What's on this week for nature activities in Singapore

WHAT'S ON THIS WEEK?!
Nature activities and events happening this week

7-13 May 07

7 May (Mon): 'For whom the forest? Story of Bukit Timah'
an exhibition of research findings by Students of NIE, NTU

Urban development can be redeveloped or re-located; a forest lost is lost forever! Spare the forest a thought!

This exhibition isbased on research findings of students of NIE and NTU from two modules: Biogeography and Ecosystem Dynamics and Development and Conservation, working under A/P Kalyani Chatterjea, HSSE, NIE.

This exhibition is the culmination of months of field and lab investigations done by students of various disciplines ranging from geography, business, accountancy, civil, mechanical, electrical engineering, biological sciences and others and showcases the various perspectives of young, interested students from different disciplinary backgrounds, focusing on a common issue relating to nature conservation in urban Singapore.

While some groups have delved into matters relating to physical environment of the rainforest reserve, others deal with the dilemma of urban development around the nature reserve, visitor preferences in forest-based recreation, and some others deal with proposals related to alternatives for survival of animals, as well as sustenance of visitor recreation and further outdoor activities around the forest, to maintain public participation in the conservation efforts.

The exhibition would provide insight into this very intricate issue of constant battle between development and nature conservation in Singapore as well as offer food for thought for further research. Issues raised may be local but they can be related to the general world-wide trend of forest decimation to make room for development.

Come and support not just the students' work but also their enthusiasm and get enlightened on this very important issue related to Singapore's natural heritage! Please join us to find out more… ALL ARE WELCOME!

Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: NIE Student Hub, National Institute of Education, 1 Nanyang Walk

9 May (Wed): Nature Society Conservation Chat
for NSS members only

This is an informal gathering for members concerned about nature conservation in Singapore. The objectives are: 1) To keep members in touch with the Conservation Committee's latest conservation efforts; 2) to obtain feedback on what the Committee is doing or plans to do; 3) to obtain information on existing or impending problems in nature reserves and areas that are unknown to the Committee; and 4) to obtain ideas and suggestions for conservation efforts. This session also aims to foster camaraderie for nature conservation. This session's agenda is on the PUB's ABC Waters Programme and any other conservation issues you may like to raise. Call or e-mail Ho Hua Chew (hohc@starhub.net.sg) if you have any suggestions.

Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Nature Society (Singapore), 510 Geylang Road, The Sunflower #02-05 Junction of Geylang Road and Lorong 28 Closest MRT is Aljunied.
Contact: More details about the Nature Society (Singapore). To join the NSS, email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

12 May(Sat): Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve free guided walk

You'll see the fabulous plants and animals of the mangroves and freshwater wetlands. Besides the abundant bird life, there is also other fascinating wildlife in the Reserve. more

3.30am: Marine Fish Tour, a 30-minute tour introducing the fascinating fishes of Buloh.

Time: 9.30am for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.
Tour duration: one to one and a half hours. Easy trails, some suitable for young children.
Entry charges: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401

12 May (Sat): Botanic Gardens Rainforest Trail free guided walk

A fabulously easy introduction to a rainforest with tall trees and other mysterious plants! Right in the heart of the city, within minutes of Orchard Road, this is the oldest remnant of rainforest in Singapore! more

Time: 9am, 10am, 11am, 4pm; Register 15 minutes before the tour at the Visitor Centre.
Tour duration: one hour. Suitable for young children.
A special Mandarin version of this tour is at 4pm.
Contact: Visitor Services, 64717361 or NPARKS_SBG_Visitor_Services@NPARKS.GOV.SG

13 May (Sun): Birdwatching at Rifle Range Central Catchment Forest
for NSS members only

After waving goodbye to our winter visitors and passage migrants, this is the time to get re-acquainted with our forest birds again. We will explore this part of the forest with experienced birder Lim Kim Chuah. The little-visited Rifle Range Catchment Forest yields avian inhabitants like babblers, woodpeckers, sunbirds, spiderhunters, leafbirds, Asian Fairy Bluebirds etc.

Time: 7.30am meet at the junction of Dunearn and Rifle Range Roads. Car-pooling will be required.
Contact: More details about the Nature Society (Singapore). To join the NSS, email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.

13 May (Sun): MacRitchie Prunus Trail free guided walk

You'll see breath-taking views of the reservoir and surrounding forests and learn more about the freshwater and land wildlife and plants there. This stroll on the boardwalk is suitable for young children. more

Time: 9.25am. Meet at entrance of the trail, about 50m after the canoe kiosk on the eastern side of MacRitchie Reservoir Park.
Tour duration: about one hour.
To join the guided tour, you will need to pre-book.
Contact: vanessa_chang@nparks.gov.sg or call :6554 5127.

13 May (Sun): Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve free guided walk

You'll see the fabulous plants and animals of the mangroves and freshwater wetlands. Besides the abundant bird life, there is also other fascinating wildlife in the Reserve. more

Time: 9.30am subject to availability of volunteer guides; for walk in guests, register at the Visitor Centre. Those coming with large groups are advised to pre-register.
Tour duration: one to one and a half hours. Easy trails, some suitable for young children.
Entry charges: $1 per adult, 50cents per child/student/senior citizen.
Contact: sbwr@pacific.net.sg or call 6794 1401