22-28 Jun: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• 27-28 Jun: Festival of Biodiversity
• Storytime with Sara @ Heritage Core: Sara Goes Back in Time (A Guided Tour)
• Plants and Their Habitats (A guided tour for kids)

Walks in wild places

• Fascinating Forest at Labrador
• Paint along with Pui San at Sungei Buloh
• What's in my mud?

Wild talks

• 27 Jun (Sat): Talk on "World of Palms"

28 Jun (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/

27 Jun (Sat): Talk on "World of Palms"

Did you know that palms are one of the largest plant groups at the Gardens? They have even broken a number of records in the plant kingdom! From the longest stem to the biggest seeds, palms are truly an exceptional group of plants with numerous uses.

To commemorate World Environment Day in June, join our palms expert, Dr Adrian Loo, on an interactive session to appreciate the uses of these green gems. Learn fascinating facts about the critically endangered Tahini palm (Tahina spectabilis), as well as simple tips for growing healthy palms.

The talk is free but registration is required. Registration and more details on the Gardens by the Bay website.

Time:1-2.30pm
Cost: Free
Venue: Cannonball Room at Gardens by the Bay
Website: http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/

27 Jun (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

27 Jun (Sat): 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 & $6 per accompanying adult. Please make the payment on the spot on the event date itself.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

27-28 Jun: Festival of Biodiversity

Join us at the festival to explore and learn more about Singapore's rich biodiversity!

The Festival of Biodiversity is an annual event organized by the National Parks Board in collaboration with the Biodiversity Roundtable. Initiated in 2012 with the aim of creating awareness and fostering a sense of appreciation for our native biodiversity, this year the Festival is back bigger and better with the theme “Celebrating SG50: Our Natural Heritage", the Festival hopes to achieve greater outreach by showcasing Singapore’s impressive and unique array of flora and fauna. There will be many interactive stations and workshops for all ages!

Date: 27 to 28 June 2013 (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 10am to 10pm
Venue: VivoCity, Level 1, Central Court map and directions
Website and contact: http://festivalofbiodsg.wix.com/festivalofbiodsg

24 Jun (Wed): Storytime with Sara @ Heritage Core: Sara Goes Back in Time (A Guided Tour)

Sara, the Botanicosaurus, discovers a treasure chest of precious photos and items left behind by her grandmother, Nana. Each of these artefacts tells a story of the wonderful plants and people that have contributed to the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Join her as she explores the Gardens and uncover its rich heritage! Participants will go on a guided tour of the Heritage Museum and Heritage Core of the Gardens.

Suitable for children in K1 – P3 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: 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/

23 Jun (Tue): 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: 2.30-4pm
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

21 Jun (Sun): Coastal Clean-up at Mandai Mudflats

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Join us to clean up the Mandai Mudflats to benefit the wildlife that thrives here. Designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, this stretch of coastline is a key habitat for horseshoe crabs and an important feeding site for wading birds.

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/nssccreg. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

For enquiries, please contact Say Chong (nssccu@gmail.com).

Time: 8.30-11am
Venue: Mandai Mudflats. Details will be emailed upon successful registration
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

20 Jun (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.

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/

20 Jun (Sat): Muddy and his home

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.

Limited to 20 persons. Register online.

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

20 Jun (Sat): Nite Critter Watch at Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk for kids

This walk for kids is by Cicada Tree Eco Place. 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 and your mobile no.

Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Cost: $13 per pax (adult or kid). Free for kids aged 6 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 Jun (Fri): Sara Goes To The Supermarket Garden: Grow Your Own Edibles (A Guided Tour cum Planting Workshop)

Sara, with her siblings and friends, visit the Supermarket Garden in the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. Learn fascinating facts and hear interesting stories about the banana, peanut, soya bean, sugarcane, sweet potato and many more yummy fruits and vegetables in this special garden. Alongside learning about nutritious and delicious plants, participants will also have the opportunity to grow their own edible sprouts to bring home.

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

For enquiry, please contact the Education at 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 10-11am
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fee: $33.00 per child (includes $3.00 “Sara Goes to the Supermarket Garden’ workbook & planting materials). Please make the payment on the spot on the event date itself.
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg
Contact: 64719961 or nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg

16 Jun (Tue): Foliage Garden Tour (A guided tour for kids)

Join us for a guided tour of the Foliage Garden to learn about a wide array of ornamental plants boasting a colourful foliage of varying shapes and textures. Spot interesting plants that lend themselves to the beauty of nature as you stroll along the boardwalk.

Participants will learn that colours and diversity of plants do not rest solely on flowers!

Suitable for children in K1 - 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: 10-11.30am
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Tour will be held at Foliage Garden.
Cost: $9 per child and $9 per accompanying adult. Please make the payment on the spot on the event date itself.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

7-14 Jun: Highlights of the week ahead

Special this week! 13 Jun (Sat) and 14 Jun (Sun): Ubin Day 2015!

Ubin Day is Ubin Open House! Once a year, people and groups who love Ubin come together to organise special events for the public to celebrate Pulau Ubin. LOTS of kampung fun for all. Especially for kids the family, but also for adventurers, artists, photographers, nature lovers and so much more.

From the outdoors and adventure to heritage and nature. Walks, cycles, kayaking, stargazing, butterfly watching, and other outdoor and water activities. Also exhibitions, talks, demonstrations. From Ubin Town to the quarries, mangroves to the forests, and the shores and waters around Pulau Ubin. From morning to evening! Ubin Day activities are organised by passionate people who know and love Ubin. Most are free. More on the Ubin Day website and facebook page.

For kids and the family

• Chek Jawa Nature Exploration for kids
• I heART Nature Workshop for kids
• Storytime with Sara @ Heritage Core: Sara Goes Back in Time (A Guided Tour)

Walks in wild places

• Birdwatching at the Southern Ridges
• What's in my sky?
• A walk with your neighbours - the macaques of MacRitchie

June school holiday fun!

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

13-14 Jun (Sat, Sun): Ubin Day 2015!

Ubin Day is Ubin Open House! Once a year, people and groups who love Ubin come together to organise special events for the public to celebrate Pulau Ubin. LOTS of kampung fun for all. Especially for kids the family, but also for adventurers, artists, photographers, nature lovers and so much more.

From the outdoors and adventure to heritage and nature. Walks, cycles, kayaking, stargazing, butterfly watching, and other outdoor and water activities. Also exhibitions, talks, demonstrations. From Ubin Town to the quarries, mangroves to the forests, and the shores and waters around Pulau Ubin. From morning to evening!

Come experience Ubin's unique charms, laid-back kampung life and home-cooked makan!

Ubin Day activities are organised by passionate people who know and love Ubin. Most are free. Many require pre-registration as places are limited.

More on the Ubin Day website and facebook page.

13 Jun (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/

13 Jun (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, Visitor Centre. Meet at Information Counter (Kranji Way entrance)
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

13 Jun (Sat): Storytime with Sara @ Heritage Core: Sara Goes Back in Time (A Guided Tour)

Sara, the Botanicosaurus, discovers a treasure chest of precious photos and items left behind by her grandmother, Nana. Each of these artefacts tells a story of the wonderful plants and people that have contributed to the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Join her as she explores the Gardens and uncover its rich heritage! Participants will go on a guided tour of the Heritage Museum and Heritage Core of the Gardens.

Suitable for children in K1 – P3 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: 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/

13 Jun (Sat): I heART Nature Workshop for kids

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.

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

13 Jun (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. Meeting Point: Mount Faber Park, Entrance of Henderson Waves
Contact: Lee_Li_Pei@nparks.gov.sg .
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

9 Jun (Tue): Chek Jawa Nature Exploration for kids

This walk for kids is by Cicada Tree Eco Place. From the village centre, we board the minibus for a 15 minute scenic ride to Chek Jawa Nature Park through durian orchards, rubber plantation and rural countryside. At CJ, via a dirt trail, we go onto the level coastal boardwalk which is about 1.5km in length. We will not be going onto the seashore as only Nparks Board is permitted to do so. For us, we are restricted to stay only on the boardwalks and dirt trails at CJ. Nonetheless, there is still much to see from the boardwalk as we walk through coastal and mangrove forests apart from the scenic views of the open coastline here. We will also visit House No.1 which is a 1930s colonial British cottage converted into the CJ visitor centre and from there can view the unique boulder island of Pulau Sekudu offshore.

The natural ecosystems that we walk through here include coastal forest, mangrove and attapchee forests, seagrass lagoon, rocky seashore and secondary forests. Ubin and CJ is a nature-lover and birdwatchers' premier venue, still home to a diversity of wildlife including wild pig, mousedeer, junglefowl and hornbills. The dirt trails here are on slightly sloping ground while the boardwalks are level. This guided walk will be a comfortable stroll at a slower pace for us to explore and experience the natural beauty and biodiversity of CJ.

Please note:

• This walk will only be on the boardwalk and dirt trails. We will not be going onto the seashore or mud-flats.
• Please bring poncho/raincoat/umbrella, fully filled refillable water bottle, cap, herbal mosquito repellent, snacks. Optional items: camera, sunglasses.
• Please wear full length long pants, tee-shirt, socks and fully covered shoes. Long-sleeved shirt is recommended.
• There are provision shops, restaurants, cafes and bike rentals on Ubin.

To register, please email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no.

Time: 9am-12noon.
Cost: $13 per participant. Free for participants’ kids aged 6 yrs and below. Cost excludes the bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin at $2.50 per person one way & mini bus ride to chek jawa at $4 return trip per person.
Venue: Pulau Ubin
Meeting Point:
We meet at 9.00am 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. Walk ends around noon back at Ubin’s main village and jetty.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

1-7 Jun: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• NSS Kids’ Fun with Inter-tidal Marine Life @ Changi
• Rainforest Water Walk at Lower Peirce Reservoir for kids
• Night Critter Walk at Labrador Nature Reserve
• Nature Exploration Walk specially for kids at Pasir Ris Park Mangrove Boardwalk
• Mangrove Forest Walk at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for kids
• Rural Nature and Kampong Culture Walk on Pulau Ubin
• Young Naturalist Camp at Sungei Buloh
• Full day Nature Keeper Camp for kids
• Plants and Their Habitats (A Guided Tour)
• Fun walk along the Southern Ridges

Walks in wild places

• Wildlife Sketching at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
• What's in my mangroves?

Make a wild difference

• Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research

Next week! 13-14 Jun (Sat, Sun): Ubin Day 2015!

Ubin Day is Ubin Open House! Once a year, people and groups who love Ubin come together to organise special events for the public to celebrate Pulau Ubin. LOTS of kampung fun for all. Especially for kids the family, but also for adventurers, artists, photographers, nature lovers and so much more.

From the outdoors and adventure to heritage and nature. Walks, cycles, kayaking, stargazing, butterfly watching, and other outdoor and water activities. Also exhibitions, talks, demonstrations. From Ubin Town to the quarries, mangroves to the forests, and the shores and waters around Pulau Ubin. From morning to evening! Ubin Day activities are organised by passionate people who know and love Ubin. Most are free. Many require pre-registration as places are limited.

More on the Ubin Day website and facebook page.

7 Jun (Sun): NSS Kids’ Fun with Inter-tidal Marine Life @ Changi

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Only during low tides does the inter-tidal habitat off Changi Beach become exposed, revealing its precious denizens including sea stars, sea urchins, shellfish and even seahorse if we are super lucky. Join veteran tide chaser Marcus Ng as he leads us in search of these beauties.

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: 7.15am-9.30am
Cost: Member: $5 per child, Non-Member: $10 per child. Note: Fees 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 Jun (Sun): Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research

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).

Time: 8.30-11.30am
Venue: Mandai Mudflats. Details will be emailed upon successful registration.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

7 Jun (Sun): Rainforest Water Walk at Lower Peirce Reservoir for kids

This walk for kids is by Cicada Tree Eco Place. 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!

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 do still have much wild nature and wild habitats in Singapore.

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 and your mobile no.

Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm
Cost: $13 per participant. Participants' kids/siblings aged 6 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/

6 Jun (Sat): Wildlife Sketching at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Join wildlife illustrator Van Wangye for a casual site drawing session at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. This is a fun gathering of fellow wildlife art lovers to observe and sketch Singapore’s diverse fauna. Beginners are welcomed. No drawing experience is necessary.

Maximum 10 participants. Please register at: http://goo.gl/forms/ZviVnA3aNr Details and further updates will be emailed upon successful registration.

Time: 8-11am

Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Meet at the main entrance of Visitor Centre
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

6 Jun (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. To register for the camp, please e-mail g_shila_kumari@nparks.gov.sg before sending in the registration form and cheque.

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 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

6 Jun (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.

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

6 Jun (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. For more enquiries, email Lee Li Pei at lee_li_pei@nparks.gov.sg.

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

6 Jun (Sat): Night Critter Walk at Labrador Nature Reserve

We go on an exploratory night walk into this Nature Reserve which is on top of a cliff by the sea.

The natural ecosystems found here range from the coastal forest growing down the cliff to the rocky seashore, to the inter-tidal area which has a seagrass meadow and coral rubble habitat (home of the Hairy Crab!) So the forest meets the reef and also provides it with nutrients.

The coastal forest and natural sea-cliff and rocky beach areas were gazetted as a Nature Reserve in 2002, while the rest is a park. Our focus on this walk will be land-based, to find and observe tent-making spiders, katydids and other critters active at night such as the nightjar and palm civet. We will also look for the moults of cicadas from a mass emergence that recently happened here.

Please note:

• Remember to bring torchlight with batteries, 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 fully covered shoes. Long-sleeved shirt is recommended.

To register, please email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no.

Time: 6.30pm to 08.30pm
Cost: $13 per participant. Free for participants’ kids aged 6 yrs and below.
Venue: Labrador Nature Reserve
Meeting Point: We meet at 6.15pm at Car Park ‘A’ at Labrador Villa Road. Car Park ‘A’ is situated towards the end of Labrador Villa Road which is at the junction with Alexandra Road, Pasir Panjang Road and Telok Blangah Road. This reserve is a 15 min walk from Labrador Park MRT, via Labrador Villa Road. Walk ends at 8.30pm back at starting point.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

6 Jun (Sat): Nature Exploration Walk specially for kids at Pasir Ris Park Mangrove Boardwalk

This Cicada Tree Eco Place walk is only for parents and their kids aged 4 to 6 years to come out and explore Nature together.

The wild mangrove forest here is easily and comfortably accessible and very suitable for small kids, with lots of things for them to look at. Our exploration will be on the extensive boardwalks to look for bugs, crabs, reptiles, birds and other critters. Uncle Andrew will have bug boxes to gently capture bugs and Tree-climbing Crabs for hands-on up-close observation and study with magnifying lenses (they shall then be released back to their habitats unharmed). Participants can see and learn how animals adapt to their habitats, how they build their homes and how they find their food. Please note that we will be at toddlers’ pace doing a slow stroll to allow kids to take their time to look at things.

Please note:

• This walk is specifically only for kids aged 4 to 6 yrs, not older.
• Bring refillable water bottle, poncho/raincoat/umbrella, hat, snacks, herbal mosquito repellent.
• Optional items: camera, sunblock, sunglasses.
• EVERYONE MUST wear full-length long pants, socks and fully-covered shoes. Long-sleeved shirt is recommended, otherwise teeshirt can do.
• We will be staying on level boardwalks and paths so stroller and wheelchair are possible.

To register, please email Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg giving participants' names, ages and a mobile no.

Time: 10am-11.30am
Cost: $13 per parent/guardian. Free for a maximum of 2 accompanying kid participants and/or their siblings aged 3 yrs and below. Third kid age 4-6yrs at $13 per kid.
Meeting Point: Meet at 9.45 am outside the public toilet block at right side of Car Park ‘C’ at end of Pasir Ris Green Road which is off Pasir Ris Drive 3 Road. Walk ends at 11.30 am back at starting point.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

5 Jun (Fri): Full day Nature Keeper Camp for kids

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 40 children. To register, please email Umi_Kalthum_Ahmad_Shah@Nparks.gov.sg or Jeanne_Tan@Nparks.gov.sg. Registration closes 15 May.

Time: 9am-5pm
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park, Wallace Environmental Learning Lab
Cost: $25 per child.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

5 Jun (Fri): Plants and Their Habitats (A Guided Tour)

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 & $6 per accompanying adult. Please make the payment on the spot on the event date itself.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

5 Jun (Fri): Mangrove Forest Walk at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for kids

This is a walk for kids by Cicada Tree Eco Place. 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 and your mobile no.

Time: 10am- 12noon
Cost: $13 per participant. Participants' kids/siblings aged 6 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/

3 Jun (Wed): Rural Nature & Kampong Culture Walk on Pulau Ubin

Join this walk for kids by Cicada Tree Eco Place! The island of Pulau Ubin has the last of Singapore’s bygone village ‘kampong’ culture. Here you will experience a quaint kampong vibe and the laid-back lifestyle of the people living and working on their tropical island home, and see retro architecture. Much has remained unchanged and it still seems like a walk into the past, back to 1960s Singapore.

We start our walk into the rural countryside, bypassing bountiful kitchen gardens and fruit orchards. We peek over fences to look at wooden kampong houses and their outdoor toilets. Our route will go through a herb, spice, veg plot and also coffee and jasmine plantations.

We then walk on bunds through mangrove forests to spot mudskippers, kingfishers and tree-climbing crabs. Ubin is most likely the best place in the world to hear the incredible song of the globally endangered Straw-headed Bulbul. Our walk continues through lalang grassland where we’ll stop to play lalang arrows, and a coconut plantation. If time permits, we will visit the 2-storey kampong house of the late Mr Lim Chye Joo who was the lovely, wise village headman for the Chinese community on Ubin to have a look at his photo gallery. We return to the main village on the main road. BTW June is durian and rambutan season on Ubin.

Please note:

• Please bring poncho/raincoat/umbrella, fully filled refillable water bottle, cap, herbal mosquito repellent, snacks. Optional items: camera, sunglasses.
• Please wear full length long pants, tee-shirt, socks and fully covered shoes. Long-sleeved shirt is recommended.
• There are provision shops, restaurants, cafes and bike rentals on Ubin.

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

Time: 9am to 12noon
Cost: $13 per participant. Free for participants’ kids aged 6 yrs and below. Cost excludes the bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin at $2.50 per person one way.
Venue: Pulau Ubin
Meeting Point: We meet at 9.00am 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. Walk ends around 11.30am back at Ubin’s main village and jetty.
Website: http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/