2 Feb (Sat): World Wetlands Day - Wetlands for our Future

2 Feb is World Wetlands Day and in 2015, the theme is "Wetlands for our Future". How is this relevant to urban Singapore? Wetlands act as a natural sponge against flooding and drought, and protect our coastlines. They burst with biodiversity, and are a vital means of storing carbon. Check out the World Wetlands Day 2015 site for teachers guides and other materials.

In Singapore, celebrate wetlands this weekend with wetlands activities for kids and families! At Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, learn about shorebirds, mudskippers or join art workshops. Also at Sungei Buloh, come for a special photography talk by Dr Chua Ee Kiam. At the Botanic Gardens wetlands, learn more about our frogs at a special kids' event for Nature Society (Singapore) members only.


7 Feb (Sat): Pebble painting and origami heart folding at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

In celebration of World Wetlands Day, join us for a painting pebbles activity. The community art pieces (painted pebbles) will be displayed at the Visitor Centre once enough pebbles are accumulated to form an art piece. Or learn to fold origami heart and bring it home as a souvenir.

Time: 9am-12noon
Venue: Api Api Lab (Kranji Way entrance) for Pebble painting
Venue: Information Counter (Kranji Way entrance) for Origami heart folding

7 Feb (Sat): Talk "A Journey with Dr Ray Chua"
Join Dr Chua Ee Kiam aka Ray Chua, winner of the 2013 Nikon VIP Access “I AM AN EXPLORER” and the grand prize winner of the 2012 ‘City in a Garden’ Photography Competition, for a fun and insightful workshop as he shares his expertise and knowledge on nature and macro photography at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve’s new extension.

Get the insider’s scoop on how to spot interesting subjects and find exciting angles for that potential winning shot for the Singapore Garden Photographer of the Year photo competition. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to learn more about nature conservation and photography tips from Dr Chua!

To register for this free photography talk, simply name one wildlife species found in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and email the answer along with your name, contact number and email address to benjamin_ang@nparks.gov.sg. Slots are filling up fast. Sign up today to secure a slot for yourself!

Time: 10-11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Website: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

7 Feb (Sat): Waders' Watch Workshop at Sungei Buloh

The migratory bird season has started and the birds are here at Sungei Buloh! Sungei Buloh is an important bird site for these birds. Every year, thousands of these birds visit Sungei Buloh and other parts of Singapore to find food and shelter during winter in the northern parts of the world. Join in this workshop to know how to identify these amazing birds. Also learn how to Birdwatch and how you can help NParks in studying the migratory patterns of these birds in Singapore.

The workshop comprises a lecture and discussion about the birds followed by a field tour to practice identifying migratory shorebirds. It would be good if you have a pair of binoculars but we can loan you a limited number of binoculars. Attire: Cotton, covered comfortable walking shoes

Please email info@sbwr.org.sg to reserve your place as there are limited slots. Upon receiving your cheque, the Reserve will confirm your registration.

Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm
Cost: $5 (Includes admission fees and materials) (Please pay by cheque payable to National Parks Board, Attn: Waders' Watch and snail mail to 301, Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718925)
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

7 Feb (Sat): Muddy and his Home

Kids! Join Muddy and his friends for an adventure in the wetlands of Sungei Buloh. Be amazed listening to his interesting story and participate in the morning nature walk.

Places limited to 20 persons. Register on the NParks website.

Time: 9.30am-11am
Venue: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Information Counter
Website: http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Contact: info@sbwr.org.sg or call 6794 1401

7 Feb (Sat): Frognite with Nature Society (Singapore)
for Nature Society (Singapore) members only - verification needed

Join the Vertebrate Study Group for a night of exploration at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. We will set out to look for vertebrates including mammals, lizards, snakes and end the night with frogs.

Families are welcome to join in but children should be above 5 years old. Please bring along torchlights, drinking water and wear covered walking shoes. Please bring along your membership card for verification.

Time: 6-8pm
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens. Meet outside the library at the Botany Centre.
Website: http://www.nss.org.sg/
Contact: email contact@nss.org.sg or call 6741 2036.