Join us for an interesting free guided walk featuring our lesser known creatures of the mudflats in Sungei Buloh.

Limited to 20 participants. Register online.

Time: 9.30am-11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wetland Centre, meet at the Information Counter.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

19 Dec (Sat): Ecolink@BKE Guided Walk

The Eco-Link@BKE is an ecological bridge that spans the Bukit Timah Expressway, connecting Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Central Catchment Nature Reserve. The first of its kind in Southeast Asia, its main purpose is to restore the ecological connection between two nature reserves, allowing wildlife to expand their habitat, genetic pool and survival chances.
Participants will have the opportunity to visit the Eco-Link@BKE led by NParks and volunteer guides and learn of its role and importance in the conservation of Singapore’s natural heritage.

More details and registration on the NParks website for 9am tour and 10.30am tour.

Time: 9 - 10.30am and 10.30 - 12 noon.
Venue: Meet at Dairy Farm Nature Park, Carpark B
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

19 Dec (Sat): The Magic Bojabi Tree - storytelling and tour for kids

Join us for this free fun-filled session of the “Reading With Nature” Series. Learn more about the fiercely guarded magical Bojabi tree with fruits of sweet mango – melon – pomegranate, and how the animals of Africa got to eat them.
This session will provide children with the opportunity to explore nature together with a storytelling session by the Junior Reading Ambassadors and a general tour around the Children’s Garden! This “Reading With Nature” Series is jointly organised by Singapore Botanic Gardens and the National Library Board.

Suitable for children in P1 – P6 levels.

Register online.

For enquiry, please contact the SBG Education Branch at 64719961 & 6465 0196 or through email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg.

Time: 4 - 5pm
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

17 Dec (Thu): Sara the Forgetful Dinosaur - Children's guided treasure hunt

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

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels

More details and registration online.

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

17 Dec (Thu): Overnight Nature Camp on St. John’s Island for kids

St. John’s Island, off the southern coast of Singapore, still has natural seashore ecosystems and amazing biodiversity. Here the coastal forest grows to meet natural sandy beaches, rocky shore and mangrove forest, to coral reefs off-shore. Dolphins are regularly sighted from this little island.
Cicada Tree Eco Place is organising an overnight nature camp for parents and kids. Activities planned for participants include nature-guided day/night/land/seashore walks, islandlife workshop and a slide show on the biodiversity of our offshore islands.

Dates: 17-18 December 2015
Ferry boarding to St.John’s at 10.00am on 17 Dec.
Ferry boarding at 10.45am, back in Singapore at 12.30pm on 18 Dec.

Accommodation:
Simple dormitory with single beds, communal toilets and bathrooms. Blankets and fresh sheets provided.

Meals:
To be self-catered. We will cook a simple pasta dish for dinner for all. Facilities at the dormitory include a kitchen and fridge, so you can cook instant noodles and store foodstuff.

Cost per adult: $100
Cost per kid 6 to 12 yrs old: $80
Kids 5 yrs and below: $15 each.
Payments are non-refundable but seats are transferable.

Please note:
-This camp is limited to only 40 participants.
-All participants will need to sign an indemnity form.
-There is no clinic, doctor or medic stationed on the island but quick evacuation is available in case of emergencies. It is a 20 min speedboat ride back to the mainland.
-The program, further details and instructions will be provided to confirmed participants.
-Payments are non-refundable but seats are transferable.

Registration: pls email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg with names of participants, kids' ages and your mobile no.

7-13 Dec: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family


Walks in wild places


Make a wild difference


For Nature Society (Singapore) member only


The school holidays are here!

Wondering what to do with the kids during the school holidays? Check out the highlights of exciting nature activities specially for kids!

And MORE fun school holiday activities to discover and enjoy Singapore's biodiversity!

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

13 Dec (Sun): Birdwatching at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a good place to learn how to identify the many migratory birds that overwinter in Singapore. For novice birdwatchers, come and let an expert show you how to separate a plover from a sandpiper, or a Marsh Sandpiper from the Greenshank. Differences between the birds may be subtle but once pointed out, you would be surprised to see that bird identification is not so difficult after all.

More details and registration on the NSS website.

Time: 7.30am - 11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

12 Dec (Sat): Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research Programme

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Horseshoe crabs (HSC) are in decline globally due to the loss of habitat, poaching and overfishing. They also get trapped in abandoned fishing nets and need our help to set them free. With such concerns, NSS aims to continually monitor our local HSC population to ensure that they stay around for many generations to come. Things to bring: cap, shoes/booties, sunblock, repellent, cutter for horseshoe crab rescue and camera. Washing facilities available after the event.

Please register http://tinyurl.com/nsshscreg. Details will be emailed upon registration. For enquiries please contact Vanitha (thanetha@hotmail.com). More details on the NSS website.

Time: 4 - 7pm
Venue: Kranji Loop. Details will be emailed upon successful registration.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

12 Dec (Sat): Butterfly Walk at Bukit Panjang Park

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Our last NSS visit to Bukit Panjang Park was on 31 August 2013, when new condominiums were being constructed alongside the park. Butterfly life was relatively good then despite the environmental disturbances. Two years on, we wonder if butterfly life is as vibrant as before. Come explore the Bukit Panjang park area, located in the neighbourhood of the Wallace Dairy Farm and Bukit Timah forests. These forests are thought to be the probable source of forest butterflies such as the Horsfield’s Baron, Plain Nawab, Bigg’s Brownie and Grey Pansy spotted here in the past.

More details and registration on the NSS website.

Time: 9.30am - 11.30am
Venue: Bukit Panjang Park
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

12 Dec (Sat): Ecolife Family Tour by the Riverplains

Ecolife is a free two-hour tour which introduces the park and the biodiversity found in Riverplains through the use of interactive exploration themes and activities. The tour aims to encourage family bonding between parents and child through the process of learning together. Join us as we take you through this tour with worksheets provided and fun hands on activities such as doing up your very own underwater viewing scope.

Pre-registration is required by emailing Pauline Tan pauline_tan@nparks.gov.sg. Provide your name, contact number and number of participants.

Time: 9-11am
Meeting point: Bishan- Ang Mo Kio Park Riverplains, multi-purpose shelter
Contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12 Dec (Sat): Bats are Beautiful! - night walk for kids

Bats are awesome flying mammals. They are important to us as they help pollinate plants that in turn produce fruit for us. Insect-eating bats help control our pest populations, while fruit-eating bats help disperse seeds that contribute to our forests’ growth. Sign up now to enjoy a fun lesson and bat-watching session, combined into one thrilling evening!
Join this night walk led by Cicada Tree Eco Place which is part of the 'Connecting with Nature' programme.

To register, email NParks_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg. Please provide your name, contact number and number of participants. After which, payment has to be made by cheque by 6 December 2015.

Time: 6 - 8pm
Venue: HortPark, Greenhouse
Cost: $25 per person
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/



12 Dec (Sat): A walk with your neighbours - the macaques of MacRitchie

The long-tailed macaques are the most conspicuous animals at Macritchie Reservoir Park. Although commonly seen, they are very misunderstood. Few seeing them realise anything about the social world these monkeys live in. They have kin networks, power struggles, friends, foes, and an otherwise complex social network. In many ways, they provide a mirror of our own sociality.
If you would like to learn more about your community and the interesting world of your neighbouring macaques at Macritchie, please join our free walk, led by experts from the Jane Goodall Institute Singapore.

Suitable for adults and children above 8 years.

Register at sg.monkey.walk@gmail.com, at least 3 days in advance. Do provide us with your preferred date, name, contact number (in case of cancellation, we will contact you), number of adult and children participants (at most, 5 participants per registration). Upon receiving your registration, we will reply with a confirmation email. The walk will be cancelled if there is bad weather 45 minutes before the walk.

Time: 5-6.30pm
Venue: Meet at Mushroom Cafe at Macritchie Reservoir Park. The walk will be at Macritchie Reservoir Park, Lawn @ Paddle Lodge
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12 Dec (Sat): Sara the Forgetful Dinosaur - Children's guided treasure hunt

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

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels

More details and registration online.

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

12 Dec (Sat): Coney Island Park Guided Tour

Did you know that Coney Island Park has a very interesting history?
Come follow our volunteer guide to find out more and learn more about the interesting flora and fauna found on the island.

Limited to 30 participants. Register online.

Time: 10 - 11am
Venue: Coney Island Park, West Entrance
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12 Dec (Sat): What's in my mangrove?

Mangrove forests are living borders of the freshwater and salt water. Out of 73 true mangroves species worldwide, 22 can be found in Sungei Buloh. Join us for a lovely morning walk and get to know the mangrove trees and plants of Sungei Buloh.
Limited to 20 participants. Register online.

Time: 9.30am-11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Visitor Centre. Please meet at the Information Counter, Kranji Way entranceWebsite: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

12 Dec (Sat): Bird Watching along the Southern Ridges

Join us for this free birdwatching tour at the Southern Ridges, where up to 43 species of birds have been spotted so far. Volunteer guides from STMicroelectronics will take you through the Forest Walk and the Singing Forest in search of these beautiful birds. Do bring along a pair of binoculars or a camera with a zoom function for a better experience.

Maximum group size 60 persons. The activity will only commence when there are at least 15pax and we will inform you of the confirmation latest 6 days before the activity date.

More details and registration online.

Time: 7.30-9.30am
Meeting Point: Mount Faber Park, Entrance of Henderson Waves
Contact: Lee_Li_Pei@nparks.gov.sg .
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12 Dec (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

11 Dec (Fri): Photography Workshop for kids

Nature Through The Lens, a free Photography Workshop by Canon for kids
Photo from the Canon Academy.
Join us this December and get a chance to explore the basic components of photography using a DSLR camera! There will be a theory session, followed by a practical session where participants will be able to explore the Singapore Botanic Gardens with the cameras. Thereafter, a sharing session will be set up to review and provide feedback on the photographs submitted by the participants.

Suitable for children in P3 – P6 levels

More details and registration online.

Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Botany Centre, Classroom 1 & 2 (Level 3)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

10 Dec (Thu): Let’s Discover Plants and Animals - a guided tour for kids

Do you know that the garden is not only a home to plants, but also many fascinating animals, such as, birds, frogs, squirrels, butterflies, dragonflies, ants and earthworms? Be amazed by the many different types of animals you can find in the Singapore Botanic Gardens! Learn fascinating facts about wildlife in the Gardens and pick up tips on respecting them in nature and our environment. You may even have the chance to get up-close-and-personal with an oriental whip snake and a monitor lizard too!

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels. Register online.

Time: 10-11am
Venue: Botany Centre, Tanglin Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fee: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg or call  Education at 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg 

8 Dec (Tue): “Grow With Nature” Drama for kids: Ice in the Forest

Through nature, we can learn and grow in character. The rich biodiversity in nature makes it a good teaching tool to develop children’s character through dramatization. Children will be encouraged to care for nature and to be aware of its biodiversity. Learn why you should think before you act in this workshop.
Suitable for children in K1 – P6 Levels.

Register online.

For enquiry, please contact the SBG Education Branch at 64719961 and 6465 0196 or through email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg.

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

5 Dec (Sat): Forest Clean Up @ Pulau Ubin

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Pulau Ubin is classified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) with a variety of habitats where various animals and plants thrive. This festive season, make a difference at this charming and rustic island by helping to clean up its forest. Along the way, learn about the negative effects of litter on our environment and us. Learn also to implement the “Leave No Trace” concept in your daily life to be better stewards of nature.

More details and registration on the NSS website.

Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm
Venue: Pulau Ubin
Cost: $6 for 2-way ferry ride to and from Pulau Ubin.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

5 Dec (Sat): Ecolife Family Tour by the Riverplains

Ecolife is a free two-hour tour which introduces the park and the biodiversity found in Riverplains through the use of interactive exploration themes and activities. The tour aims to encourage family bonding between parents and child through the process of learning together. Join us as we take you through this tour with worksheets provided and fun hands on activities such as doing up your very own underwater viewing scope.

Pre-registration is required by emailing Pauline Tan pauline_tan@nparks.gov.sg. Provide your name, contact number and number of participants.

Time: 9-11am
Meeting point: Bishan- Ang Mo Kio Park Riverplains, multi-purpose shelter
Contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

5 Dec (Sat): Young Naturalist Camp 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.
Limited to 40 children. More details and registration online.

Time: 9am- 5pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wetland Centre. Meet at Information Counter (Neo Tiew Crescent entrance)
Cost: Registration fee of $5 for the camp will go into SBWR education fund. Please make your cheque payable to Garden City Fund. The form and cheque to be posted to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR), 301 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718925. Acknowledgment e-mail will be sent upon receiving the form and cheque. Each participant needs to purchase a 50 cents young naturalist passport at the registration table.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

5 Dec (Sat): Let’s Discover Plants and Animals - a guided tour for kids

Do you know that the garden is not only a home to plants, but also many fascinating animals, such as, birds, frogs, squirrels, butterflies, dragonflies, ants and earthworms? Be amazed by the many different types of animals you can find in the Singapore Botanic Gardens! Learn fascinating facts about wildlife in the Gardens and pick up tips on respecting them in nature and our environment. You may even have the chance to get up-close-and-personal with an oriental whip snake and a monitor lizard too!

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels. Register online.

Time: 10-11am
Venue: Botany Centre, Tanglin Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fee: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg or call  Education at 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg 

5 Dec (Sat): Coney Island Park Guided Tour

Did you know that Coney Island Park has a very interesting history?
Come follow our volunteer guide to find out more and learn more about the interesting flora and fauna found on the island.

Limited to 30 participants. Register online.

Time: 10 - 11am
Venue: Coney Island Park, West Entrance
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

5 Dec (Sat): What's in my water?

What's that swimming in the water? A fish, a worm, an insect or a crocodile!? Join us for an interesting morning walk getting to know the creatures and plants that lives in and around the water edges of Sungei Buloh.
Limited to 20 participants. Register online.

Time: 9.30am-11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Visitor Centre. Please meet at Information Counter, Visitor Centre (Kranji Way entrance)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

5 Dec (Sat): Fun walk along the Southern Ridges

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

Maximum group size 60 persons. The activity will only commence when there are at least 15pax and we will inform you of the confirmation latest 6 days before the activity date.

More details and registration online.

Time: 9-11am
Venue: Telok Blangah Hill Park, Multipurpose Plaza
Meeting Point: Entrance of Henderson Waves at the Mount Faber Park side
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

5 Dec (Sat): Ecolink@BKE Guided Walk

The Eco-Link@BKE is an ecological bridge that spans the Bukit Timah Expressway, connecting Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Central Catchment Nature Reserve. The first of its kind in Southeast Asia, its main purpose is to restore the ecological connection between two nature reserves, allowing wildlife to expand their habitat, genetic pool and survival chances.
Participants will have the opportunity to visit the Eco-Link@BKE led by NParks and volunteer guides and learn of its role and importance in the conservation of Singapore’s natural heritage.

More details and registration on the NParks website for 9am tour and 10.30am tour.

Time: 9 - 10.30am and 10.30 - 12 noon.
Venue: Meet at Dairy Farm Nature Park, Carpark B
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

5 Dec (Sat): Tour of the Healing Garden, Botanic Gardens

Launched in October 2011, the Healing Garden 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.
Please note that the Healing Garden is closed every Tuesday, and opened 5am - 7.30pm daily. Admission is free.

Registration is required 15 minutes before the tour at the Visitor Centre. Mandarin tours are only available at 10am. English tours are available for all slots. This tour repeats every First Saturday of the Month.

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: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

5 Dec (Sat): Free Pasir Ris Mangrove boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

Specially for kids and families, explore Pasir Ris mangroves with volunteer nature guides from the Naked Hermit Crabs on this FREE guided tour of the boardwalk!
During our evening stroll through this interesting but often overlooked mangrove, 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/

30 Nov (Mon): Plants and Their Habitats -- a guided tour for kids

Just like us, plants need a home to provide themselves with food and shelter. Plant habitats are diverse, which include gardens, ponds and even deserts.
During this tour, children will be led to observe different plant habitats and explore the features of plants and understand how certain adaptations help plants survive.

For enquiry, please contact the SBG Education Branch at 64719961 & 6465 0196 or through email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg.

Suitable for children in K1 - P6 levels. Register online.

Time: 10-11am
Venue: Botany Centre, Tanglin Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult. Please make the payment on the spot on the event date itself.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

30 Nov (Mon): Island-A-Hand with Outward Bound Singapore

OBS presents Project Island-A-Hand, an opportunity for volunteers to appreciate and conserve the natural environment for our community.

What can you expect to do?

  • Get down and dirty with your trusty hands to restore Mother Earth
  • A short trek to off-the hidden paths of Pulau Ubin
  • Reforestation of Tanjong Tajam @ the Western Tip of Pulau Ubin
  • Coastal Clean-up @ the Southern Coast of Pulau Ubin
  • Environmental educational talk by Ms Ria Tan of wildsingapore
  • Networking session with fellow youthful nature enthusiasts!
  • Light breakfast and Lunch will be provided

To register as a volunteer (minimum 14 years old) for the project, please register by 8pm, 22 Nov 2015.

More details and registration on the OBS website or OBS facebook page

Time: 8am – 3pm, registration starts at 7.45am
Reporting location: OB Reception Centre at Punggol Point, 22 Punggol Road, Track 19, Singapore 828871
Website: https://www.obs.nyc.gov.sg/

23-29 Nov: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family



Walks in wild places



Make a wild difference


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

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

29 Nov (Sun): Paint Along with Pui San at Sungei Buloh

Conducted by Mr Tham Pui San, a volunteer of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Pui San is an avid artist who expresses his passion for nature through his art work. Bring along your art materials and enjoy learning different drawing techniques at Sungei Buloh.
More in the art in the wetlands blog.

Limited to 20 persons. Register online.

Time: 8.30-11.30am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Visitor Centre. Meet at Api Api Lab (Kranji Way entrance)
Website: http://artinwetlands.wordpress.com/ and http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

29 Nov (Sun): Love MacRitchie walk with the Toddycats

Join enthusiastic volunteer guides who will share with you stories about the amazing plants and animals living in our precious forest heritage at Venus Loop. This series of free guided walks for the public are conducted by The Toddycats, volunteer nature guides of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, for the Love Our MacRitchie Forest movement
More information and online registration at the Love MacRitchie Forest blog.

28 Nov (Sat): Young Naturalist Camp 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.
Limited to 40 children. Register online. Acknowledgment e-mail will be sent upon receiving the form and cheque.

Time: 9am- 5pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wetland Centre. Meet at Information Counter (Neo Tiew Crescent entrance)
Cost: Registration fee of $5 for the camp will go into SBWR education fund. Please make your cheque payable to Garden City Fund. The form and cheque to be posted to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR), 301 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718925. Acknowledgment e-mail will be sent upon receiving the form and cheque. Each participant needs to purchase a 50 cents young naturalist passport at the registration table.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401