24-30 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family



Walks in wild places



Make a wild difference




30 Aug (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.

30 Aug (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

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 4.30-7pm
Venue: Mandai Mudflats. Details will be emailed to all participants
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

30 Aug (Sun): NSS Kids' Fun with Edible Plants at Bukit Brown


Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Fancy a nibble on wild plants growing freely in the green sanctuary of Bukit Brown? Explore the abundance of nature with Goh Si Guim at Singapore's oldest Chinese cemetery, with edible greens including figs, fruits, leaves and roots.

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.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 8-10am
Venue: Details will be emailed to those who sign up.
Cost: Member: $5 per child, Non-Member: $10 per child. 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.




30 Aug (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/

30 Aug (Sun): BES Drongos Petai Trail Walk

Our fun-loving team of volunteers are all geared up for this guiding season! Take the chance to walk with us in the early morning and enjoy some fresh air. Be ready to break a little sweat and fulfill your weekly workout quota with a leisurely hike while learning interesting stories facts about the unique flora and fauna of the CCNR. The 2.5hour walk follows the Petai Trail boardwalk, which hugs the MacRitchie reservoir.

More information and registration online and http://besdrongos.wordpress.com/

Time: 8.45am to 12noon
Meeting Place: Mushroom Cafe at the toilet hut near the entrance of Macritchie Reservoir Park.
Website: http://besdrongos.wordpress.com/

30 Aug (Sun): Mangrove Gallery tour at Kranji Way entrance

Come for this tour of the fascinating Mangrove Gallery at Kranji Way entrance, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Limited to 20 participants. Register online.

Time: 9-10am

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

29 Aug (Sat): I want to be a Wildlife Biologist!

Always imagined working with nature and wildlife? Have you always dreamt of being a field biologist studying animals in the wild? Then sign up for one of our workshops- where you'll be taught and mentored by wildlife photographer, wildlife biologist and a wildlife artist. This short introduction is an invaluable chance for you live out your wildest dreams!
“I want to be a wildlife biologist” by Sarah Pascoe – A workshop for children who want to experience what it would be like to be a field biologist, they will be taught how to survey and observe animals in the wild and will have a chance to carry out surveys around the reserve to have a full experience.

Limited to 15 children aged 10 to 12. The workshop is free but registration is required. Register online here.

Time: 9.30-11.30am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Visitor Centre. Please meet at Information Counter, Visitor Centre (Kranji Way entrance)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

29 Aug (Sat): The Wild and Furry (Mammals)

Want to learn more about our native wildlife, and to have a chance to visit their habitats? Then sign up for a themed guided walk that will run each Saturday morning.
This special guided walk is part of the Wow Wild West event that runs from 29 Aug to 19 Sep 2015.

Families are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment as there are only limited spaces each tour!

Limited to 20 participants. Registration for this walk opens on 21 August 2015. Register online.

Time: 9-10.30am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Visitor Centre. Please meet at the Information Counter, Kranji Way entrance
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

29 Aug (Sat): BES Drongos Petai Trail Walk

Our fun-loving team of volunteers are all geared up for this guiding season! Take the chance to walk with us in the early morning and enjoy some fresh air. Be ready to break a little sweat and fulfill your weekly workout quota with a leisurely hike while learning interesting stories facts about the unique flora and fauna of the CCNR. The 2.5hour walk follows the Petai Trail boardwalk, which hugs the MacRitchie reservoir.

More information and registration online on http://besdrongos.wordpress.com/

Time: 8.45am to 12noon
Meeting Place: Mushroom Cafe at the toilet hut near the entrance of Macritchie Reservoir Park.
Website: http://besdrongos.wordpress.com/

29 Aug (Sat): Talks on the Wild & Furry -- Mammal Week at Sungei Buloh

Join us as we celebrate the wildlife of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in the inaugural Wow Wild West! from 29 Aug – 19 Sep! This week, we present the wild and furry mammals you never knew inhabited the forests of Sungei Buloh. This event aims to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of our wildlife through talks, guided walks and other exciting activities. Suitable for children, families and the young at heart!

Critter Chatter
Ever wondered why monkeys seem to grin at you when you get too close? Come down and listen to short talks by our staff and volunteers on a variety of subjects from animal behaviours, wildlife research in Sungei Buloh to wildlife photography tips! Original listing on the NParks website.
click on image for larger view.

Workshops
Live out your wildest dreams by signing up for ‘I Want to be a Wildlife Biologist!’

Guided Walk
Join this special mammal themed walk for families with children.

Activities
Unleash your child’s artistic flair at the Kid’s Activity Station, where different “wild” activities await them every week!
Badge making
Bookmark making
Sticker Time!
Educational card games
Face/Hand painting

Go Wild!
Go wild with animal props at our photo booth or try to mimic of one of our local mammals! Also, see how it feels to get 'caught' on our camera traps! If you’d rather be not be in the spotlight, enter our photo caption contest and stand a chance to get featured on the official NParks Facebook page!

Time: 9-3pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Visitor Centre. Please meet at Information Counter, Visitor Centre (Kranji Way entrance).
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

29 Aug (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 and 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. All participants must be registered.

Time: 9.30-11.30am
Venue: Bukit Batok Nature Park, Open Space in front of Information Kiosk.
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

17-23 Aug: HIghlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family



Wild walks



For Nature Society (Singapore) members only



23 Aug (Sun): Birdwatching for Beginners at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is a pleasant green lung of open lawns, a good mix of trees and shrubs with a river (de-concretised former canal) meandering through it. This urban park in central Singapore is also home to an interesting mix of bird species. They include the White-breasted Waterhen, Collared and White-throated Kingfishers, Grey-rumped Treeswift, Yellow-vented Bulbul and Pink-necked Green Pigeon. It provides a great introduction to birdwatching for newcomers.

Please bring along a pair of binoculars if you have them. Hat, sunblock and drinks.

More details on the NSS website.

Time : 7.30am - 11am
Venue: Meet at Car Park B off Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 (opposite the SPC station). This is along the stretch of Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 between its junctions with Upper Thomson Road and Marymount Road.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

22 Aug (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

22 Aug (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://tinyurl.com/wildlifesketching. Details and further updates will be emailed upon successful registration.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 8-11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Meet at the main entrance to the Wetlands Centre.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

22 Aug (Sat): Central Catchment Forest Nature Ramble


For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Starting from Venus Drive, Pandian and Sutari will lead us through undulating forest trails to the heart of the Central Catchment forest. Enjoy the sense-surround experience of bird songs and insect chirps as we walk amidst giant trees and rich plant life. The ramble will be for 12km via Bukit Kalang and Peirce Reservoir, ending at Upper Thomson Road.

Not suitable for children below 13 years old.

More details on the NSS website.

Time : 8.30am - 1pm
Venue: Meet at Venus Drive Car Park
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

22 Aug (Sat): The Great Palm Escape - a guided tour for kids

Be amazed by one of the finest palm collections in the world! Come on this guided tour and be introduced to some of the more interesting and unusual palms of the Gardens. Discover their interesting features and learn their names and uses too!
Suitable for children in K1 – P6 levels. Register online.

Time: 10-11am
Cost: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult
Venue: Visitor Centre, Central Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/
Contact: SBG Education Branch at 6471 9961 & 6465 0196 or through email: nparks_sbg_edu@nparks.gov.sg. 

22 Aug (Sat): Mangrove Gallery tour at Kranji Way entrance

Come for this tour of the fascinating Mangrove Gallery at Kranji Way entrance, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Limited to 20 participants. Register online.

Time: 9-10am

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

22 Aug (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

22 Aug (Sat): Art in Nature at Dairy Farm Nature Park

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 adults with art background. 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/

22 Aug (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: 9.30-11am
Venue: Lower Peirce Board Walk. Meet at entrance of Hevea Trail.
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

21 Aug (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. Register online.

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

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

15 Aug (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.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

15 Aug (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.



15 Aug (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/

15 Aug (Sat): Mangrove Gallery tour at Kranji Way entrance

Come for this tour of the fascinating Mangrove Gallery at Kranji Way entrance, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Limited to 20 participants. Register online.

Time: 9-10am

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

3-9 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

Wild walks


Go wild on your own!
During the up coming holidays, why not explore our wild places free-and-easy? Great destinations include Pulau Ubin and a wide range of seashores, mangroves and forest destinations. Check out the many DIY Trail Guides on the NParks website. Lots of info for visitors on wildsingapore with tips on how to prepare for a trip, how to get there and what to see and do.

A tip for a long-weekend trip
Our wild places and parks can get VERY crowded on long weekends. The best way to avoid the crowds is to arrive early in the morning and leave early. Our wildlife is generally more active in the morning too!

9 Aug (Sun): Spot the National Butterfly at HortPark

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Meet Simon (HP: 9748-5465) at 9.30am at the entrance of HortPark. We will take a walk through several planters, the native plants garden and the patch that grows the host plant of our National Butterfly, the Common Rose. Expect a mix of parkland, grassland and secondary forest butterflies. The walk should take about two hours.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 9.30am - 12pm
Venue: Meet at the entrance of HortPark
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

8 Aug (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/

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

8 Aug (Sat): Mangrove Gallery tour at Kranji Way entrance

Come for this tour of the fascinating Mangrove Gallery at Kranji Way entrance, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Limited to 20 participants.

Time:
9-10am - Register online.
2-3pm - Register online.
3.30-4.30pm - Register online.

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

27 Jul - 2 Aug: Highlights of the week ahead

Wild walks



2 Aug (Sun): Istana Nature Guided Walk

Sign up for the Nature Guided Walk during the Istana Open House for National Day. This guided walk is a collaboration between the President’s Office and the National Parks Board (NParks), which will showcase the Istana’s flora, fauna and biodiversity.
The guided walk starts from 10am to 4pm, and is conducted hourly. Please look out for signs on the Istana grounds to find out where you can register for the guided walk.

Register online.

More details about the Istana Open House on the Istana website

Time: 10am to 4pm every hour.
Costs:
$2 for each child aged 3 years & above.
$4 for Singaporeans / PRs aged 13 and above.
$10 for foreigners (aged 13 and above).
Family package, $12 for Singaporeans / PRs (family of 4) and $30 for foreigners (family of 4).
Please make the payment on the spot on the event date itself.
Each guided walk group can take up to 12 people

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

1 Aug (Sat): Kayak Pulau Ubin's Two Rivers


Open to the public but priority for Nature Society (Singapore) members

Pulau Ubin is really an island of two halves. Two rivers separate the east and west – Sungei Jelutong flows in from the south, meeting the northern Sungei Besar at a drinks stall. Healthy mangroves of various species thrive. At some sections, the river narrows and the trees close in, creating a natural canopy of arching branches. Numerous species of birds – kingfishers, hornbills, eagles etc – can be spotted at this mazy waterway. Reptiles like monitor lizards and snakes go about their way.

More details on the NSS website.

Time : 7.30am - 12.30pm
Location : Details will be emailed upon successful registration and payment.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

1 Aug (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