wild happenings in singapore

1 Feb (Sun): Free Pasir Ris Mangrove boardwalk tour with the Naked Hermit Crabs

Specially for kids and families, explore Pasir Ris mangroves with volunteer nature guides from the Naked Hermit Crabs on this FREE guided tour of the boardwalk!

During our evening stroll through this interesting but often overlooked mangrove, we are sure to see lots of crazy tree climbing crabs, delightful giant mudskippers and cool monitor lizards. Pasir Ris is also one of the few places where nesting herons are easily observed. And as the sun sets, we might spot some nocturnal animals like watersnakes. If we're lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the rare Mangrove pitta or the family of otters that have been seen here! More details on the Naked Hermit Crabs blog.

Register through this online form. A confirmation note will be sent.

Time: 5pm. We should end at around 6.30pm, just before sunset.
Meeting point: Pasir Ris Park, Carpark C, meet near the first toilets nearest the entrance to the carpark. The meeting point is a short stroll from the Pasir Ris MRT station. Map
Website and contact: http://nakedhermitcrabs.blogspot.com/

1 Feb (Sun): Kayak Mandai Mangroves

Open to the Public - Registration Needed

Grab this chance to join Huey in exploring the Important Bird Area of Mandai Mangroves on kayak. This paddle is suitable for beginners as the kayaks are stable double-seaters. We will be exploring 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 our resident Brahminy Kites and White-bellied Sea Eagles circling overhead, or even a migratory Osprey fishing.

More details and registration on the NSS website.

Time: 8am-12noon
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

1 Feb (Sun): Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research

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 with Kerry Pereira (kerry@nss. org.sg) or at the NSS website stating your name, if you a NSS member or not, affiliations (eg. school or company), experience if any, and contact details.

Details will be emailed upon registration.

Time: 2.30-5.30pm, meet at the extension of Kranji Road at the junction with Kranji Loop. Take bus 925 from Kranji MRT station and alight at the Chinese temple along Kranji Loop, cross the road and look for the nameless track that starts beside Leong Soon Pte Ltd (251 Kranji Road).
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

31 Jan (Sat): Nature Trail Walk with the BES Drongos

Come on an invigorating walk along the Petai Trail! Learn more about nature spaces in Singapore and the biodiversity found in our physical landscape of the secondary forest at Macritchie Reservoir Park. The walk is on gravel path and boardwalk, some elevation but no steep stairs.

The BES Drongos are a group of nature lovers from the Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) programme who have come together to manage guided walks on nature trails open to everyone! 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.

Registration required online at besdrongos.eventbrite.sg

Time: 8.45am-12noon
Meeting point: Mushroom cafe at the entrance of Macritchie Reservoir Park
Website: http://besdrongos.wordpress.com

31 Jan (Sat): What's in my water? - Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Free Guided Walk

Ever wondered what is living in the water bodies around Sungei Buloh? Join us then! Know more about the plants and animals that live in the different water habitats of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Register early to avoid disappointment as this is limited to 20 pax.

Time: 9.30am-12noon
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Kranji Way Visitor Centre
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

31 Jan (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 and 3.30pm for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: One to one-and-a-half hours. Suitable for young children.
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

19-25 Jan: Highlights of the week ahead

For kids and the family

Walks in wild places

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

Butterfly Watching at Sime Forest

25 Jan (Sun): Butterfly Watching at Sime Forest

For Nature Society (Singapore) members only

This will be a leisurely walk from the pumping station, past Bukit Kallang Ranger station, to Jelutong Tower. After the wet months of November and December, we hope to see butterfly activity picking up again. Expect good sightings of forest butterflies.

Time: 10am - 12noon
Venue: Sime Forest. Meet at PUB Pumping Station at 10am. We will arrange for people to carpool from Venus Drive car park to the PUB pumping station, going past the SICC golf course barrier. If you want a ride, please meet at Venus Drive car park at 9.30 am. The walk should end by noon.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

25 Jan (Sun): Paint along with Pui San at Sungei Buloh

Free art-and-nature appreciation at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Tham Pui San, a volunteer of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, is an avid artist who expresses his passion for nature through his art work.

Pui San welcomes artists of all ages or anyone who wants to learn. His objective is to encourage creativity while enjoying nature at the same time. Bring along your favourite drawing or painting supplies and enjoy learning different drawing techniques at Sungei Buloh.

More in the art in the wetlands blog.

Time: 8.30-11.30am, meet at Bakau Lab.
Website: http://artinwetlands.wordpress.com/
Contact: Tham Pui Sam at thampuisan@hotmail.com or the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve at info@sbwr.org.sgor call 6794 1401

24 Jan (Sat): What's in my mangroves? - Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Free Guided Walk

Join us for a free guided walk to find out about the amazing mangroves at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. This tour will be conducted at the new extension at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Kranji Way Visitor.

Register early to avoid disappointment as this is limited to 20 pax.

Time: 9.30am-12noon
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Kranji Way Visitor Centre
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401