wild happenings in singapore: March 2016

21-27 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

Make a wild difference for our forest at risk

See the MacRitchie forests for yourself. Join these free walks
https://lovemacritchie.wordpress.com/love-macritchie-walks/

Learn more
https://lovemacritchie.wordpress.com/news/

Sign the petition to reroute the CRL
https://lovemacritchie.wordpress.com/how/

Post a photo you took in MacRitchie Forest‪#‎MyMacRitchie ‪#‎MarchforMacRitchie‬ ‪#‎LoveMacRitchie‬ and tag 3 friends to do the same.

Or write to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to voice your concerns.

March for MacRitchie

MacRitchie Nature Walk with BES Drongos

For kids and the family

Nature Keeper Camp for kids

Walks in wild places

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Northern Green Corridor Ramble

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!

27 Mar (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 /

27 Mar (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 online.

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

26 Mar (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/

26 Mar (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. More details on the NParks website.

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/

26 Mar (Sat): Northern Green Corridor Ramble

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Celebrate the long weekend with a ramble down the northern half of the historic KTM line, taking in sights like the iconic iron truss bridges, Bukit Timah Station and Clementi Woodlands. Meet Benjamin Ho at 8am at Junction 10 Shopping Mall’s taxi stand, located at the junction of Woodlands Road, Bukit Panjang Road and Cha Chu Kang Road. The ramble will take approximately three hours, ending at Holland Road opposite Pandan Valley Condominium.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 8-11.30am
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

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

Join us for a morning guided walk around the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

This guided walk is suitable for everyone, including families with children.

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

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

14-20 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

March for MacRitchie

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Special exhibition
15 Mar (Tue) onwards: Have a Whale of a time at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum!

The March school holidays are here! Check out the highlights of exciting nature activities specially for kids!

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

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

20 Mar (Sun): Coastal Clean-up at Pulau Ubin

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Pulau Ubin is globally classified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). In line with the Restore Ubin Mangroves (RUM) initiative, join us as we carry out coastal clean-ups to remove abandoned drift nets and marine debris that choke up the Ubin coastline. It also ensures that our wildlife have the proper environment to thrive.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 2.45-5.45pm
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

20 Mar (Sun): Herp Walk @ Treetop Walk

Join this special edition of Herp Walk @ Treetop Walk 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 - 12.30pm
Venue: Tree Top Walk. More details on their blog.
Website: https://herpsocsg.wordpress.com/

19 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. 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

19 Mar (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/

19 Mar (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/

19 Mar (Sat): Nature Sketching in the Gardens with Pui San

Enjoy nature creatively through this engaging, fun and therapeutic activity. Join our volunteer artist, Mr Tham Pui San, as he teaches and guides you in acquiring drawing and observation skills to equip you for an interesting journey of nature appreciation.

Please bring along your own sketching materials. Recommended sketching materials to bring:
• Drawing or sketching block , A3 or A4 size, with a strong rigid back page for support
• Pencils of 2B and 4B softness grade
• Sharpener
• Small piece of sand paper (medium grade)
• Cotton buds
• Normal eraser
• Kneadable eraser or blue tack

This event is held every third Saturday of every alternate month

More details on the NParks website.

Time: 9am - 11am
Venue: Meet at the Service Desk, Botany Centre (Tanglin Entrance). Registration is required 15mins before the activity on a first-come-first-served basis at the desk. Limited to maximum 20 adults per session.
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/
Contact: 6471 7361 and NParks_SBG_Visitor_Services@nparks.gov.sg

19 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.

More details and registration online.

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

19 Mar (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/

19 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: 9.30-11am
Venue: Lower Peirce Board Walk. Meet at entrance of Hevea Trail Entrance.
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

19 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.

19 Mar (Sat): Butterfly Watching at Pulau Ubin

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Spot butterflies at Butterfly Hill and its surrounding area. A good range of butterflies can be seen on fair weather days including the Blue Glassy Tiger and Blue Pansy. Rarer finds here include the Yellow Glassy Tiger and Great Mormon.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 8-11.30am
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

19 Mar (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 healthy habitats rich in animals and plants. Join us as we make a difference in this charming and rustic island by helping to clean up its forest. Learn about the negative effects of litter on our environment and understand how you can do your part 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.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

19 Mar (Sat): Glimpses of MacRitchie's Nocturnal Wildlife

Members Only - Registration Needed

Join the Vertebrate Study Group to spot some of the rich and diverse nocturnal wildlife of MacRitchie forest. We will not go into the reserve proper but will skirt around the forest edge. The walk starts at Venus Drive carpark and we will survey the trail of Venus Loop to Venus Link.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 6.30-8.30 pm
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

19 Mar (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.

Register online.

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

18 Mar (Fri): “Grow With Nature” Drama for kids -- The Grumpy Tree

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

Suitable for children in K1 – P6 Levels.

Register online.

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

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

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

Join Cicada Tree Eco Place for this special kids' event. 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. Kids will get to use our bat detector to catch their calls.

We explore deep into the mangrove forest via the extensive boardwalks to look for other nocturnal critters who live in the forest here, such as the Dog-faced Watersnake, Spotted Wood-owl and more than 5 species of geckoes. Tree-climbing crabs may be seen perched high above on branches, as if they're birds. Fireflies also live in this lovely mangrove forest patch. Though only seasonally numerous, we should meet some. Other exciting nocturnal critters met here include the Reticulated Python, Palm Civet and Mangrove Flatworm. This easy walk is on level pathways and wooden boardwalks with no stairs. We will take a snack break at one of the shelters.

Remember to bring torchlight with batteries, poncho/raincoat/umbrella, fully-filled refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent (eg: Moz-Away “Natural” from Guardian Pharmacy)
Do have an early dinner before coming.
Please wear full-length long pants, long-sleeved cotton shirt, socks and fully covered shoes.
Your nocturnal nature guide is Andrew Tay.

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

Time: 6.15pm to 8.30pm
Venue: Pasir Ris Park Mangrove Boardwalk. 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. This park is a 15 min walk from Pasir Ris MRT and bus interchange. Walk ends at 8.30pm back at starting point.
Cost: $13 per adult or kid. Free for participants’ kids aged 6 yrs and below.

18 Mar (Fri): Nature Trail at Pulau Ubin

We will identify different types of habitats found along the trail, while sharing interesting facts of certain floras & faunas. You will also learn the many reasons why the forests are important.

This event is part of the Nature Appreciation Programme (N.A.P.) in Outward Bound Singapore. As an environmental steward and advocate, Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) will be opening its campus to the public for the first time, hosting a series of environment and outdoor education for youths and their family this March school holidays! Discover Ubin’s lush rustic environment through a total of 11 workshops featuring activities such as nature treasure hunts, mangrove appreciation and nature photography to promote family bonding and greater understanding of Ubin’s history, geography and ecology.

More details and registration http://bit.ly/NAPinOBS

Time: 2.30pm - 5.30pm
Venue: Outward Bound Singapore (Pulau Ubin Camp)
Website: http://obs.nyc.gov.sg/

18 Mar (Fri): Animal Tree Huggers of Singapore

Our rainforest and wayside trees are homes to a diversity of wildlife. Up in these trees, they build their homes, raise their families, find food and play. Who are these tree-living wildlife that are found on our island? How have they adapted to living high up in the tree canopy?

In this workshop, participants will learn about trees and tree-living wildlife, followed by a guided walk in the park to look for them

This activity is led by Cicada Tree Eco Place and is part of the 'Connecting with Nature' programmes featuring a series of educational activities in our parks where you and your family can learn and appreciate nature.

To register, email NParks_HortPark@nparks.gov.sg. Please provide your name, contact number and number of participants. After which, payment has to be made by cheque by 8 March 2016.

Time: 10am – 12noon
Meeting point: HortPark, Visitor Services Centre
Cost: $25 per person
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

17 Mar (Thu): Nature Walk around Ubin

Join us on a terrestrial fauna & coastal fauna appreciation walk around Ubin, while you get the opportunity to also learn more about the flora & culture.

This event is part of the Nature Appreciation Programme (N.A.P.) in Outward Bound Singapore. As an environmental steward and advocate, Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) will be opening its campus to the public for the first time, hosting a series of environment and outdoor education for youths and their family this March school holidays! Discover Ubin’s lush rustic environment through a total of 11 workshops featuring activities such as nature treasure hunts, mangrove appreciation and nature photography to promote family bonding and greater understanding of Ubin’s history, geography and ecology.

More details and registration http://bit.ly/NAPinOBS

Time: 8am - 12noon
Venue: Outward Bound Singapore (Pulau Ubin Camp)
Website: http://obs.nyc.gov.sg/

16 Mar (Wed): 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 Dairy Farm Nature Park. The one-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 12 children, Maximum of 40 children. Registration online.

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

16 Mar (Wed): Nite Critter Watch for kids at Singapore Botanic Garden

Join Cicada Tree Eco Place for this special kids' event. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a lovely old garden created almost 200 years ago. It still retains its original primary rainforest patch. Although now totally surrounded by housing, busy roads and more development, this lush garden is home to our smaller species of wildlife.

The well-vegetated ponds here are nurseries for several species of frogs; both insect and fruit eating bats roost in the palm trees; and many fruit-eating birds arrive when the fig trees are figging. The rainforest patch is home to one of our large owls, the Spotted Wood-owl. On this night walk, we will walk the easy pathways to visit the ponds and other corners of the garden to search for its nocturnal wild inhabitants.

Remember to bring torchlight with batteries, poncho/raincoat/umbrella, refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent (eg: Moz-Away “Natural” from Guardian Pharmacy).
Do have an early dinner before coming.
Please wear full-length long pants, long-sleeved cotton shirt, socks and fully covered shoes.
Your nocturnal nature guide is Andrew Tay

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

Time: 6.15pm to 8.30pm.
Venue: Tanglin Gate Entrance of Singapore Botanic Garden (SBG). We meet at 6.15pm inside the Botany Centre building of SBG, enter via the garden’s Tanglin Gate entrance opposite Gleneagles Hospital at Napier Road. GENTLE REMINDER: DO NOT go to the nassim gate entrance visitor centre.

Cost: $13 per adult or kid. Free for participants’ kids aged 6 yrs and below.

16 Mar (Wed): Ubin Trail

A walk that will bring you to cover aspects of Ubin’s history, geography and ecology, through an experiential learning of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.

This event is part of the Nature Appreciation Programme (N.A.P.) in Outward Bound Singapore. As an environmental steward and advocate, Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) will be opening its campus to the public for the first time, hosting a series of environment and outdoor education for youths and their family this March school holidays! Discover Ubin’s lush rustic environment through a total of 11 workshops featuring activities such as nature treasure hunts, mangrove appreciation and nature photography to promote family bonding and greater understanding of Ubin’s history, geography and ecology.

More details and registration http://bit.ly/NAPinOBS

Time: 2pm - 5.30pm
Venue: Outward Bound Singapore (Pulau Ubin Camp)
Website: http://obs.nyc.gov.sg/

15 Mar (Tue) onwards: Have a Whale of a time at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum!

Have a Whale of a time this March School Holidays at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum!

From 15-31 March 2016, enjoy 20% off admission ticket(s) for tickets purchased with Mastercard. Enjoy 10% off admission ticket(s) for purchases with all other accepted cards.

From Tuesday 15 March 2016, come see our newest exhibit on the Singapore Sperm Whale and marvel at the complete mounted specimen of the Sperm Whale that was found off Jurong Island on 10 July 2015!

Follow us on Instagram (@lkcnhm) as we countdown to the opening of our latest exhibit, taking you behind the scenes into the whale's journey from the sea to the museum! https://www.instagram.com/lkcnhm/

Take part in our Egg-dentifying contest! On display at our lobby atrium are 5 eggs belonging to different animals. Identify all 5 correctly and you stand a chance to win attractive prizes! There will also be an activity sheet for kids and each child will receive a whale badge upon completion of the activity sheet!

More details on the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum facebook page.

15 Mar (Tue): Art in Nature at Pulau Ubin

Learn mindful parenting techniques using the outdoors as a classroom – understand your child better, use things from nature to create artwork with simple art techniques to make family mementos and learn lessons from the outdoors, whilst incorporating modern lifestyle and technology. We are looking for families with children aged 6 and above for this event. (Adults aged 60 and below).

This event is part of the Nature Appreciation Programme (N.A.P.) in Outward Bound Singapore. As an environmental steward and advocate, Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) will be opening its campus to the public for the first time, hosting a series of environment and outdoor education for youths and their family this March school holidays! Discover Ubin’s lush rustic environment through a total of 11 workshops featuring activities such as nature treasure hunts, mangrove appreciation and nature photography to promote family bonding and greater understanding of Ubin’s history, geography and ecology.

More details and registration http://bit.ly/NAPinOBS

Time: 2-5.30pm
Venue: Outward Bound Singapore (Pulau Ubin Camp)
Website: http://obs.nyc.gov.sg/

15 Mar (Tue): Family Eco Adventure at Pulau Ubin

Come as a family for an adventure in nature: to discover interesting local plants and animals and learn more about how nature works! This “soft adventure” experience will help your family learn about the environment together and make meaningful memories! We are looking for families with children aged 6 and above for this event. (Adults aged 60 and below).

This event is part of the Nature Appreciation Programme (N.A.P.) in Outward Bound Singapore. As an environmental steward and advocate, Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) will be opening its campus to the public for the first time, hosting a series of environment and outdoor education for youths and their family this March school holidays! Discover Ubin’s lush rustic environment through a total of 11 workshops featuring activities such as nature treasure hunts, mangrove appreciation and nature photography to promote family bonding and greater understanding of Ubin’s history, geography and ecology.

More details and registration http://bit.ly/NAPinOBS

Time: 8.30am – 12noon
Venue: Outward Bound Singapore (Pulau Ubin Camp)
Website: http://obs.nyc.gov.sg/

7-13 Mar: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

Early next week

The March school holidays are coming! Check out the highlights of exciting nature activities specially for kids!

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

MORE events next week

MORE events for the month ahead.

14 Mar (Mon): 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.

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/

14 Mar (Mon): Chek Jawa Intertidal Guided Tour

Join the NParks volunteers for a tour to discover and learn about Chek Jawa's six ecosystems and the diverse array of animals that inhabits these unique habitats.

Journey through the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre, 1.1km long boardwalk, Jejawi viewing tower and sandbar with experienced guides.

Open to all ages, children under the age of 13 to be under parental/guardian guidance. More details and registration online, 'waitlist' will appear once event is fully booked.

Time: 8-10am
Venue: Pulau Ubin, Open Lawn (Chek Jawa Visitor Centre). More on how to get to Pulau Ubin and to Chek Jawa.
Cost: $60 per group (for a maximum of 15 people)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

13 Mar (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/

12 Mar (Sat): Love MacRitchie for kids and the family!

FREE. All are welcome, suitable for all ages! Learn about the amazing MacRitchie Forest and the creatures that call it home. With a display of animal specimens (from Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum), a talk, colouring and origami workshops and storytelling sessions.

This event is brought to you by NUS Toddycats, Cicada Tree Eco-Place and Crescent Girls' School.

Time: 10am - 6pm
Venue: My Tree House Green Library for Kids @ Central Public Library B1 (Victoria Street)!
Website: https://lovemacritchie.wordpress.com/

See the MacRitchie forests for yourself. Join these free walks
https://lovemacritchie.wordpress.com/love-macritchie-walks/

Learn more
https://lovemacritchie.wordpress.com/news/

Sign the petition to reroute the CRL
https://lovemacritchie.wordpress.com/how/

Post a photo you took in MacRitchie Forest‪#‎MyMacRitchie ‪#‎MarchforMacRitchie‬ ‪#‎LoveMacRitchie‬ and tag 3 friends to do the same.

Or write to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to voice your concerns.

12 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 free 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/

12 Mar (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/

12 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.

Suitable for children from 7 to 12 years. Limited to 40 children. More details and registration online.

Time: 8.30am- 3.30pm
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

12 Mar (Sat): Trees of the Fort

Did you know that a Kapok tree can grow up to 40 metres high? Let our nature-loving guides bring you on a journey to find out more about our heritage trees and other beautiful trees like the towering Kapok, flaky Gelam and magnificent Madras Thorn!

This is part of the ‘Connecting with Nature’ programmes featuring a series of educational activities in our parks where you and your family can learn and appreciate nature.

Maximum group size 30 persons. Register online.

Time: 10-11.30am
Venue: Meeting Point, Roundabout, between Fort Canning Art Center and Hotel Fort Canning.
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12 Mar (Sat): Invaders alert! A tour for kids

Invaders alert! Did you know that not all species found in the Gardens are native? Some of these invaders cause harm to the local plants and animals who call the Gardens their home.

Learn how to identify these aliens during the guided tour and help the native species protect their home.

Suitable for children in K1 – P6 Levels. Register online.

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

Time: 10-11am
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost: $6 per child and $6 per accompanying adult
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

12 Mar (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: Bukit Batok Nature Park, Open Space (in front of I-Kiosk)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

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

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

Maximum group size 40 persons.

More details and registration online.

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

12 Mar (Sat): NParks BioBlitz at Pasir Ris

Anyone can join a team of naturalists to conduct an intensive field study to document the diversity of flora and fauna at Pasir Ris Park!

Register online.

Time: 12am - 12pm
Venue: Pasir Ris Park
Contact: cin@nparks.gov.sg for more information
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/biodiversity/community-in-nature-initiative/citizen-science-programmes

12 Mar (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

8 Mar (Tue): Chek Jawa Intertidal Guided Tour

Join the NParks volunteers for a tour to discover and learn about Chek Jawa's six ecosystems and the diverse array of animals that inhabits these unique habitats.

Journey through the Chek Jawa Visitor Centre, 1.1km long boardwalk, Jejawi viewing tower and sandbar with experienced guides.

Open to all ages, children under the age of 13 to be under parental/guardian guidance. More details and registration online, 'waitlist' will appear once event is fully booked.

Time: 4-6pm
Venue: Pulau Ubin, Open Lawn (Chek Jawa Visitor Centre). More on how to get to Pulau Ubin and to Chek Jawa.
Cost: $60 per group (for a maximum of 15 people)
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

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