22 & 23 May (Sat & Sun): Screening of "Singapore Hornbill Project - Return of the King"

"Singapore Hornbill Project - Return of the King" is about the endeavour of a team of dedicated researchers, passionate citizen scientists, bird lovers and like-minded sponsors who spent more than 6 years studying the ecology and breeding behaviour of the Oriental Pied Hornbill.
This hornbill was thought to be extinct in Singapore as it had not been seen for more than 150 years but it was rediscovered in 1994. From a single individual, the population of the Oriental Pied Hornbill in Singapore has now increased to more than 50, mainly due to the research team's efforts in providing suitable artificial nest boxes and improving the habitats for the birds to breed.

This 40-minute documentary feature is a work of passion, which highlights the trials and tribulations of past years of research work to bring the King of the forest back to Singapore.

The event is free but registration is required. To register, please email choi_yook_sau@nparks.gov.sg

See also this article Hornbill breeding takes flight in Singapore Pair produces 3 chicks in a year after being released into the wild, Chang Ai-Lien, Straits Times 2 Jan 10;

Time: 10am – 12pm
Venue: Pulau Ubin, Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub how to get to Pulau Ubin
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

22 May (Sat): PrawnWatch at Sungei Buloh

Free guided introduction to traditional prawn farming. Go on a journey back to the past, where the history of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as prawn and fish farms is one not to be ignored. The importance of mangroves as a spawning place and nursery for prawns and other life played an important role in shaping Sungei Buloh today. The traditional method of prawn harvesting will be demonstrated and how the tidal influence play a part in this activity will be brought to life.

The highlight is a real hands-on demonstration of a prawn harvest. The kids will be thrilled to check out what comes up with the net, see real live prawns and learn more about our seafood and the tides.

The walk is approximately 5km on wide earthen trails. Suitable for older children who are reasonably fit.

Registration is not required for small walk-in groups.

More about PrawnWatch on the Sungei Buloh website. More about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on the wildsingapore website and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve website.

Time: Meet at 9.30am at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Information Counter.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for older 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

22 May-20 Jun: BiodiverCity Photo Exhibition @ Orchard

This 'BiodiverCity' photo exhibition celebrates the rich biodiversity found in our urban environment. Singapore is often known as a bustling city state and a centre for commerce. Through the lenses of residents, we hope to show that it is also a haven for biodiversity.
This is part of a series of activities this year, which has been designated by United Nations as the International Year of Biodiversity 2010. Organised by NParks and the Photographic Society of Singapore with the support of PICO Art and Banyan Tree Holdings,

Admission is free.

Date: 22 May - 20 Jun
Venue: Outside Mandarin Gallery, Orchard Road
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/IYB2010

19 May (Wed): Screening of "Addicted to Plastic"

The film details plastic’s path over the last 100 years and provides a wealth of expert interviews on practical and cutting edge solutions to recycling, toxicity and biodegradability. These solutions – which include plastic made from plants – will provide viewers with a new perspective about our future with plastic.

More about the film.

This screening is a collaboration of Green Drinks Singapore with Young NTUC.

Time: 7.30- 9.30pm
Venue: NTUC Centre, Room 701, One Marina Boulevard
Cost: $2.50 per person
Contact: Olivia at olivia@greendrinkssingapore.com

10-16 May: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

• MAD Lesson on Mousedeer and her forest friends with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• Nature Adventure Walk at Dairy Farm Nature Park for kids

School holiday planning? Publicised events for all of June have been uploaded on the blog! Check them out and register early for your favourite activities!

Walks in wild places

• Guided walk at the Sensory Trail, Pulau Ubin.
• Forest Giants at Yishun Park.
• Mangrove walk at Pasir Ris Park.
• Mangrove walk at Sungei Buloh on Saturday and Sunday

For Nature Guides

• 14 May (Fri): What the Fig!

Talks and other activities

• 15 May (Sat): "Climate Change: An Update to May 2010" by ProfTim Flannery
• 15 May (Sat): "Reintroduction & Growing of Singapore Native Orchids"
• 15 May (Sat): Plant Conservation Day Bazaar at HortPark

Registration now open

• 27 Jun (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers
• 20 Jun (Sun): Fabulous Frogs & Terrific Toads! a night workshop for kids
• 19 Jun Sat and 20 Jun (Sun): Bugs & Slugs! What's Wild at HortPark?
• 19 Jun (Sat): Bats are beautiful! a night workshop for kids
• 12 Jun (Sat) and 26 Jun (Sat): Young Naturalist Passport Camp at Sungei Buloh
• 12 Jun (Sat): Getting To Know Our Dipterocarps with Cicada Tree Eco Place
• 29 May (Sat): Biodiversity Race 2010
• 23 May (Sun): Dive Pulau Hantu with the Hantu Bloggers.
• 22-23 May (Sat & Sun): "Singapore Hornbill Project - Return of the King" free film screening
• 22 May (Sat): ACRES Gala Dinner 2010 in support of the animal rescue centre

Other on-going events and announcements

• Video competition - "Love Green: Just Bin it" closing date 27 Jun.
• From 1 Jun: Free entry to National Heritage Board Museums

Singapore news highlights

• What makes male youths become litterbugs? Straits Times 10 May 10;
• Please don't release animals on Vesak Day Creatures may find freeing process stressful; many can't survive on their own, Shuli Sudderuddin, Straits Times 9 May 10;
• Concept Plan 2011 focus group reveals draft suggestions Mustafa Shafawi/Satish Cheney Channel NewsAsia 6 May 10;
• Going Green in Singapore: Hits and Misses Grace Chua Straits Times 7 May 10;
• Singapore No. 1 in global ranking of environmental degradation New study ranks countries on environment impact University of Adelaide, EurekAlert 4 May 10;
• NParks to turn Southern Ridges into Singing Forest S Ramesh, Evelyn Choo Channel NewsAsia 5 May 10;
• Need to cut emissions and yet protect interests: PM Straits Times 5 May 10;
• Newater to meet 40% of Singapore's needs 2020 goal part of effort to be self-sufficient in water, says SM Goh Cassandra Chew, Straits Times 4 May 10;
• 'Musang' facing threat from annoyed residents Ang Yiying Straits Times 4 May 10;

Singapore nature blog highlights

• URA Concept Plan 2011 review First preliminary recommendations published; public feedback by 25 May 2010 from Habitatnews
• Hotsoup postcard from The Green Volunteers
• The Singing Forest and Forest of Giants at the Southern Ridges from Celebrating Singapore's BioDiversity!
• Life History of the Quaker from Butterflies of Singapore
• Migratory birds and Mangroves at Sungei Buloh from wild shores of singapore
• Civets of Siglap: Singapore' last wild urban carnivores from Celebrating Singapore's BioDiversity!
• Exploring Admiralty Park again from Macro Photography in Singapore
• Labrador Nature Reserve from Crystal and Bryan in Singapore
• Could This Be A Pemphis @ Chek Jawa? from colourful clouds
• Up a creek with a paddle from wild shores of singapore
• An underwater garden at Pulau Ubin from wild shores of singapore

Photo of the week is this endearing image shared by Shirls on her blog about a truly magical encounter with our Spotted wood owls.

16 May (Sun): Birdwatching at Springleaf

for Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Lim Kim Keang will lead us on a bird finding mission around this almost forgotten part of Singapore which still has plenty of rural charm. The numerous tall trees and thick woods at Springleaf are home to parakeets, woodpeckers, bee-eaters, trillers and many other countryside birds.

Time: 7.30am.
Meet at the junction of Sembawang Road and Nee Soon Road.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

16 May (Sun): MAD Lesson on Mousedeer and her forest friends

Did you know we have deer in our forests? Yes, Mousedeer and Sambar Deer! Where can we find them? What do they eat and who may want to eat them? What other animals live in our forests too? How can we make a positive difference in their lives? Find out by coming for our lessons on Mousedeer and her Forest Friends.

Photo by Chan Kwok Wai.

For kid between the ages of 5 and 10.
Please sign up early as it's limited to 20 kids per class.
For enquiries and registration, please contact Celine Low at contact@cicadatree.org.sg

Other date: 22 May (Sat)
Time: 2.30-4.30pm
Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
Cost: $15 per child which includes a lovely badge.
Website:http://www.cicadatree.org.sg/

16 May (Sun): 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 Sunday morning, subject to availability of guides.

Time: 9.30 am (subject to availability of guides) 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

15 May (Sat): Talk on "Climate Change: An Update to May 2010" by ProfTim Flannery

A talk in the NUS Distinguished Climate Lecture Series by Professor Tim Flannery BA, MSc, PhD

Tim Flannery is one of Australia’s leading thinkers and writers. A scientist, explorer, and conservationist, he has published more than 130 peer-reviewed papers and many books.

More details and to register

Time: 4-5.30pm
Venue: University Hall Auditorium, Lee Kong Chian Wing, Level 2, NUS
(Map at http://www.nus.edu.sg/campusmap/ and search University Hall)

15 May (Sat): Talk on "Reintroduction & Growing of Singapore Native Orchids"

About 226 species of native orchids have been recorded in Singapore over the years. Of these, 178 are considered to be extinct, and only 5 are common.

Join Dr Yam Tim Wing from the Singapore Botanic Gardens as he introduces some of Singapore’s native orchid species.

If you are keen to grow some of these orchids, there will also be a sharing session by Lim Xuan Hong, an avid orchid enthusiast, who will touch on orchid cultivation in a high-rise environment. At the same time, learn more about NParks’ orchid conservation programme which involves the monitoring of the status of existing species, conservation of their germplasm, multiplication and subsequent introduction of orchids into our local landscape.

Time: 3-5pm
Venue: HortPark, Fruit Room
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/