29 Nov (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/

25 Oct (Sun): Paddle Sungei Khatib Bongsu

Open to the Public - Members Priority - Registration Needed

Join Huey to kayak Sungei Khatib Bongsu, an area of veritable giants. From clams to trees, everything here seems to grow bigger. The waterwars and ponds are confusing, and make any sort of navigation difficult. Its allure lies in our curiosity to explore this almost-forgotten river. Paddling under the hanging roots of immense fig and canopied creeds, one cannot help but hope that this mangrove can be conserved for posterity.

More details on the NSS website.

Time: 7.30am-1pm
Venue: Sungei Khatib Bongsu.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

10-11 Aug: Traditional Wayang at Pulau Ubin

Come to Pulau Ubin to enjoy authentic traditional wayang in celebration of the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Ubin jetty is usually colourfully decorated for the celebrations!

There will be a free nightly wayang show (10-11 Aug). This is NOT a special performance put up for the public, but a part of the traditions at Pulau Ubin.

Thanks to Sumita Thiagarajan for sharing this photo of the notice announcing this event.

click on image for larger view

And thanks to Heng Pei Yan for the translation:

Hungry Ghost Festival Celebration

10 August 2014 to 11 August 2014

(Lunar calendar: 7th Month 15th Day to 7th Month 16th Day)

Special invitation of 老赛桃源 (Lao Sai Tao Yuan) Teochew Opera troupe to this occasion.

The temple welcomes worshippers to attend this occasion to pray for peace and success.

The Hungry Ghost festival gifts will be distributed on 11 August 2014.

Free bumboat services in the evening will be provided to pilgrims only.

More on how to get to Pulau Ubin.

More about these festivities on the Pulau Ubin stories blog and the ubin.sgkopi blog.

12-17 May: Traditional Wayang at Pulau Ubin with free boat ride

Come to Pulau Ubin to enjoy authentic traditional wayang in celebration of Tua Pek Kong's birthday!

Ubin jetty is usually colourfully decorated for the celebrations!

There will be a free nightly wayang show (12-17 May) and finale geitai show (17 May). This is NOT a special performance put up for the public, but a part of the way of life of the residents of Ubin.

Take a free bumboat to Pulau Ubin and enjoy what may be the last of these performances.

click on image
for larger view.

Timing of the free ferry rides are
From 12 May (Mon) to 17 May (Sat) 2014
Changi Jetty to Ubin Jetty:   6.30 pm to 9.00 pm
Ubin Jetty to Changi Jetty:   8.00 pm to 10.00 pm

More about this event on Pei Yan's blog including translation of the above notice.

More on how to get to Pulau Ubin.

More about these festivities on the Pulau Ubin stories blog and the ubin.sgkopi blog.

5 Oct (Sat): Kayaking and cycling @ Pulau Ubin

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


As one of the most beautiful mangrove rivers in Singapore, Sungei Jelutong is a gem in the heart of rustic Pulau Ubin. Expect to see old growth mangroves, eagles, otters, monitor lizards and other small creatures. Starting on the southern shores of Ubin, we will paddle to the northern end. Then, we will hop onto bicycles (specially-arranged) and cycle back to the village for lunch. Kayaks are comfortable double seaters suited for beginners.

Total Paddle Distance: 8km kayaking; 4km cycling


Participants must be at least 4 years old. Those 12 years old and below must be accompanied by at least one parent in the same kayak (guardians are not allowed).

More details on the Nature Society (Singapore) website.

Please register with Kerry Pereira (kerry@nss.org.sg) with your name, email address & hp no. or at the NSS website and if you are a NSS member or not. Details will be emailed upon successful registration and payment.

Time: 7.30am-12noon, meeting point Changi Village Ferry Terminal
Venue: Sungei Jelutong at Pulau Ubin
Cost: Members’ price: $70 (cheque)/ $74 (online payment); Non-members’ price: $85 (cheque) / $89 (online payment).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.   

23-28 May: Traditional Wayang at Pulau Ubin with free boat ride

Come to Pulau Ubin to enjoy authentic traditional wayang in celebration of Tua Pek Kong's birthday!

Ubin jetty is usually colourfully decorated for the celebrations!

There will be a free nightly wayang show (23-27 May) and finale geitai show (28 May). This is NOT a special performance put up for the public, but a part of the way of life of the residents of Ubin.

Take a free bumboat to Pulau Ubin and enjoy what may be the last of these performances.

Click on image for larger view.
Shared by Alan Tan on facebook.

Timing of the free ferry rides are
23-27 May (Thu-Mon), 6.30-10pm
28 May (Tue), 6-11pm.

Thanks to Alan Tan of Ubin NParks for the alert and translation of the notice.

More on how to get to Pulau Ubin. More about these festivities on the Pulau Ubin stories blog and the ubin.sgkopi blog.

28 Apr (Sat): Semakau Mini Documentary contest

Here's your chance to film Pulau Semakau's biodiversity and win attractive prizes.

Nature Society (Singapore) is hosting an all-day event at Pulau Semakau on 28 Apr (Sat) for "Through Green Lenses: A Semakau Mini-documentary/Film Making Contest 2012"

The contest gives you the chance to capture and showcase the unique co-existence of waste management and rich biodiversity on Pulau Semakau.

Theme: Unique Co-existence of Waste Management and Rich Biodiversity
Duration of mini-documentary/film: 3 minutes or less

1st prize: Legria HF R 26 and cash worth $1500
2nd prize: Legria FS 46 and cash worth $1000
3rd prize: Legria FS 406 worth $500

Winners will also get to meet Zeb Hogan, National Geographic Explorer, host of highly rated documentary 'Monster Fish' and judge for Through Green Lenses.

Important dates:
22 Apr (Sun): Video editing workshop cum briefing session
28 Apr (Sat): Filming on Semakau

More details on the Nature Society (Singapore) website

24 Dec (Sat): "Save our Wildlife" fundraising dinner for ACRES

All are warmly invited, family and friends, to a VEGE great festive dinner at Livingreens to raise some funds for ACRES. All kids get to make their own native animal masks, free! PLEASE bring bells, whistles, rattles - Impromptu singing, carolling and caterwauling may happen!

ACRES is a local charity and Singapore's first wildlife rescue centre devoted to caring and housing confiscated wildlife from the illegal wildlife smuggling trade. ACRES also runs its centre as an educational facility, doing outreach to create awareness about the importance of conserving and protecting wildlife and their habitats. ACRES will be selling their teeshirts plus other merchandise, so get your last minute Xmas presents here! All proceeds go to ACRES. More about ACRES http://www.acres.org.sg/

Enjoy festive fare of hearthy pumpkin pickle appetiser, salad roll, La Mian & Shepard's Pie with cabbage, Christmas Pudding, Livingreens special fruit drink and hot tea. All vegan, and suitable for Buddhists too.

Please register with Andrew Tay andrew.tay@pacific.net.sg To confirm your seat/s, please send cheque payment made payable to "Livingreens LLP" to: 38 Toa Payoh Lor.5, #08-499, S(310038). Or promise to pay on the spot, we'll take your word for it.

This is Battyboo with Babyboo, rescued by ACRES. Mommy's right wing got snagged on fishing line litter and had to be amputated off. Gave birth to baby after her rescue. She is a Dusky Fruit Bat, a native rare species of bat who helps to grow forests by dispersing seeds of trees.

Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Livingreens organic vegan restaurant, 325 Beach Road (opposite Concourse building) Near Nicoll Highway MRT Station, Singapore 199559 Tel. 63965523 www.livingreens.com.sg
Dinner price: Adults $50, Kids aged 7 to 11 yrs $25, kids 6 yrs and below free.

24 Dec (Sat): Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh

Free guided nature walk along the Mangrove boardwalk under shady mangrove trees. Spot mudskippers, crabs and other marine life, learn about our mangroves, enjoy views of the Johor straits.

Suitable for young children.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups. But each walk is limited to 15 persons per guide and is on a first-come -first-served basis. The walks are weather permitting and may merge with other activities at the Reserve. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.

More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website. This walk is conducted by the volunteer guides of NParks' Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and is held every Saturday.

Time: 9.30am for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Entry charges: While the walk is free, admission fees to the Reserve apply: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

24 Sep (Sat): Night Ramble - Mandai Lake Road to MOE Dairy Farm Adventure Camp

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Come and experience rambling under the tall trees, as the day transforms into night. Experience the sunset and the dark tranquil ambience, as dusk sets in with the nocturnal sounds of millions of cicadas and night birds greeting the night. If you are lucky you will see fireflies, small animals, luminous fungi and ferns along the forest tracks. Enjoy the stars, planets and celestial objects shining in the night sky. Estimated journey is about 5 hours (not suitable for children under 12 yrs of age).

Time: 5:30-10:30pm. Meet at bus stop at Mandai Lake Road-Mandai Orchid Gardens (now construction work in progress) Bus service Nos: 138, 926, 927
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

16-21 May: Wayang at Ubin

Come to Pulau Ubin for authentic traditional wayang in celebration of Tua Pek Kong's birthday!
Thanks to the alert by Alan of Ubin NParks.

Free boat rides to Ubin from Changi Point Ferry Terminal from 6.30pm to 10pm!

There will be nightly wayang show (16-20 May) and finale geitai show (21 May). This is NOT a special performance put up for the public, but a part of the way of life of the residents of Ubin. Here is a chance to take part in a dying tradition. Take a bumboat to Pulau Ubin and enjoy what may be the last of these performances. You can also enjoy a sumptious dinner at the restaurants there before or while watching the show.

More about these festivities on the Pulau Ubin stories blog.

More on how to get to Pulau Ubin.

More about Wayang at Pulau Ubin on the ubin.sgkopi blog.

5 Mar (Sat): Kayaking Sungei Khatib Bongsu

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Explore Sungei Khatib Bongsu by kayak, in a 7.5 km relaxing mangrove paddle amongst one of the last accessible riverine mangroves on mainland Singapore.

Expect to see a variety of interesting plant and animal life.

Suitable for beginners and for those who have never kayaked before. Up to 3 children can be accommodated on this trip, and must be accompanied by one parent per child. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a change of clothes (will get wet!). Toilets with showers are available.

For details and registration, please contact Moira Khaw at burningblue2@gmail.com.

In the event of a good response, it may be possible to re-run this trip at a suitable date later this year.

Time: 7-11.30am at Sembawang Park beneath a spreading fig tree by the sea, along a road named Kampong Wak Hassan.
Cost: $50 per person.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

27 May - 2 Jun: Wayang at Pulau Ubin

Traditional wayang (Chinese opera) in celebration of Tua Pek Kong's Birthday, as practiced by the villagers. The wayang shows will be from 27 May to 31 May following two nights of geitai show. You can also enjoy a sumptious dinner at the restaurants there before or while watching the show.
Thanks to the alert by Alan of Ubin NParks.

More about traditional wayang at Pulau Ubin and more details on the Pulau Ubin Stories blog

More about Pulau Ubin and how to get there and about wayang at Ubin on the wildsingapore website.

Time: wayang from sunset onwards
Venue: Pulau Ubin wayang stage

until 20 Jun: BiodiverCity Voters’ Choice competition

The BiodiverCity photo competition is over but you can still win prizes by voting for your favourite photo!
Vote for your favourite photos and you could win iPod and other prizes.

22 May (Sat): Acres Gala Dinner 2010

Book a ticket to an evening of fun. And give an animal a ticket to freedom.
Your ticket will go far. It will cover the cost of an average animal rescue, which includes a medical check-up, a microchip implant, medication, equipment, treatment and transportation. It will take an animal from injury to health, from hunger to food, from captivity to freedom. For many wild creatures, the journey is from near-death to life. For making these rescues possible, we just can’t thank you enough.

Thanks to our sponsors, 100% of your ticket cost and/or donation will directly benefit the animals.

You will also receive a double tax exemption for your ticket cost and/or donation!

For booking assistance, contact Leanora Gaffar (98446486 / leanora@acres.org.sg)

Tickets are $150 for singles and $1,350 for a table.
Premium tickets are $300 for singles and $2,600 for a table.

Time: From 6pm
Venue: The Venus Grand Ballroom, Furama Riverfront Hotel, Singapore
Website: http://www.acres.org.sg.

Video competition - "Love Green: Just Bin it"

Join the NParks "Love Green: Just Bin it" Video Competition and submit your video clip that highlights the anti-littering message in our parks!
There are S$20,000 worth of cash prizes to be won!

27 Mar (Sat): Earth Hour 2010

Come down to the Esplanade Park to celebrate Earth Hour. For one hour, 8.30 to 9.30pm, Singapore will join thousands of cities across the world in switching off non-essential lighting, sending a powerful global message that it is possible to take action against climate change.
Watch as the Central Business District and landmarks such as the Merlion, the Esplanade Theatre and the Singapore Flyer switch their lights off, enveloping the skyline in complete darkness.

Sit back and let us entertain you with a free green concert, fuelled by Biofuel recycled from waste cooking oil. Don't forget your picnic basket and beeswax candles!

Pledge your support on the Earth Hour Singapore webpage.

Time: 7-10pm
Venue: Esplanade Park (opposite the Padang)
Website:
main website: http://www.earthhour.org
Singapore site: http://earthhour.wwf.sg/
Contact: Earth Hour team (ask for Janell or Thu), WWF Singapore Tel: 6323 0100

20 Mar (Sat): Run 350 at Pulau Ubin by Young NTUC

Enjoy the rural and natural beauty of the island while running. See for yourself what are you running for and help to preserve it!
Why 350?
350 ppm (parts per million) is the upper safety limit for atmospheric carbon dioxide and the inconvenient truth is that it's currently standing at 387 ppm. The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) level increases at an alarming rate from decade to decade, thus urging for calls to slow down the effects of climate change before irreversible damages are done to our home.

Plant-a-Tree Programme
Proceeds from the run will go towards reforestation efforts through the Garden City Fund's Plant-a-Tree Programme. The target is raise enough funds to plant 350 trees.

Run 350 is part of the environment-related initiatives by Young NTUC. It aims to raise awareness about the carbon footprint issue that was one of the key issues discussed during COP15 last December, while proceeds from the run will go towards our reforestation efforts through Plant-a-Tree programme.

More details at http://www.run350.com/faq.html

Flag off: 3.50pm (10km run), 4.50pm (5km run)
Venue: Pulau Ubin
Cost: $20 for NTUC Members, $30 for Non-members. Proceeds will go towards reforestation efforts via Garden City Fund's Plant-a-Tree Programme, targeting to raise enough to plant 350 trees.
Website: http://www.Run350.com
Ticketing contact: tickets.com email: info@tdc.sg hotline: 6296-2929

31 Jan (Sun): Really Really Free Market

The first session of the Singapore Really Really Free Market this year is held just before Chinese New Year!

Join us for this temporary market based on the concept of giving and building a community based on sharing resources, caring for one another and improving the collective lives of all - share your stuff (books, cds, toys, food, etc) or skills (tarot card reading, hair cutting, poetry writing, singing, etc) by giving them to others who need them!

Please announce your participation on the wall so others can also be inspired!

And, of course, you're also welcome to come by to just experience the joys of giving and making friends!

Time: 4-9pm
Venue: Show Room, Post-Museum 107+109 Rowell Rd
Website and contact: on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=269085856018&ref=nf

17 Jan (Sun): The Eight Treasures Hunt @ HortPark - Chinese New Year Special!

The Eight-Treasure-Box (八宝盒 ) or ‘Tray of Togetherness’ is a traditional Lunar New Year goodie box containing eight sweet treats.
Discover more about the ingredients of these eight sweet treats that originate from eight different plants by participating in the Eight Treasures Hunt @ HortPark. This treasure hunt-cum-amazing-race will bring you on a fun and exciting quest of learning and discovery around HortPark. Be the first to find all 8 treasures and receive a special gardening treat!

The event is free but pre-registration is required.

Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: HortPark, Fruit Room
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/ or call 6471 5601