22-28 Feb: Highlights of the week ahead


Make a wild difference for our forest at risk

Join walks by the Love Our MacRitchie Forest movement and learn about the conservation issues surrounding the proposed Cross Island MRT Line through MacRitchie Forest. See what we and our children may lose if the line is not re-routed. Sign the petition.



For kids and the family



Walks in wild places




MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

28 Feb (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/

28 Feb (Sun): MacRitchie Nature Walk with BES Drongos

Join the volunteers of BES Drongos on a remarkable adventure through the stunning forests in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve along the well-trodden Petai Trail!
The BES Drongos are a group of nature lovers from the Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) programme at the National University of Singapore (NUS) who have come together to manage guided walks open to everyone and anyone. 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.

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

Time: 8.45am to 12noon
Website: http://besdrongos.wordpress.com/

27 Feb (Sat): NParks Community in Nature (CIN) Family Day

NParks Community in Nature (CIN) Family Day - In Harmony with Nature
Join the first ever Community in Nature (CIN) Family Day to celebrate our natural heritage. With fun and educational activities for families to bond over while exploring the flora and fauna of Pasir Ris Park. Discover the natural wonders of Pasir Ris Park together during the Amazing Race for families and participate in various nature-themed craft and activity booths at the carnival.

In the evening, kick back and relax with a performance by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO), led by conductor Mr Quek Ling Kiong. SCO’s musicians will be playing nature-themed pieces including.

Slots are limited for the Amazing Race, so register your family today to avoid disappointment. Register online.

Time: 3.30-7pm
Venue: Viewing Plaza, Pasir Ris Park
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/


27 Feb (Sat): Nature Keeper Camp for kids

Designed to stimulate the interest of the young and inculcate in them an appreciation of our forests. The free Nature Keeper Camp will be carried out Labrador Nature Reserve. The half-day nature camp also aims to nurture young minds in active protection and conservation of our natural heritage.
Suitable for children 7 - 11 years old (Primary 1 to 5)

Minimum of 10 children, Maximum of 20 children. Registration online.

Time: 9am-12noon (registration begins at 8:30am)
Venue: Dairy Farm Nature Park, Wallace Environmental Learning Lab
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

27 Feb (Sat): Race Against Time - Science behind a Botanic Garden Tour

This session introduces the research facilities at the Singapore Botanic Gardens such as the Library of Botany & Horticulture, Orchid & Micro-propagation laboratory and the Herbarium.
Highlights of this 45-minute tour includes a visit to the Herbarium which stores physical records of reference plant materials, some dating as far back as 1790. In addition, learn about our hybridization programme for orchids, a process introduced back in 1930’s by the then Director, R.E Holttum.

Limited to 25 people, for ages 9 and above.

This tour repeats every fourth Saturday of the Month.

Time: 10am, registration is required at the Service Desk 15-minutes before the scheduled start time.
Venue: Botany Centre, Tanglin Gate (nearest MRT is Orchard station)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

27 Feb (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. More on how to get to Pulau Ubin and to Chek Jawa.
Duration: Two hours
Cost: no charge for now, but donations accepted.
Website: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/
Contact: nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com

27 Feb (Sat): Forest Clean Up at Pulau Ubin

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

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

More details and registration on the NSS website.

Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Pulau Ubin. Details will be emailed closer to the activity date.
Cost: $6 for 2-way ferry ride to and from Pulau Ubin.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

20 Feb (Sat): Mandarin guided tour at Sungei Buloh

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

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

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

20 Feb (Sat): What's in my water?

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

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

20 Feb (Sat): Fort Canning Spice Garden Tour

You may have tasted nutmeg and clove in various cuisines, but have you ever seen their trees?
Join this free guided walk through the Spice Garden, which was once the site of Singapore’s first Botanical and Experimental Garden started by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1822!

Maximum 40 persons. Register online.

Time: 4-5.30pm
Venue: Meeting Point, at the Roundabout, between Fort Canning Arts Center and Hotel Fort Canning
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

20 Feb (Sat): Edible Garden Tour and Harvesting for families

Come for a tour of an edible garden and harvest from it!
Limited to 10 pairs per session. Registration is required at Visitor Services Centre.

More details on the NParks website.

Time: 9.30am and 11am
Cost: $3 per parent and child pair
Meeting Point: Register at the Visitor Services Centre, HortPark
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

Also FREE Storytelling Session by Ms Gini, Instructor, James Cook University
Join Ms Gini for a storytelling session with the all-time favourite cast from Sesame Street. Then, learn all about the fascinating journey of a plant’s growth from seed to maturity with “The Tiny Seed” too.

Time: 9.30am - 10.30am, 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Venue: Lifestyle Corner

20 Feb (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/

20 Feb (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: 9.30-11am
Venue: Bukit Batok Nature Park, Open Space in front of Information Kiosk.
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

20 Feb (Sat): Kayaking Mandai Mangroves

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

Join Huey in exploring the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) of Mandai Mangroves in a kayak. As it is the migratory season, we will also celebrate our bird visitors before they fly home. This paddle is suitable for beginners with the kayaks being stable double-seaters. We will explore Sungei Mandai Besar and Sungei Mandai Kechil where large stands of mature mangroves exist alongside abandoned kampongs. This coastal tract is home to a permanent population of horseshoe crabs. We might spot resident Brahminy Kites and White-bellied Sea Eagles circling overhead, or even a migratory Osprey fishing.

Participants must be at least 8 years old. Kids 12 years old and below must be accompanied by one parent (no guardians) in the same kayak.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 8-11.30am
Cost: Member price: $90 (cash/cheque/bank transfer) | $95 (website payment).
Non-member price: $115 (cash/cheque/bank transfer) | $120 (website payment).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

20 Feb (Sat): Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research Programme

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

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

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

Time: 3-6pm
Venue: Kranji Loop. Details will be emailed upon successful registration.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

20 Feb (Sat): National Orchid Garden guided tour

Explore the beauty and diversity of orchids in the National Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens. Over 1000 species and 2,000 hybrids are now found in the Gardens' collection, with about 600 species and hybrids on display. Every year, more vibrant and enduring hybrids are added on
Full map at http://www.sbg.org.sg/map_nog.htm

This walk is conducted by the volunteers of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

A tour in Mandarin is also conducted at 4pm.

More details on the NParks website.

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am (English) and 4pm (Mandarin), register at Visitor Centre, Nassim Gate, 15 minutes before the tour starts. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Tour duration: One hour.
Cost: While the tour is free, admission charges to the Orchid Garden applies: $5/adult, $1/student, $1/senior citizens (above 60 years) , Child below 12 years - Free
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

20 Feb (Sat): Talk on Understanding the Long-tailed Macaques" by Sabrina Jabbar

In the light of the year of the monkey, Sabrina Jabbar will be sharing with us more information on basic macaque behaviors and facial expressions that the public should know of to ensure co-existence and avoid unnecessary conflict.
Common myths about the macaques will be shared, as well as case studies, which will allow the audience to think about and provide answers on what is the best solution to attain co-existence with the macaques.

Register for the talk at nature@sentosa.com.sg.

Speaker's Profile:
Sabrina has been active in the animal advocacy and protection scene since she was a zookeeper at the Singapore Zoo for 5 years. As part of the ACRES Macaque Campaigns Team, she rescued, rehabilitated and released more than 15 macaques throughout her 2.5 years there. Apart from that, she also ran experimental pilot projects to explore alternative solutions for human-macaque co-existence. Today, Sabrina works as a veterinary nurse, while volunteering her free time at the Jane Goodall Institue Singapore (JGIS), helping people gain a better understanding about the macaques.

Time: 1-2pm
Venue: Level 1, Sentosa Nature Discovery
Website: http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/febspringtime/

20 Feb (Sat): Kampong Tour at Pulau Ubin

Take a walk with us to experience Ubin's wonderful natural and cultural heritage. The 2.2km trail takes about 2 hours 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 Feb (Sat): All About Desert Plants 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 desert plant habitats and explore the features of such plants and understand how certain adaptations help plants survive.

Suitable for children in K1 – P6 levels

Register online.

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

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

8-14 Feb: Highlights of the week ahead


Special event!


For kids and the family


Walks in wild places


Make a wild difference


Go wild on your own!

This long weekend, why not explore our wild places free-and-easy? Great destinations include Pulau Ubin and a wide range of seashores, mangroves and forest destinations. 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!

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

14 Feb (Sun): Coastal Clean-up at Mandai Mudflats

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Join us this Valentine's Day and show your love for Mother Nature as we clean up the Mandai Mudflats to benefit the wildlife that thrives there. Designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), 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: 9-11.30 am
Venue: Mandai Mudflats. 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.

14 Feb (Sat): FREE Guided Herp Walk @ Venus Loop!

A Valentine's Day Special! Herps are reptiles like lizards and snakes, and amphibians like frogs. Let the HSS volunteers introduce you to some delightful and interesting herps on this walk.
We want to raise awareness, in particular, about Herps! These misunderstood creatures are often thought of as scary or unnecessary. But we want to show Singaporeans that Herps are important and integral to the Singaporean ecosystem!

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

Time: 8.30am - 12noon
Venue: Tree Top Walk. More details on their blog.
Website: https://herpsocsg.wordpress.com/

13 Feb (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: Labrador Nature Reserve (Exact meeting location will be indicated in confirmation email).
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 Feb (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.nparks.gov.sg/

13 Feb (Sat): MacRitchie Nature Walk with BES Drongos

Join the volunteers of BES Drongos on a remarkable adventure through the stunning forests in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve along the well-trodden Petai Trail!
The BES Drongos are a group of nature lovers from the Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) programme at the National University of Singapore (NUS) who have come together to manage guided walks open to everyone and anyone. 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.

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

Time: 8.45am to 12noon
Website: http://besdrongos.wordpress.com/

13 Feb (Sat): Rainforest Tour at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

A free guided nature walk through a 6-hectare 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.

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, Nassim Gate.
Tour duration: One hour.
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

9 Feb (Tue): Istana Nature Guided Walk

Sign up for the Nature Guided Walk during the Istana Open House. 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.

More details about the Istana Open House on the NParks website and the Istana website and Channel NewsAsia.

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/

1-7 Feb: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family



Walks in wild places



Go wild on your own!

This long weekend, why not explore our wild places free-and-easy? Great destinations include Pulau Ubin and a wide range of seashores, mangroves and forest destinations. 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!

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

6 Feb (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 entrance
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

6 Feb (Sat): Tour of the Healing Garden, Botanic Gardens

Launched in October 2011, the Healing Garden showcases over 400 varieties of plants used medicinally. It is laid out thematically relating to component parts of the body such as head, respiratory and reproductive systems. Spread over 2.5 hectares, this garden is designed as a tranquil retreat with medical plants traditionally used in Southeast Asia as the main focus.
Please note that the Healing Garden is closed every Tuesday, and opened 5am - 7.30pm daily. Admission is free.

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

This walk is conducted every first Saturday of the month.

Time: 9am and 10am, please register 15 minutes before the tour
Venue: Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/