wild happenings in singapore: March 2015

23-29 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Wild walks

29 Mar (Sun): Birdwatching at Lorong Halus

Open to the public - registration needed.

To celebrate 2015 World Water Day, we will conduct a birdwatching walk at Lorong Halus in collaboration with PUB. In 2011, PUB created the Lorong Halus Wetland to help purify water that flows through the former rubbish dump.

For years, Little Grebes have made their home at Lorong Halus. Grassland birds like Yellow-bellied Prinias, Munias, Baya Weavers and Long-tailed Shrikes thrive here. NSS guides will introduce these birds and more.

Maximum 60 participants. Register online.

Time: 7.30am - 12noon
Meeting point: Popeye Restaurant at Tebing Lane off Punggol East.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

29 Mar (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.

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/

28 Mar (Sat): Fascinating Forest at Labrador

Labrador Nature Reserve has played a significant role in the early years of trading and in the defence of Singapore during World War II. Discover the rich heritage of Labrador Nature Reserve, explore Singapore's only coastal cliff vegetation, and learn how plants in the nature reserve play an important role in the ecosystem by supporting the different life forms. Some walking required, thus participants should be reasonably fit.

Register online.

Time: 9.30-11am
Venue: Labrador Nature Reserve,
Berlayer Shade and Tanjong Berlayer, Meeting point at the sheltered pavilion at Labrador Park MRT
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg

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

Take your family on a leisurely stroll through the Southern Ridges, a soothing sanctuary of greenery that is steeped in history and home to some of nature's greatest gifts of flora and fauna.

Highlights of the free tour include the Henderson Waves, Sembcorp Forest of Giants, Forest Walk and Singing Forest.

This free walk is conducted by the Sembcorp volunteer guides. The walk is free and made possible by Garden City Fund and Sembcorp. This event is part of the Connecting with Nature programme at the Southern Ridges.

Register online.

Time: 9-11am
Venue: Telok Blangah Hill Park, Multipurpose Plaza
Meeting Point: Entrance of Henderson Waves
Contact: Linda_SL_Goh@nparks.gov.sg
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

28 Mar (Sat): Art in Nature with Jerome Pang

Started in June 2010 and resumed early 2013, this Nature Art workshop is for the serious artists and those with relevant art background. Get ready to busy yourself with sketchpads and paint brushes at Dairy Farm Nature Park. Volunteer leader, Jerome Pang will be sharing and guiding volunteers and participants to develop their art skills while raising awareness on conservation and native biodiversity.

Suitable for individuals age 16 and above. Each session a maximum of 15 people.

Register online.

Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park, Wallace Education Learning Lab (WELL)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

28 Mar (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 guided walk featuring our lesser known creatures of the mudflats in Sungei Buloh.

Limited to 20 participants, register on the NParks website.

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

16-22 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Wild walks

Wild volunteer opportunity

Island-wide Horseshoe Crab Population and Distribution Survey

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!

22 Mar (Sun): Nature Trail Walk with the BES Drongos

Come on an invigorating walk along the Petai Trail! Learn more about nature spaces in Singapore and the biodiversity found in our physical landscape of the secondary forest at Macritchie Reservoir Park. The walk is on gravel path and boardwalk, some elevation but no steep stairs.

The BES Drongos are a group of nature lovers from the Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) programme who have come together to manage guided walks on nature trails open to everyone! We want to bring people to appreciate and understand local biodiversity and our ecological systems in Singapore through our guided walks on the Petai Trail at Macritchie Reservoir Park.

Registration required online at besdrongos.eventbrite.sg

Time: 8.45am-12noon
Meeting point: Mushroom cafe at the entrance of Macritchie Reservoir Park
Website: http://besdrongos.wordpress.com

21 Mar (Sat): Ecolife 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 or call 6554 51326

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

21 Mar (Sat): Birdwatching at 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.

This programme is brought to you by the Garden City Fund and STMicroelectronics. This event is part of the Connecting with Nature programme at the Southern Ridges.

Register online.

Time: 7.30-9.30am
Venue: Meet at Telok Blangah Hill Park, Multi-Purpose Plaza
Contact: Lee_Li_Pei@nparks.gov.sg .
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

21 Mar (Sat): Nature Appreciation Walk at Lower Peirce

Re-discover the wonders of Lower Peirce through this free nature appreciation guided walk. Along the shady, cool boardwalk, discover and learn about the amazing plants and animals that can be found along the trails.

Keep an eye out for pitcher plants, Macaranga (Ant-plant) and Nibong palms as well as macaques and on lucky days we might even get spot the Flying lemur (Colugo) in action. Gain a greater appreciation of Singapore’s rich natural heritage and the need to protect it for our future generations.

What to bring: Water, rain gear, umbrella, hat
What to wear: Comfortable T-shirt, long pants, and covered hiking shoes
Group Size: Max 15 participants per group

All Participants needs to be registered. Register online.

Time: 9.30-11.30am
Venue: Lower Peirce Board Walk. Meet at entrance of Hevea Trail.
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

21 Mar (Sat): Nature Appreciation Walk at Bukit Batok Nature Park

Bukit Batok Nature Park was developed around the abandoned quarry site in 1988. The serene ambience of the park provides and ideal backdrop for a peaceful nature walks.

Join us for a free Guided Nature Appreciation Walk to find out more about the flora & fauna that can be found in the Nature Park!

What to bring: Water, rain gear, umbrella, hat
What to wear: Comfortable T-shirt, long pants, and covered hiking shoes
Group Size: Max 15 participants per group

Registration required online.

Time: 9.30-11.30am
Venue: Bukit Batok Nature Park, meet near to shelter & toilet block)
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

21 Mar (Sat): 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.

21 Mar (Sat): Flying Colours! The Butterflies of HortPark

Did you know that close to 25 species of butterflies reside in HortPark's Butterfly Garden? Come observe them and their caterpillars in their natural habitat! Learn what they love to eat, and why they are beneficial to our environment. Join us on this special guided walk for kids from 5-12 years old and get to know our native butterflies.

This event is conducted by Cicada Tree Eco Place.

To register, email your name, contact and number of participants to NParks_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg.

Time: 9.30-11.30am
Venue HortPark, Greenhouse Workshop
Cost: $25 per child

Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

21 Mar (Sat): Island-wide Horseshoe Crab Population and Distribution Survey

Open to the public, registration required.

The Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research team will conduct an island-wide population and distribution survey from 4.30pm to 7.30pm at various locations in Singapore. Volunteers are needed for this effort. Training will be provided. More details will be emailed to those who sign up.

For enquires or registration, please email Kerry Pereira at kerry@nss.org.sg.

Time : 4.30-7.30pm
Location : Various sites in Singapore. More details will be emailed to those who sign up.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

21 Mar (Sat): Pulau Ubin Kampong Tour Guided Walk

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 here.

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.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

21 Mar (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 here.

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

21 Mar (Sat): Let's Learn About Butterflies and Moths!

Join us on this talk and tour to learn about these winged beauties!

Discover the similarities and differences between moths and butterflies and how to look for some of their caterpillars. Learn about their life cycles, their friends and foes, their habits and the plants they depend on! Get up close and personal with some caterpillars and hopefully butterflies as you observe them in nature!

Suitable for children in K1 – P6 levels. Register online here.

For enquiry and registration, please contact the Education at 64719961 or 6465 0196 or through email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg. Register online here.

Time: 9.30-10am
Cost: $9 per child (includes $2.50 "Adventure with Plants, Sara at the Evolution Garden" workbook) and $9 per accompanying adult.
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/

20 Mar (Fri): Nite Critter Watch at Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk for kids

This location is very good for a night critter walk and that’s why we keep going back there. As dusk falls, we look out for emerging bats and observe their acrobatic feeding flight.

We explore deep into the mangrove forest via the extensive boardwalks to look for other nocturnal critters such as the Dog-faced Watersnake, Crab-eating Watersnake and Black-crowned Night-heron. Tree-climbing crabs may 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. Fireflies live in this forest. Though only seasonally numerous, we should meet some. Other exciting critters met here include the Reticulated Python, Palm Civet and Mangrove Flatworm. This easy walk is on level pathways and wooden boardwalks. We will take a snack break at one of the shelters.

Please note:

Remember to bring torchlight with batteries, and poncho/raincoat/umbrella, fully-filled refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent.
Do have an early dinner before coming.
Please wear full length long pants, tee-shirt, socks and covered shoes. Long-sleeved shirt is recommended.

To register please email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg with names of participants, kids' ages & your mobile no.

Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Cost: $13 per pax (adult or kid). Free for kids aged 5 yrs and below accompanying adult participants.
Venue: Pasir Ris Park Mangrove Boardwalk
Meeting Point: We meet at 6.15pm outside the public toilet building at right side of Car Park C at end of Pasir Ris Green Road which is off Pasir Ris Drive 3 Road. Walk ends at 8.30pm back at starting point.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

19 Mar (Thu): Nature Keeper Programme

Designed to stimulate the interest of the young and inculcate in them an appreciation of our forests, the Nature Keeper Programme Workshop will be carried out at the Bukit Timah and Central Catchment Nature Reserves. Beyond the workshops, the programme also aims to nurture young volunteers in active protection and conservation of our natural heritage.

Suitable for children 7 - 11 years old (Primary 1 to 5)

Minimum of 12 children, Maximum of 30 children. To register, please email Umi_Kalthum_Ahmad_Shah@Nparks.gov.sg or Jeanne_Tan@Nparks.gov.sg

Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park, Wallace Environmental Learning Lab
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

19 Mar (Thu): Adventure with Plants - Sara at the Evolution Garden

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

Suitable for children in K1 – P6 levels.

For enquiry and registration, please contact the Education at 64719961 or through email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg. Register online here.

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $8.50 per child (includes $2.50 "Adventure with Plants, Sara at the Evolution Garden" workbook) and $6 per accompanying adult.
Venue: Visitor Centre, Central Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/

18 Mar (Wed): Mangrove Forest Walk at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for kids

From its newly opened Visitor Centre to its Wetland Centre at Neo Tiew Crescent. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve’s new main entrance and visitor centre was recently opened in December last year. Its new facilities include a coastal boardwalk with elevated segments. We walk from here to end at the Reserve’s Wetland Centre which was its previous visitor centre, about 1.5km away. Our route takes us onto level dirt trails and wooden boardwalks.

This very important Nature Reserve is a wildlife wonderland. Here many kinds of living things can easily be observed and studied in their natural homes in the wild. The mangrove and coastal forest habitats here are homes to an incredible diversity of birds, reptiles, mammals, fishes, insects and many other unique life forms, all quite easily encountered. The amazing Mangrove forest is the main ecosystem in this reserve, home to cute mudskippers, monitor lizards and tree-climbing crabs. Across the Straits of Johor, we must look out for the Osprey, a majestic fishing eagle, who is usually found perched on the kelong poles.

Please note:

Bring refillable water bottle, poncho/raincoat/umbrella, hat, snacks, herbal mosquito repellent.
Wear full-length long pants, socks and fully-covered shoes. Long-sleeved shirt is recommended, otherwise teeshirt will do.
Currently there is no food shop at this location.
Wheelchair and stroller are possible but it will be a very bumpy ride as the dirt trail is pebbly.

To register please email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg with names of participants, kids' ages & your mobile no.

Time: 10am- 12noon
Cost: $13 per participant. Participants' kids/siblings aged 5 yrs and below come along free.
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Meeting Point: We meet at 9.45am at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve’s new visitor centre which is now situated beside the Kranji Dam at Kranji Way Road. End Point: At Sungei Buloh’s previous visitor centre now known as the ‘Wetland Centre’ which is at the reserve’s other entrance at Neo Tiew Crescent.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

18 Mar (Wed): "Grow With Nature" A Magic Tree - A Drama Workshop for kids

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 dramatisation. Children will be encouraged to care for nature and to be aware of its biodiversity. In this workshop, learn the importance of having good manners.

Suitable for children in K1 – P6 levels.

Register online here. For enquiry, please contact the SBG Education Branch at 64719961 & 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/

16 Mar (Mon): Waterside Forest walk at Lower Peirce Reservoir for kids

Our priceless Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) consists of the reservoirs of MacRitchie, Lower and Upper Peirce, Lower and Upper Seletar, and the crucial rainforests that surround them.
The rainforest here creates rain and catches rainfall, storing it in its ecosystem, and drop by drop form streams slowly winding through the forest into the reservoirs. So in Singapore, we are also drinking water that has been made and filtered by rainforests!

Singapore World Water Day falls on 21st March 2015, with water-themed activities organised by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and its partners to create awareness about the importance of water and how we all can conserve, value and enjoy it with care. To commemorate this event and help promote its aims, we visit Lower Peirce Reservoir to walk its canopied forest trails, along its reservoir banks and forest stream.

The Lower and Upper Peirce reservoirs are actually the headwater site of the Kalang River. The forest streams here are this river’s origins, to flow and join with the Geylang and Singapore Rivers before they together meet the sea (but now the Marina Barrage).

The CCNR is still home to many native wildlife, most already gone extinct in other parts of de-forested, highly developed Singapore where they once lived. Here live pangolin, mousedeer, colugo and wild pig. Also Gold-ringed Catsnake, Black-bearded Flying Dragon, Banded Woodpecker and Greater Racket-tailed Drongo. At water’s edge, jewel-like dragon and damsel flies flit about. White-bellied Fish-eagles hunt over the reservoir. The orange Four-ridged Toad calls at the forest stream and we may spot the well-camouflaged Copper-cheeked Frog on a leaf. Both depending on an unpolluted source of water for their tadpoles. Yes, we still have so much wild nature so close to the city.

Please note:

Bring refillable water bottle, poncho/raincoat/umbrella, hat, snacks, herbal mosquito repellent.
Wear full-length long pants, socks and fully-covered shoes. Long-sleeved shirt is recommended, otherwise teeshirt will do.

To register please email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg with names of participants, kids' ages & your mobile no.

Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm
Cost: $13 per participant. Participants' kids/siblings aged 5 yrs and below come along free.
Venue: Lower Peirce Reservoir Park
Meeting Point: We meet at 9.30am at the main entrance of Lower Peirce Reservoir Park at Old Upper Thomson Road, outside the toilet building. End Point: This walk ends at another entry point to the boardwalk at Old Upper Thomson Road which is nearer to the Casuarina Road junction. Participants may want to exit here to have lunch at the Casuarina Road shops. For those who want to walk back to the starting point and car park, we will do so by back-tracking.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

9-15 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Wild walks

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!

15 Mar (Sun): Pulau Ubin evening to night critter walk for kids

Night time on Ubin is magical. The stars shine bright here away from our urban light pollution. The air here is perfumed by night flowering trees and wildflowers. We will visit the vegetable and herb garden at dusk and walk the quiet roads as it gets dark. We then visit the nearby ponds to look for frogs and Swamp Eels. Ubin’s active-at-night wild critters that we hope to bump into include the Palm Civet, Spotted Wood-owl and Wild Pigs.

The guide’s spotlight may pick out sleeping snakes all coiled up on branches. Greater Mousedeers live in the forests here but they are very shy animals! We will pop by the scorpions’ hide-out in the bamboo grove. This walk at night will only be on the level main road and we will not be going off-trail into the forest.

Please note:

Please have an early dinner before meeting for this walk. Changi Village hawker centre is open till late so you can still have supper after the walk.
Remember to bring torchlight and batteries, and poncho/raincoat/umbrella, fully filled refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent, snacks.
Please wear full length long pants, tee-shirt, socks and fully covered shoes. Long-sleeved shirt is recommended.

To register please email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg with names of participants, kids' ages & your mobile no.

Time: 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Cost: $13 per participant. Free only for participants’ kids/siblings aged 5 yrs and below. Cost excludes the bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin at $2.50 per person one way.
Meeting Point: We meet at 5.30pm at street level main entrance of Changi Jetty (also known as Changi Point Ferry Terminal) at Lorong Bekukong, 5 mins walk away from Changi Village hawker centre. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin. Walk ends around 8.00pm back at Ubin Jetty.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

14 Mar (Sat): Birdwatching at Bukit Brown

Open to the public - registration needed.

NSS will partner the Bukit Brownies to celebrate the anniversary of Bukit Brown's listing on World Monument Watch. We will conduct a birdwatching walk at the rich cultural and natural heritage site of Bukit Brown. Please visit www.bukitbrown.com for details including information on registration.

Please visit www.bukitbrown.com for details including information on registration

14 Mar (Sat): Nature Hike - Explore Nature Areas near Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

While Bukit Timah Nature reserve takes a break for improvement works, take this opportunity to discover other nature areas such as Dairy Farm Nature Park, Bukit Batok Nature Park and Singapore Quarry. Explore nature areas around Bukit Timah Nature Reserve by joining us on a nature hike. The nature hikes are conducted free of charge.

Route: Kampong Trail – Durian Loop* - Kampong Trail (approximately 1.5 - 2 hours). Participants to expect undulating, muddy terrains, and uphill trails at Durian Loop.

Each session is open to a maximum of 25 people. Please take note that registration is required for EACH PERSON that is attending the walk. If you are coming with a group of friends, please register for them as well. Register online here and here.

Times: 8.30-12.30pm and 9.30am-12.30pm
Meeting Point: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Start of Kampong Trail (Near the grass patch with monkey educational boards). Limited parking at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve during period of closure, visitors are encouraged to come via public transport
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

14 Mar (Sat): Prawn and Fish Harvesting Demo at Sungei Buloh

Once again we bring you on a journey back to the past, where the history of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as prawn and fish farms is one not to be ignored. The importance of mangroves as a spawning place and nursery for prawns and other life played an important role in shaping Sungei Buloh today. The traditional method of prawn harvesting will be demonstrated and how the tidal influence play a part in this activity will be brought to life.

Please be at the Wetland Centre (Neo Tiew entrance), Information Counter by 9.30 am. You will be led by a guide to the demonstration site.

Limited to 30 persons. Registration required online here.

Time: 9.30-11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wetland Centre. Meet at Information Counter (Neo Tiew Crescent)

14 Mar (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 walk, led by experts from the Jane Goodall Institute Singapor e.

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/

14 Mar (Sat): Rainforest Tour at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

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

14 Mar (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 between the age of 7 to 12 years old. Register online here.

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

Time: 9am- 5pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wetland Centre. Meet at Information Counter (Neo Tiew Crescent entrance)
Cost: Registration fee: $5 (inclusive of materials, 2 tea breaks and 1 lunch)
Participants to purchase a 50 cents Young Naturalist Passport. There will be refunds in case of no attendance.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

14 Mar (Sat): What's in my mangroves?

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 here.

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

14 Mar (Sat): World of Flowers Trail for kids

In tandem with the 'World of Flowers' Exhibition at the CDL Gallery, this guided tour invites participants to take a closer look at parts of a flower and understand their forms and functions. Enter into a world of colours and let the mysterious roles of flowers unfold before you!

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

Time: 10-11am
Venue: CDL Gallery, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult. Make payment on the spot on the event date itself.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/Contact: SBG Education Branch at 64719961or 6465 0196 or email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg.

14 Mar (Sat): I heART Nature Workshop

This interactive free parent-child bonding session includes interesting art and craft activities and a short nature appreciation walk.

For children ages 5 to 7. Child must be accompanied by 1 parent. Maximum 10 children. Register online here.

Time: 9-10.30am
Venue: Wallace Education Centre, Dairy Farm Nature Park
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

14 Mar (Sat): Free Chek Jawa boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

The Naked Hermit Crabs introduce you to Chek Jawa without getting your feet wet. Even though we are not going on to the shore, there is still much to see and enjoy. There are monitor lizards, fiddler crabs, spiders, rare plants, wild boar, mudskippers and lots of fruit trees. If we are lucky, we might even spot the Oriental Pied Hornbill, White-bellied Sea Eagle and the giant Atlas Moth.

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

More details on the event and how to get to Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin on the Adventures with the Naked Hermit Crabs blog.

Time: 9.30am meet at the Chek Jawa Info Kiosk, Pulau Ubin.
Duration: Two hours
Cost: no charge for now, but donations accepted.
Website: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/
Contact: nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com

2-8 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Wild walks

8 Mar (Sun): Nature Trail Walk with the BES Drongos

7 Mar (Sat): Art in Nature @ Dairy Farm Nature Park

Suitable for individuals age 16 and above

Register online

Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park, Wallace Education Learning Lab (WELL)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

7 Mar (Sat): Seeker's Trail Family Games Day

Join this treasure hunt trail and fight myopia. Get a free copy of the "Seeker's Trail" booklet and follow Kyle the Kingfisher, Lynn the Leopard cat and a pack of local animals as they battle evil creatures that vow to make the whole world myopic.

Join in our live-storytelling session where characters in the books get brought to life, along with a host of educational games about myopia. Fighting myopia has never been more fun! Sign up early and grab a free goodie-bag.

For children aged 5-9, and their parents.

The event is free but pre-registration is required on www.seeksingapore.com/events

The event is organised by SEEK (Stop the Eye Epidemic in Kids) which aims to encourage parents to take their kids for more outdoor play to combat the rising rates of myopia in Singapore.

Time: 4-7pm
Venue: West Coast Park
Website: http://www.seeksingapore.com/

7 Mar (Sat): Love MacRitchie walk with the Toddycats

More information and online registration at the Love MacRitchie Forest blog.

7 Mar (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.

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 free 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)

7 Mar (Sat): NSS Kids’ Fun with Singapore’s National Butterfly Finalists

Open to the public, registration required.

The Butterfly and Insect Group (BIG) hopes to name Singapore’s National Butterfly soon. Six pretty candidates have been shortlisted, namely the Common Birdwing, Common Rose, Painted Jezebel, Common Tiger, Common Tree Nymph and Knight. We are inviting the public (and kids) to vote the best butterfly representing the spirit of Singapore. Join BIG at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden where we hope to spot four out of the six national butterfly finalists, as well as a medley of other painted wings.

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, and let us have your mobile number. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

Time: 9.30-11.30am
Cost: A fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in at no charge.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

7 Mar (Sat): Muddy and his friends

Join Muddy and his friends for an adventure in the wetlands of Sungei Buloh. Be amazed listening to his interesting story and participate in the morning nature walk.

Suitable for children. Limited to 20 persons. Register online here.

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

23 Feb - 1 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Wild walks

Make a wild difference

Coastal Cleanup at Mandai Mudflats

Pages

visits to the blog

followers of wild happenings