Fun with Nature

NSS Kids’ Fun at the Botanic Gardens with Dr Shawn Lum

2011-12-28T06:51:00.000-08:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson
Uncle Shawn pointing out the distinctive features of Dipterocarp (primary forest trees) leaves.

Plants are usually seen as less interesting than fauna like birds or butterflies. This misperception was dispelled by none other than NSS President Dr Shawn Lum himself, when he guided a small group of kids and their parents in a show-and-tell tour of the Singapore Botanic Gardens on 15 October 2011.

Instead of taking the beaten trail to the left of the Visitor Centre as most people would do, Uncle Shawn, a botanist by training, decided to show us his ‘secret garden’. We took the sheltered path to the right, climbing up some stairs until we hit the elevated car park. Here, he introduced us to the Caribbean pine, a native of Central America, Cuba and Jamaica, among other areas in the region. Kids were asked to pick up the aromatic pine needles that littered the ground. With a sniff and some imagination, one could be transported to the coniferous forests of faraway lands.

We traversed the hilly terrain and descended upon the 2.5 hectare Healing Garden that was scheduled to be open a few days later on 21 October 2011. This garden forms the largest collection of healing plants in Singapore, showcasing 500 species from Southeast Asia. There is even an iPhone app by NParks for visitors to learn more about its medicinal wonders. Uncle Shawn was slightly disappointed to find the Garden locked.

Still, it did not stop him from enlightening us on the interesting specimens at its periphery. One such tree was the Buah Keras or Candlenut (Aleurites moluccana). Its fruit is used by the Malays, Nyonyas and Indonesians to cream, thicken and flavor their curries. Candlenuts are toxic when raw. They are so named because of their oily seeds. Hawaiians string them together, stick in a wick, and use them as candles. Uncle Shawn revealed that as a boy growing up in Hawaii, he failed numerous times to light the seeds. He only succeeded doing so 40 years later, an episode that brought him great delight.

We felt lucky to see the ephemeral and elusive Stinkhorn Mushroom which usually springs up in the night and is wilted by midday.

We then came across an Annatto tree which has fruits with an attractive reddish pulp around the seeds. These make a yellow dye that is used as a food colouring agent for some cheeses, butter and more. Natives of Central and South America use the pulp to make red body paint and lipstick. We then spied the familiar Blue Pea (Clitoria ternatea) climbing freely on a nearby fence. The water-extracted blue dye from its flowers is employed in Malay and Nyonya cooking to colour glutinous rice for Kuih Ketan and Nyonya Chang. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used as a memory enhancer, antidepressant and sedative agent. Uncle Shawn suggested that the Education Group could hold an art session centred entirely on natural plant dyes. What a brilliant idea!

The Nutmeg fruit, seed and (reddish) aril can be used to make three cherished food ingredients.

As we moved along, Uncle Shawn picked up a couple more leaves, pods, seeds and fruits to show the kids. These included rubber seeds, leaves of Dipterocarps (primary forest trees) and fruits of the Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans). In fact, the sprawling Nutmeg tree proved to be most fascinating. It is the only tropical fruit that is the source of two different spices: Nutmeg and Mace. Both have similar flavours, with Nutmeg being slightly sweeter while Mace is more delicate (and expensive). Nutmeg powder is made from the seeds of the tree, while mace is derived from the lacy reddish aril of the seed. Mace is also cherished for the orange hue it imparts to food. The Nutmeg fruit itself can also be eaten. It is typically cooked in sugar to make the candy Manisan Pala, a familiar preserved fruit.

The sighting of a Black Spitting Cobra evoked feelings of excitement and terror in equal parts.

Kids were not only thrilled by the many plants we saw, we also had our fair share of animal encounters. These included an Asian Toad, several Changeable Lizards and even a one metre long Black Spitting Cobra that slithered across our path! This snake is supposed to be common in gardens, scrubland and forests. When provoked, it would spit its venom at the eyes of victims, temporarily blinding them. Thankfully, all we saw was the retreating form of the snake as it disappeared into some bushes. Indeed, we had a very fine morning exploring one of Uncle Shawn’s favourite hangouts!

NSS Kids’ Fun with Dragons and Damsels

2011-12-28T06:22:00.000-08:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson

The dragonfly and damselfly world is populated by mystifying characters with names such as Treehugger, Telephone Sylvan and Crimson Dropwing. These names remain perplexing until one discovers that they perfectly describe the unique characteristics of particular Odonata (dragonfly) species. We learnt that the Treehugger (Tyriobapta torrida) is almost always found resting on tree trunks; the Telephone Sylvan (Coeliccia octogesima) has a pair of blue markings on its upper thorax that resemble the handles of telephones; and the Crimson Dropwing (Trithemis aurora) has the habit of gradually folding its wings downward when it lands.

Telephone Sylvan has a pair of blue markings on its upper thorax that resemble the handles of telephones.

Not only did we get close-up views of our three protagonists, the kids were also entertained by a supporting cast of 13 winged wonders on 13 August 2011 at the sparkling Venus Drive stream. We had the pleasure of being guided by four dragonfly enthusiasts: Tang Hung Bun, Dr Cheong Loong Fah, Robin Ngiam and Cheong Yi Wei.

The excitement began within metres of the Venus Drive car park. Here, the stream appeared inconspicuous, partially hidden by overgrown grass. This did not deter our guides. They gamely descended its steep slopes to point out the various delicate creatures that abounded around its clear waters. We gasped at the size of one of Singapore’s tiniest damselfly, the Variable Wisp (Agriocnemis femina), which measured just 2 cm from head to tail.

Auntie Gloria helping to show kids a forest dragonfly.

As expected, dragonflies were relatively difficult to tell apart. Many of the common ones were mostly red or mostly blue. Uncle Tang, who is also the author of the book “A Photographic Guide to the Dragonflies of Singapore”, brought along his brilliantly-photographed guidebook to help us identify the creatures.

On average, dragonflies spend about six months of their lives residing as larvae at the bottom of streams and stagnant waters. They feed on tadpoles, small fishes, water beetles, fleas and mosquito larvae, amongst other things. They can even turn cannibalistic if food is scarce. Like butterflies, they undergo metamorphosis, transforming from swimming juveniles into flying adults. After this, they only live on for one to two more months. This is just enough time to find a mate and perpetuate the next generation.

As adults, dragonflies are top predators in the insect world. They hunt down pesky mosquitoes, small butterflies, spiders and damselflies. There is even a record of a dragonfly killing a hummingbird in the US. Singapore has at least three Odonata species that are migratory, invading our air space in large numbers during the monsoon months. In the US, certain dragonflies are fondly called mosquito hawks.

Uncle Loong Fah pointing out the dragons and damsels of Venus Drive Stream.

We followed the stream from the sunny grassland into the gloom of the forest. Here, we saw a different cast of dragonflies from the open country variety. Instead of congregating around water, the forest dwelling ones are more isolated and less conspicuous. This gives the impression that there are fewer species living here, although it is not true. Both the Telephone Sylvan and Treehugger are forest varieties. We also located the uncommon and beautiful Blue sided Satinwing (Euphaea impar) after some hard searching. Altogether, it was a fruitful morning with most of us experiencing dragonfly watching for the first time. Indeed, the insect world is far more deserving of our attention given its tremendous diversity and beauty.

Fun with Hydroponics Farming & Butterflies

2011-09-02T02:55:00.000-07:00

By Amy Tsang and Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson
Photos by Lena Chow and KC Tsang

Our affable guide Adrian with his rapt audience.

We had an unlikely combination of a butterfly and hydroponics adventure in our NSS Kids’ outing on 18 June 2011, to Oh Chin Huat Hydroponics Farm located near Yishun. The laid back vibe of the place was a natural balm to our frazzled city souls.

We started the day in an outdoor classroom where Oh’s Farm guide Adrian conducted a fascinating show and tell session on butterflies. He took us through the butterfly’s life cycle, from miniscule eggs deposited on host plants, to the caterpillars' metamorphism through various 'costume' or instar changes, their pupation and finally their eclosure as beautiful butterflies. A few brave kids even allowed the prickly-looking Mime and Autumn Leaf caterpillars to crawl all over their arms. However, mostly ‘spiky’ caterpillars have skin irritants and should not be handled.

Some girls have no fear of caterpillars, allowing them to crawl all over their arms.

Kids had an exciting time exploring the Butterfly Enclosure. Here, beauties such as Autumn Leaf, Lime, Plain Tiger, Tawny Coster and Jacinta Eggfly flit freely amongst their host and nectar plants. Some of us even caught the rare sight of an Autumn Leaf caterpillar transforming into a pupa, by doing a writhing ‘belly’ dance. A butterfly quiz had kids vying for plant prizes including some butterfly host plants. KC and Amy Tsang were great at promoting butterfly watching. They handed out information sheets, recommended various field guides, as well as sold copies of the pocket-sized “NSS Field Guide to the Butterflies of Singapore”.

We even saw a Tawny Coster Butterfly eclosing from its pupa case.

The adults particularly enjoyed the hydroponics tour. We learnt that Oh’s Farm grows six types of vegetables including Kang Kong, Chye Sim and Xiao Baicai, as well as 10 types of herbs such as Italian Basil, Sweet Basil and Stevia. We were astounded that the farm sells about 1,000 kg of produce daily, to supermarkets such as NTUC where it is marketed under the ‘Pasar’ brand. Our guide shared with us that the soil-free nutrient solution comprises 16 minerals. Minerals essential for vegetable growth, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorous, are present in high concentrations. These are mixed together with trace elements such as copper, molybdenum, iron and manganese.

Vegetables are grown from seeds sown into sponges. These are placed in a dark, moist and warm Germination Room for two to three days, where 95% of them will sprout leaves. The seedlings are then transferred to a nursery where they are kept until they develop four leaves. These plantlets are then transplanted into greenhouses where cultivation occurs for another three to four weeks.

Lush, pesticide-free hydroponics vegetables grown right here in Singapore.

Vegetables and herbs are grown using the DRF (Dynamic Root Floating) hydroponics technique whereby a nutrient solution is circulated under the culture boards. This induces the plants to develop an air root system (numerous fine roots) in the humid space between the underside of the culture board and the surface of the nutrient solution. The plants are protected by black netting that covers the greenhouse, which negates the need for pesticides, lowers the amount of sunlight, as well as reduces the buildup of heat. These modified conditions are necessary as most vegetables and herbs consumed in Singapore originate from cooler climes such as South China. It takes about 28 days for Kang Kong to mature, which is a full week shorter than if it were grown in a regular farm. However, detractors claim that hydroponics-grown Kang Kong tastes more ‘watery’, less fibrous, and even less ‘delicious’ than the soil-grown variety. We sampled the Sweet Basil with relish.

We had fun sampling some of these produce. The Italian Basil had a numbing effect on our tongues, where purportedly only the healthy can detect. We enjoyed the taste of Stevia, a herb that is 250 times sweeter than cane sugar. It is sometimes used by diabetics as a sugar substitute. We were even allowed into the Cold Room (4°C to 8°C), which is essentially a walk-in misty refrigerator. Here, harvested vegetables are left for a day to rehydrate, so that their leaves do not tear as easily. Participants snapped up vegetable seeds, plantlets and fresh greens at the farm shop. Kids were encouraged to experiment with hydroponics at home, using a cut-up water bottle and some seeds. The tour aptly rounded off with each of us getting two free packets of leafy Xiao Baicai.

Fun at Chek Jawa

2011-09-02T02:47:00.000-07:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson

Chek Jawa’s coastal boardwalk enabled us to admire marine life such as Purple Climber Crabs and Rock Oysters.

There was a major stampede to see the splendid marine life of Chek Jawa on Pulau Ubin when it was first ‘discovered’, which ironically killed off a good portion of the ‘discovery’. In order to protect this fragile inter-tidal treasure from further damage, NParks implemented restricted access. It built an elevated coastal and mangrove boardwalk as compensation. The Education Group visited the area during the spring low tide of 10 April 2011, guided by Tan Hang Chong, Edzra Iskandar, Boon Peiya, Timothy Pwee and myself.

As chief guide, Uncle Hang Chong was superb with the kids. He peppered our walk with lots of stimulating edutainment. Kids learnt that the giant Orb Web Spider that we usually see is actually the female. The males are the tiny ‘babies’ that hang around the periphery of the web, essentially leeching off the female’s catches. They have to be careful not to get chomped on by their ‘wife’ after mating, which unfortunately happens sometimes. Auntie Gloria then spotted a Water Monitor Lizard climbing up a coconut tree, an arresting sight to say the least.

At the start of the coastal boardwalk, we came across the inedible Sea Nutmeg and Sea Mangosteen. We then spied several Carpet Anemones with tentacles swaying in the incoming tide. Purple Climber Crabs scrambled on sea boulders, which themselves were plastered with huge Rock Oysters. A stately Great-billed Heron, Singapore’s largest bird, was seen striding the distant mudflats, accompanied by a Little Heron and Whimbrel. Fiddler Crabs went about their daily business eating the coating of detritus on sand grains. Males cheerily waved their enlarged bright orange pincers in the hope of attracting the ladies.
As chief guide, Uncle Hang Chong even brought along a stash of ‘attap chee’, which comes from the Nipah Palm found also at Chek Jawa.

Kids found out that mangrove trees can thrive in poorly-oxygenated mudflats because they have aerial (air breathing) as well as buried roots. Depending on the species, the aerial roots can be pencil shaped or prop like. We were introduced to the Nipah Palm, source of the Ice Kachang must-have ‘attap chee’. Uncle Hang Chong even brought along a stash of these sugared treats, which were eagerly gobbled up. We rounded off the tour with a stop at the NSS Green Hub @ Ubin. Everybody was wowed by the surprisingly bright lighting system that uses diffused daylight. A big tube punched through the roof channels sunlight through a diffuser which also functions to remove the sun’s heat.

Fun in the Forest

2011-09-02T02:27:00.000-07:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson
Photos by Timothy Pwee

How would you describe a forest? Dark, mysterious or fun? Led by veteran nature guide Goh Si Guim, a chirpy group of kids and their caregivers chose the last adjective of 'fun' to describe their forest foray on 19 February 2011.

Uncle Si Guim briefing kids and their caregivers at the work-in-progress submerged boardwalk.

Circumventing MacRitchie Reservoir’s work-in-progress submerged boardwalk, we proceeded towards the Lornie Trail. Here, hundreds of joggers and trekkers zipped pass, quite unaware of the intriguing life forms that co-existed in the trees and undergrowth.

Near the trailhead, we visited our favourite patch of Slender Pitcher Plants. This carnivorous climber lures unwary insects with sweetened droplets, invariably leading them to a watery deathtrap. Digestive juices reduce the drowned insects into a nitrogen-rich supplement for the pitchers. As a result, pitchers typically flourish in nitrogen-poor soils where most plants cannot grow.

Uncle Si Guim pointed out the contrast between the hot and unsheltered landscaped garden that we had passed, with the cool and canopied forest that we had entered. Waving his hands animatedly, he explained in simple terms the role of plants in the ecosystem and the amazing biodiversity that it supported. Then we started poking around the undergrowth.

The cool and canopied forest revealed life forms that go unnoticed by most.

Kids grew increasingly fascinated with the micro organisms that Uncle Si Guim uncovered. They learnt that Jumping and Wolf Spiders did not build webs, but prowled the forest floor to hunt for insect prey. They saw a ‘ladder’ of bracket fungi, forming a ‘stairway’ up a dead tree that had possibly been zapped by lightning. Peering closely with torch and magnifying glass at the uneven bark of a Pulai tree, we found a well-camouflaged Whip Scorpion and several pinkish Forest Silverfish. Different species of Forest Cockroach (adults and nymphs) scampered amongst the leaf litter, quite unlike their American Cockroach cousins that live in our houses.

An entomophagous (insect-eating) fungus slowly snuffed out the life of this fly.

Next, Uncle Si Guim stumbled upon the ultimate find in the insect world. On closer examination of an innocuous-looking dead fly resting on a twig, he was ecstatic to witness for the first time, an entomophagous (insect-eating) fungus growing out of its head and body. A spore of this fungus had landed on the unfortunate fly. Its deadly mycelia had spread inside the fly, slowly drawing the nutrients and life out of its unsuspecting host. We could only see the fruiting bodies (“mushrooms”) of the fungus that had sprouted on the fly’s desiccated exoskeleton. These “mushrooms” were laden with spores that could infect the next victim. Kids learnt from Auntie Gloria that Cordyceps is a famous example of a medicinal entomophagous fungus.On the way out, some of us found a Kendall 's Rock Gecko resting in the branched crevice of a huge Callophyllum inophyllum tree near the exercise corner. In all, this trip cultivated an appreciation for the seemingly insignificant world of insects - a microcosm that can turn out to be terribly intriguing too.

Dugong Ivory at Changi Beach!

2011-04-13T19:09:00.001-07:00

A rare Dugong tusk (ivory) in its own bone casing was found at Changi Beach by Timothy Pwee and Gloria Seow.

We stumbled upon this unexpected and superb treasure during a low tide walk on 26 March 2011. When we first laid eyes on it, the bone casing had a little point sticking out, looking more like a giant barnacle. Only when cracked was the tusk exposed. However, we still could not fathom its identity, only guessing that it came from a big marine or land mammal. After scrolling through numerous photos on Google Images, we finally found the answer!

Locally, dugongs are very rare. Known also as sea cows, they graze on the sea grass beds off Changi Beach , Chek Jawa in Pulau Ubin, Pulau Tekong, around the mouth of Johor River and along the coast of Peninsular Malaysia. They tend to feed at night to avoid human contact. Globally, its population is discontinuously distributed from East Africa, to India, Southeast Asia, all the way to down to Australia. Only male dugongs that reach puberty (around age 12 onwards), or very old females sport visible tusks. Our dugong’s tusk measured 9.5 cm (adult males: 17 to 22 cm), while its bone casing was 20 cm long.
Growth layers on tusks can be used to age the mammal.

Culling from internet postings, it appears that the last confirmed Singapore sightings were in 2001 and 2006. Dugong carcasses were found at East Coast beach and Pulau Tekong respectively. A lucky contractor constructing the Chek Jawa boardwalk apparently encountered a live one in 2006. Ria Tan and her friends possibly spotted another live dugong as recently as March 2011, also in Chek Jawa. An old 1999 aerial survey counted 19 dugongs around the islands off Mersing (Pulau Rawa etc).

Did you know that dugongs are distantly related to elephants? Notice their tusks, small eyes and thick hides. Dugongs are differentiated from the similar-looking manatees by having a fluke (fish) tail. Manatees have paddle tails. Dugongs are true marine mammals, whereas manatees can live in both freshwater and coastal marine habitats.

NSS Kids’ Fun with Nature Photography

2011-03-01T21:10:00.000-08:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson
Photos by Lena Chow

Auntie Gloria gave a brief introduction to the basic functions of the digital camera.

Equipping kids as young as four years old with basic nature photography skills was not as easy as anticipated. These frisky little ones had great difficulty staying still long enough to snap a decent shot. Concepts like ‘framing’, ‘focusing’, and ‘macro’ were somewhat lost on them. Still they had fun running around capturing pictures of plants, insects, and other wildlife, as well as scenery. The older kids benefitted more from the nature walk cum photography session held at the MacRitchie Reservoir on 18 December 2010.

Every child had his own point-and-shoot camera.

Nature shots taken can be uploaded online to be shared with friends. This event was earlier highlighted in The Straits Times as part of a line-up of kids’ nature activities happening during the school vacation. As such, we had a deluge of registrations with up to 80 children wanting in on the action. In the end, 33 kids showed up together with an entourage of parents and caregivers.

Auntie Gloria gave a brief introduction to the basic functions of the digital camera. All kids present brought their own point-and-shoot devices. We then broke up into five groups led by Auntie Gloria, Auntie Lena, Auntie Mabel, Uncle Hang Chong and Uncle Timothy.

Auntie Mabel’s troop of older kids got to photograph carnivorous Slender Pitcher Plants, frolicking Long-tailed Macaques and soaring White-belled Sea Eagles. With his years of experience as a nature guide, Uncle Hang Chong naturally regaled his impressionable charges with nature stories and factoids while they snapped away at their subjects. Auntie Lena discovered that Singapore’s flies, if one cared to look at them at all, were a colourful lot, ranging from luminescent green to funky pink.

“Welcome to my lair,” said Mr Spider.

Uncle Timothy pointed out aspects of nature that one would normally miss, such as moss and lichen growing along pavement cracks, helping the kids appreciate these tiny life forms. By capturing close-up shots of what appears small and insignificant at first glance, one is usually surprised to find out that they are actually quite complex and beautiful.

While photographing a flowering shrub, Auntie Gloria’s group stumbled across two Green-crested Lizards resting amongst the foliage, right under our noses. These retiring lizards have been largely displaced by the invasive and non-native Changeable Lizard in many parts of Singapore. As such, it was our privilege that they turned up as perfect models for us. Flowers such as this Ixora were a favourite macro subject.

Being an excitable lot, the kids had to be constantly reminded not to get too close to animals, lest they flee or attack - their first lesson in nature photography etiquette. Indeed, we learnt that a nature trip can be enhanced by taking away memories of it in the form of photographs. Given today’s connectivity, these images can be uploaded almost instantaneously onto social media websites such as Facebook, as well as blogs and other online platforms. Sharing our nature shots with others is the best way to showcase Singapore’s Amazing Wildlife. This little step can help people realise that Singapore’s natural heritage is indeed diverse and wonderful, and ultimately, worth conserving. Uncle Timothy tutoring individual kids.

Fun with Nature Sketching and Origami

2011-01-31T21:03:00.001-08:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson

The scenic granite backdrop of Bukit Batok Nature Park formed the perfect outdoor setting for nature art.

The Education Group, together with Cicada Tree Eco Place, orchestrated a joint nature sketching cum origami workshop for kids and their caregivers. This took place at the Bukit Batok Nature Park on 3 October 2010. Nature artist and birding maestro Uncle Ding Li not only conducted the drawing session, but also complemented it with a fascinating commentary on Singapore’s ecology.

We started off with a stroll along a leafy path where we had delightful encounters with a small flock of White-crested Laughing Thrushes. These charismatic introduced birds were foraging at eye level, occasionally hopping along the forest floor or landing in low bushes. Everyone enjoyed good views even without binoculars. We also saw a lone Laced Woodpecker high up in the trees and heard the sparkling song of the globally-threatened Straw-headed Bulbul.

Kids working hard on their woodpecker masterpieces.

Auntie Vilma laid out a huge groundsheet facing the jagged granite outcrop of the pond area. This pretty setting suited the creation of dainty art pieces. Auntie Yue Yun, Auntie Lena and Uncle Timothy handed out recycled paper and sharpened pencils as drawing material. The kids were asked to recall the appearance of the White-crested Laughing Thrush. Uncle Ding then broke down the bird’s body structure into basic geometrical forms such as ovals (body), circles (head), triangles (beak) and rectangles (tail). Using these basic shapes, the children also drew their own birdies. Uncle Ding went on to erase off unnecessary lines to obtain a simple drawing of a perched bird. Just to prove that nature sketching could be done in a jiffy so as to capture the fresh memory of a recently-encountered bird, Uncle Ding went on draw a life-like laughing thrush in under three minutes!

Uncle Ding Li used basic shapes like ovals, circles, triangles and rectangles to sketch a bird, with the kids eagerly following suit.

Following this, Auntie Gloria handed out several articles related to nature sketching published in ‘Suara Enggang’, the birding bulletin of the Malaysian Nature Society. These articles explained the usefulness of nature sketching as a tool for observers to quickly note the key features of newly-encountered wildlife. Arrows with description can be added, denoting diagnostic features such as colour and even behaviour. These observations can be penned in a notebook carried along during field trips. Even those with long lenses could do with a pocketbook to record sightings and sketch those creatures that had evaded camera capture. Such field sketches, along with additional information such as date, time, place and weather condition, are frequently used as evidence to support rare sightings, thereby growing the body of scientific knowledge.

Uncle Ding Li drew this woodpecker in record time.

Uncle Ding led the kids further in a step-by-step sketch of the White-bellied Woodpecker and a butterfly. He explained that the White-bellied Woodpecker is feared to be extinct in Singapore with the last sighting occurring many moons ago. The children finished off their masterpieces by colouring them with magic pen. To round up the session, Auntie Yue Yun taught us how to fold a bird with movable body parts starting from a square piece of recycled magazine. Uncle Tim even ‘magnified’ the origami steps by demonstrating on a bigger sheet of paper. Soon enough, our paper birds were flapping merrily, much to the delight of the young ones.

Playing with an origami bird made of recycled magazine.

NSS Kids’ Fun at Green Circle Eco-Farm

2010-10-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson

The pastoral expanse of Green Circle Eco-Farm.

Evelyn shared with us the intrigues and insights of farm life.

Despite the early morning showers on 29 August 2010, the weather turned out fine at Green Circle Eco-Farm where a hardy group of children and adults had gathered at 9 am. Farm co-owner Evelyn Eng-Lim was our informative guide who took pleasure in introducing us to the virtues of organic farming and permaculture in her green patch at Neo Tiew Road.

Evelyn began by sharing with us how she first came to start a farm some 11 years ago. As a nature conservationist and full-time NSS volunteer then, she had always been attracted to the idea of organic farming. The final push came when she learnt that the government had recently permitted farmers to stay on their farms, something that she and her husband Tian Soo really wanted. After tendering successfully, the first stage was to make lots of compost to condition and fertilise the soil. The compost took three months to mature. The second stage was to start planting. To do this, they had to clear the existing vegetation (mainly elephant grass as tall as a man), stage by stage and only for immediate use so as not to expose the soil to weathering. Digging the hard clayey soil to make (vegetable) beds was a tough job that needed skill. Miraculously, an eccentric guy in his early 50s showed up to help them. Within a couple of weeks, the elephant grass had disappeared, and beds with compost mixed in were ready for farming. Knowing nothing about growing fresh produce on a large scale, the couple engaged an organic farmer consultant from across the Causeway and soon their first crops were sown.

Running a farm is a strenuous affair, having to engage foreign workers, supervise volunteers, manage the daily operations and finances, deal with the occasional inconsiderate neighbour, and of course grow vegetables successfully. By living so close to the earth, Evelyn had little insights now and then to make farm life interesting and rewarding. For example, it dawned on her that the green leafy vegetables that we consume (eg. kalian and xiao baicai) do not grow that well in our hot clime, being originally from cooler South China. As such, cool and light rainy weather (which does happen intermittently in Singapore) is best for growing these crops. She stopped buying expensive wood to construct support for her climbers when she realised that the wood she needed was staring her right in the face in the form of the woody stem of the elephant grass that still grew on unused farm plots. Wild pigs from the nearby Poyan forest often raided her farm. From reacting angrily initially, she has since decided to ‘let it be’ as the thought crossed her mind that it was us humans who were encroaching on their territory. Her neighbour trapped one such wild boar which we said “hello” to.
A compost heap made up of plant discards helps enrich the soil without the use of synthetic fertilisers.

Organic farming involves going au naturale by not using artificial chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and synthetic fertilisers. Instead, the soil is enriched with compost and mulch; while weeds are sparingly dug out. Evelyn showed us how compost is created by piling up unwanted vegetation in a huge heap where it can decompose aerobically into a nutrient-rich powder. Mulching is simply putting a layer of leaves and grass around growing plants to suppress weeds and for nutrients to be returned back to the earth. In contrast, synthetic fertiliser, which is nothing but pure chemicals, invariably kill off soil life like earthworms and dung beetles, in the name of providing “nutrients” to crops. Evelyn spoke passionately about how insects are “little farmers” that help pollinate her plants. She also practices permaculture which involves growing a wide variety of crops and rotating their plots so that their varying requirements do not deplete the soil easily. Also, pests and diseases have limited effect, since different plants react differently to specific attacks. As such, wholesale crop failure (typical of monocultures) is prevented. This translates to Evelyn’s customers, whom she home deliver fresh produce to, learning to eat whatever her farm grows.

Some were surprised to see that lady’s finger grew pointing upwards at the sky.

We saw all manner of fruits and vegetables sprouting merrily in Green Circle: from dangling egg plants to luscious sponge gourds (the source of loofah), twisty bushes of dragon fruit plant, multi-purpose neem plants and scores more. The trip ended with participants eagerly buying up the farm’s organic produce such as angled beans, lady’s finger and banana with skin so thin that it can be eaten. Evelyn generously donated the monies collected back to the Education Group’s funds.

Baby green vegetables have to be shielded from the direct rays of the sun.

Upcoming: NSS Kids’ Fun with Nature Sketching

2010-09-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

Date: 3 October 2010, Sunday
Time: 8.30 am to 10.30 am.
Venue: Bukit Batok Nature Park

Want to learn the basics of nature sketching? Join birder and artist Yong Ding Li at the Bukit Batok Nature Park where it will become our outdoor classroom to learn how to do quick sketches of insects, plants, birds and other animals. As a bonus, Goh Yue Yun will also teach us how to fold paper cranes. Time: 8.30 am to 10.30 am. Please register your kids (4 to 12 years old) with Gloria at gloria_seow at yahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if they are NSS members or not, and let us have your mobile number. A fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents are encouraged to join in at no charge. Drawing materials will only be provided for kids, adults have to bring their own. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

NSS Kids' Fun at ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre

2010-09-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson
Photos by Gloria Seow and Benjamin Ho

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) Wildlife Rescue Centre hosted the Education Group on 5 June 2010 with 20 odd kids and their parents descending upon this facility dedicated to rescuing animals in distress as well as from the illegal wildlife trade.
Amy Corrigan introduced the rescued animals in the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre through videos and photos.

We began with an illuminating presentation given by its Director of Education and Cruelty-Free Living, Amy Corrigan. She introduced the kids to the denizens of the centre through videos and photos, where each rescued animal had names like ‘Blue’ and ‘Tinytot’. It was heart rending to learn about the sorry state of some of these confiscated or abandoned pets when they first arrived at ACRES. For example, one of the star tortoises (an illegal pet) was found severely malnourished, evidenced by the many ulcers in its mouth and having a carapace (shell) that was clearly misshapened due to poor nutrition.
Charlene Tan shared about the many activities of ACRES in a tour of its facilities.

One sure reason for not keeping exotic animals is that most folks do not know what to feed them with, and end up starving these poor creatures of vital vitamins and minerals. Another good reason for not buying such pets has to do with their means of arrival in Singapore. Considered as illegal under CITES convention (due to their rarity in the wild), these animals are typically smuggled in, crammed together in poorly-ventilated hidden places like false compartments, as part of a legal shipment of allowable pets. For example, snakes are stuffed into socks, tortoises are stacked like so many sardines in a box, and birds are slotted into narrow pipes with their beaks taped. The death rates are high. For the one animal that survives, many more die. By any humane standards, such cruelty cannot be condoned.
Armed with worksheets, we walked around the gardens to learn about Singapore’s native wildlife.

Amy also shared videos of the rehabilitated animals, now living in happy environments with plenty of toys and interesting terrain to engage them. ACRES staff and volunteers regularly clean their pens and play with them, while a staff vet takes care of their nutrition and health. Amy exhorted all present to call the ACRES wildlife rescue hotline (Tel: 9783-7782) if we come across any animals in distress.
One of the many artistic information boards found here.

We then toured the premises to have a feel of its operations and to view its many educational exhibits. Thereafter, the kids were given worksheets that required them to search for ‘local wildlife’ (realistic-looking art pieces with accompanying information boards) scattered in the garden, to learn about their ecology, behaviour and other traits. The children also did artwork such as colouring animal masks and other drawings. For many, the visit was an eye-opening one as to the ugly reality and repercussions of the illegal wildlife trade, as well as the good work that ACRES has been doing.

Kids also enjoyed a spot of artwork.

Upcoming NSS Kids’ Visit to Green Circle Eco Farm

2010-08-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

Date: 29 August 2010 (Sunday)
Venue: Green Circle Eco Farm at Neo Tiew Road
Time: 9 am to 11 am

Been to an organic farm? This educational tour is suited for both adults and children (4 to 12 years old). Those without kids are welcome to join us. Held at the Green Circle Eco Farm in Neo Tiew Road, this tour will introduce participants to different farming methods including organic farming, and reveal how organic produce can benefit our body and the environment. Participants will be led around the farm to see how composts are made, observe the different practices adopted to control pest, and learn how to identify the wide variety of vegetables, herbs and fruit trees present. You can even purchase organic vegetables harvested on the spot. Please register with Gloria at gloria_seowATyahoo.com, stating all participants’ names and ages, if NSS member or not, and give us your mobile number. A fee of $7 per participant (member) or $10 per participant (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Please note that fees apply to both adults and children. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

NSS Kids’ Enchanted Butterfly Exploration at Changi T3

2010-06-19T00:19:00.000-07:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson
Photos by Lena Chow
Only 20 lucky NSS members get to enjoy the Changi T3 Butterfly Gardens each time.

A humming butterfly garden in the middle of Changi Airport’s swankiest terminal is a classic out-of-the-box tribute to our tropical natural heritage. As the world’s first butterfly garden in an airport, transit passengers stumbling upon this little oasis would be delighted to find hundreds of painted wings whizzing about in seeming bliss. And so were we, on our visit on 9 May 2010.

A little girl captures on her camera a Clipper feeding on sugared water pumped up via red flowers.

Twenty NSS kids and their parents, accompanied by butterfly experts Simon Chan and Steven Chong, toured the garden for its superb butterflies and landscaping. After stringent security checks involving multiple finger and thumb print scans that held up the group for almost an hour, we were finally in paradise. Kids ran around ooh-ing and aah-ing at one colourful butterfly after another, snapping photos, and even jostling to pick up the delicate beauties for closer examination. There were supposed to be 50 species of 1,000 free-flying butterflies native to Singapore and Malaysia present. However, according to Simon, the number and variety of butterflies here have inexplicably taken a dip since the garden’s opening on 28 August 2008.

A Clipper butterfly at the pineapple juice bar.

These farm-bred butterflies feed off the nectar from planted flowers, with their diet supplemented by cut fruits, and even sugared water artfully displayed as a butterfly-shaped flower tray. When we got hot and sweaty in the open-air garden, butterflies landed on us to feed on our profuse perspiration! One of the little girls in our group invented a clever way to entice butterflies onto her open palms – she dipped her fingers in sugared water as bait! The kids were particularly attracted to the huge and friendly Clipper and the prettily-patterned Tree Nymph.
Attractive Clippers from Malaysia.

In its lifecycle, a butterfly transforms in four stages. It starts off as an egg, becoming a caterpillar, then a pupa and finally emerging as an adult butterfly. We got to see rows and rows of pupae hanging from a transparent cupboard. These pupae take about a week to transform into their final adult form. We were lucky to witness several adults ‘eclosing’ or emerging from their pupae case. These newly-birthed butterflies had soft and folded wings that gradually expanded with body fluids pumped into their wing veins. When dried and all plumped up, butterflies test their wings by opening and closing them several times before undertaking their maiden flight.

Lemon Emigrants ‘eclosing’ or emerging from their pupae cases.

The second storey of the garden held an astonishing variety of pitcher plants. Kids were concerned that the hungry mouths of these carnivorous plants would ‘eat’ the butterflies they so loved. However, an educational signboard explained that butterflies typically steer clear of pitchers, which accounted for their near absence on this floor.
Kids enjoyed close interactions with these painted winged beauties.

All in all, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, leaving the garden enriched and enchanted by the sheer magic of so many butterfly fairies living within a tiny space.

Upcoming: NSS Kids' Fun at ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre

2010-05-27T02:37:00.000-07:00

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) Wildlife Rescue Centre is dedicated to rescuing animals from the cruel illegal wildlife trade in Singapore. Join us in a meaningful visit on 5 June 2010 to this facility to learn more. There will be exciting talks, videos and interactive activities for children aged 4 to 12 years old that will explain the centre's wildlife rescue work as well as touch on animal protection issues. In an outdoor conservation classroom, children will also learn about Singapore's native wildlife, their plights and how to help them. Time: 9am to 11am. Please register your kids with Gloria at gloria_seowATyahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if you are a NSS member or not, and let us have your mobile number. Cost $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents are encouraged to come along at no charge. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

NSS Kids’ Fun with Migratory Birds and Wildlife at Ubin

2010-04-14T01:03:00.000-07:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson
Photos by Lena Chow and Moira Khaw

Some 20 kids and their parents enjoyed a balmy morning of bird and wildlife watching on the idyllic island of Pulau Ubin on 20 February 2010. From the get-go, sightings materialised at a fast and furious pace. At the Ubin jetty itself, we got to peer closely at the blue-and-rufous plumage of the Pacific Swallow, the azure feathers of the Collared Kingfisher, the bobbing tail of the Common Sandpiper and the waving red pincers of tiny fiddler crabs.
The Oriental Pied Hornbill was undoubtedly the star bird of our trip.

Just off the jetty, Auntie Gloria spied the distinctive profile of a Peregrine Falcon soaring above. This migrant raptor then landed high up on a radio tower where it perched for many long minutes, affording us good views through the scope. Kids learnt that the Peregrine is the fastest bird alive, diving at speeds of up to 390 km/h into one of the wings of prey flying below. The broken wing sends the injured bird tumbling out of the sky, making a delicious meal for the peerless Peregrine.

Handy binoculars enlarge sightings by 8 to 10 times!

Even while taking a toilet break, two Oriental Pied Hornbills flew in to join the falcon on the same radio tower, sending everybody into an excited frenzy. We were to encounter these charismatic hornbills many more times during our walk. Oriental Pied Hornbills are uncommon residents on mainland Singapore. However, there is a thriving population of about 30 birds living and breeding in Ubin and Changi Village.

Auntie Gloria led the walking safari of Ubin’s bird and wild life.

Strolling along, we pointed out a kampong house made of wood and zinc. Later in the tour, somebody spotted a well where people still draw water from. The children saw for themselves the simplicity of life on Ubin, where amenities we take for granted, such as tap water and electricity, are considered luxuries here.

Adorable mudskippers littered the mangrove mudflats.

The sweet song of the Straw-headed Bulbul, Singapore’s famed avian songster, serenaded us as we wended forward through the countryside. Kids were wowed by the humongous Golden Orb Web Spider that sat on a giant web above our heads. Pink-necked Green Pigeons, White-vented Mynas, Common Mynas and Asian Glossy Starlings feasted at a fruiting tree. The little ones giggled at the antics of the numerous mudskippers littering the mangrove mudflats. Here, we witnessed a Little Heron catch and swallow a wriggling fish. Other swimmers like the Halfbeak and Archer Fish added to the list of sightings. Suddenly, Auntie Gloria caught sight of three hornbills winging towards us. Most fortuitously, two of these giant black-and-white birds landed on a ‘botak’ tree right in front of us, giving all jaw-dropping views. Two Long-tailed Macaques (also known as Crab-eating Macaques) were seen foraging at the mangroves, possibly for crabs.

Two Peaceful Doves (also known as Zebra Doves) sitting peaceably on the dirt path just metres from us.

Towards the end of our walk, we felt lucky to encounter two Peaceful Doves (also known as Zebra Doves), sitting peaceably on the dirt path just five meters ahead of us. Kids watched inquisitively as Scaly-breasted Munias explored for grass seeds, while Yellow-vented Bulbuls flitted from tree to tree. The trip concluded at the colourful NSS Green Hub @ Ubin located in the middle of Ubin town, which has paintings of hornbills and other Ubin wildlife decorating its façade. Here, we held a quiz on the various sightings encountered, with doggy prizes handed out for correct answers. We would like to thank Uncle Timothy, Uncle Benjamin, Auntie Lena and Auntie Mabel for assisting in wildlife spotting.

Kids were eager beavers when it came to quiz time!

NSS Kids’ Fun with Butterflies at Changi Airport T3

2010-04-06T03:47:00.000-07:00

This activity is open to NSS members only.
Date: 25 April 2010, Sunday
Time: 9.30 am to 11.30 am
Venue: Changi Airport Terminal 3
Closing Date: 14 April 2010

Do you know that the world's first butterfly garden in an airport is right here at Changi Airport Terminal 3? Located at the Transit Mall, this nature retreat is home to nearly 50 butterfly species native to Singapore and Malaysia, boasting more than 1,000 free-flying beauties. The garden has educational corners as well as individual enclosures where visitors can observe up close the breeding and feeding of butterflies. If you are lucky, you might even witness butterflies leaving their pupae! Gan and Simon of the Butterfly Interest Group will guide us. Limited to 16 places with priority given to NSS Kids between 4 to 12 years old. Depending on availability, parents may or may not be able to accompany your kids into the garden.

Particulars needed by Changi Airport (of parents and all children): a) Full Name as in NRIC/FIN, b) Gender, c) Race, d) Nationality, e) Country of Birth, f) Date of Birth (DD/MM/YY), g) Home/Company Address, h) Handphone Number, i) NSS membership number. Please email these particulars to Gloria at gloria_seow@yahoo.com. Closing date: 15 April 2010. A fee of $5 per participant (members only) will be collected on the spot. Please note that the date for this walk can only be confirmed after SATS police approve of the participant list. We will email you to confirm this, and to provide further details.

NSS Kids’ Fun with Migratory Birds at Ubin

2010-01-06T02:57:00.000-08:00

Date: 20 Feb 2010, Saturday
Time: 8 am to 10.30 am.
Venue: Pulau Ubin
Registration: Please register your kids (4 to 12 years old) with Gloria at gloria_seowATyahoo.com

The migratory season is here, and we’ll be checking out Pulau Ubin to see which birds have landed! Our feathered friends migrate to warm places like Singapore in the northern autumn and winter, which is typically from October to March in any given year. We also hope to spot resident birds like the charismatic Oriental Pied Hornbill and more as we stroll around the idyllic island. Our trip will end at the NSS Ubin House, right in the heart of Ubin village, which brims with nature paraphernalia, where we'll have a little quiz with prizes to be won. Time: 8 am to 10.30 am. Please register your kids (4 to 12 years old) with Gloria at gloria_seow@yahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if you are a NSS member or not, your mobile number, and if you need us to loan you binoculars or not. A fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents are encouraged to come along at no charge. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

NSS Kids’ Last Kampong of Singapore Adventure

2009-12-22T01:24:00.000-08:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson
& Benjamin Ho of The Nature Ramblers
Photos by Lena Chow and Timothy Pwee

A Sunday morning romp through the last surviving kampong (village) in mainland Singapore proved to be an irresistible proposition for some 40 kids together with their parents/caregivers. We crossed the bridge at Sungei Punggol (a canalized river) on 29 November 2009, and stepped gingerly onto the wide dirt track leading up to Kampong Buangkok, not quite knowing what to expect. Would this ‘kampong’ be a gimmicky and tacky village like so many of Singapore’s artificial attractions? Or would it be truly reminiscent of the kampong of yore: a somewhat messy cluster of wooden houses crowned with zinc roofs?

Uncle Ben calls the troops to order.

We were pleasantly surprised when Kampong Buangkok turned out to be a quaint little hamlet hidden in the midst of modernity, only a stone’s throw from buzzing Buangkok HDB estate and the private houses off Yio Chu Kang Road. Our little adventure was led by Uncle Ben of The Nature Ramblers, who was all geared up to transport the kids back in time, showing them how many of our forefathers lived before the advent of government flats.

The courtyard swing had immediate takers.

According to Wikipedia, Kampong Buangkok was established in 1956 by Mr Sng Teow Koon, the father of Ms Sng Mui Hong, who continues to live here with her nieces while her three other siblings (who are co-owners) have longed moved out. Mr Sng started by renting out land for people to build homes. By the 1960s, Kampong Buangkok housed some 40 families, with residents paying just $2 to $3 in monthly rent. Its land area has since shrunk from 21,460 m2 to 12,248 m2. Today, the Kampong is home to 28 families (18 Chinese and 10 Malays), who are mostly elderly residents, workers and even a make-up artist. Rental is still kept at a nominal $13 and these folks continue to enjoy the slower pace of life typical of a kampong existence.

As Kampong Buangkok is in a low-lying area, it is still affected by flash floods, especially when heavy rains coincide with high tides. We were greeted by a signboard detailing the week’s high tides written in red ink, which stood prominently at the entrance along Lorong Buangkok. As our group wandered amongst the many fascinating facets of kampong life, the children played a game in which they had to act out parts depicting the buildings, plants, birds and insects encountered.

What is a kampong without lush vegetation?

Kampong mongrels welcomed us with wagging tails. The kids were excited when they spotted a wooden coop, crowding around to look at the clucking chickens held within. Some parents were tempted to buy biscuits from a sparsely-stocked ‘provision shop’, but it turned out to be part of a movie set. Kids saw how kampong houses were built simply from wooden planks punctuated with ventilation holes, and painted in an assortment of colours, some as outlandish as pink. And yes, the houses were crowned with zinc roofs.

Ms Sng Mui Hong, owner of Kampong Buangkok.

Dirt tracks linked the various homes, lined with fruit trees like coconut, rambutan and banana, and fragranced by the presence of pandan and lemon grass. The calls of caged merboks, bulbuls and mata putehs added to the relaxing soundscape. Most homes were ragtag spartan and suitably messy, some sporting outdoor kitchens with utensils strung out in rows. However one house, tucked in an obscure corner, was downright pretty, with a porch featuring Balinese-style wooden doors capped with charming metallic motifs, inviting teak furniture and other cosy decorations.

The street sign here still uses the four-digit postal code!

Amongst the verdant vegetation, we found birds like the Black-naped Oriole, Asian Glossy Starling, Laced Woodpecker and Peaceful Dove. Aside from hearing the calls of cicadas, the kids were treated to sightings of butterflies, bees and grasshoppers. The walk concluded with a short trek along Sungei Punggol which runs alongside the Kampong, where we caught glimpses of the Blue-tailed Bee-eater and Collared Kingfisher.

Upcoming: Fun with Kampong Games (NSS members only)

2009-10-27T04:13:00.000-07:00

Date: 28 November 2009 (Saturday)
at the NSS Get-Together held at the same venue
Time: 4.30pm to 6 pm.
Venue: MOE Dairy Farm Adventure Center
Cost: Free-of-Charge, for kids of NSS members only
Sign Up: Please email Gloria at gloria_seowATyahoo.com

Calling all kids 4 to 12 years old. Join Gloria and Tim of the NSS Education Group in Fun with Kampong Games, in a repeat of last year's kids' activities at the NSS Get-Together. Shoot marbles, dabble in ‘five stones’ and enjoy team games such as ‘Eagle catches the Chicks’, ‘One-Leg’ and ‘Le-long’. Register with Gloria at gloria_seowATyahoo.com stating your kids’ names and ages.

Upcoming: “Last Kampong of Singapore” Adventure

2009-10-27T04:08:00.000-07:00

Suitable for children 4 to 12 years old
Date: 29 November 2009 (Sunday)
Time: 8.30 am to 10.30am.
Cost: A fee of $5 per child (NSS member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot.
Sign Up: Pls email gloria_seowATyahoo.com

Travel back in time with Benjamin Ho of The Nature Ramblers when we visit the last surviving village in mainland Singapore at Kampong Lorong Buangkok. Even though it is only a stone’s throw from buzzing Hougang HDB estate, the idyllic calls of bulbuls, cicadas and kingfishers fill the air, while the smells of fresh kampong produce like ginger, lemongrass and pandan pervade. Experience what it is like living in a rustic wooden hut with zinc roof, surrounded by banana, chiku and rambutan trees with a river right at your doorstep. Time: 8.30 am to 10.30am. Please register your kids (4 to 12 years old) with Gloria at gloria_seowATyahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if you are a NSS member or not, your mobile number, and if you need us to provide binoculars or not. A fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents are encouraged to come along at no charge. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

NSS Kids’ Fun at Kranji Marsh

2009-10-27T03:34:00.000-07:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson
Nature Society (Singapore)

Briefing of the excited kids and their parents.

Kranji Marsh (Reservoir) is NSS newest conservation baby ever since we adopted it under the PUB’s ABC Waters Programme in 22 November 2008. Located at the end of Neo Tiew Lane 2, this waterbody became the ecological adventure grounds for a merry band of NSS kids and their family on 19 September 2009.

Auntie Gloria exhorted everybody to stay on the main path, so as to minimise unpleasant encounters with Black Spitting Cobras and reduce the chance of brushing against hornet’s and bee’s nests, which typically hang low on trees and shrubs. Right away, one of the kids shrieked in terror as he spied a buzzing bee on another child’s clothes. Auntie Gloria had to inject some calm by telling the surrounding kids not to panic, and to leave the bee alone as it would likely fly away on its own. The last thing to do is to smash a bee or hornet as the crushed insect would release powerful distress pheromones (chemical) that would incite other nearby stingers to attack with fearless tenacity. Another kid suggested that we fumigate the place to get rid of such nests, but we explained that hornets and bees have a place in the ecosystem and a right to live, just like us.

Uncle Anuj points out the spongy roots of the Water Banana.

Uncle Morten and Uncle Timothy then scoped a small flock of Long-tailed Parakeets with shimmering green feathers and rosy cheeks for the kids. Next, we proceeded to the pond, which was in the process of being cleared of its excessive vegetation to create an open water area conducive to fowl like the Lesser and Wandering Whistling Ducks. Uncle Anuj, our guide for Kranji Marsh, introduced the Apple Snail and its pink eggs, and pointed out floating marsh plants like the Kang Kong (Water convolvulus) vegetable. Such plants have body parts adapted to floatation, mainly by trapping air. For example, the Kang Kong has a hollow stem, the Water Banana has spongy banana-shaped roots, while the Water Hyacinth has bulbous air-trapping stems.

Uncle Anuj revealed that these marshy plants are part of PUB’s water treatment process as their roots naturally absorb heavy metal pollutants such as lead, zinc, manganese and copper in concentrations 10,000 times that of the surrounding waters. PUB regularly clears away old vegetation. If they are allowed to die in situ, the poison absorbed would be released back into the waters.

The pink eggs of the Apple Snail are commonly found stuck onto plants.

A poor injured eel provided lots of excitement.

At the far end of the pond, somebody spotted what looked like a black snake, only that it had smooth skin with no scales, and its body was half submerged in water. Auntie Gloria and Uncle Timothy identified it as an eel, and we realised that part of its head was missing, as if chomped upon by a big snakehead, or cut off by a rotor blade. The eel, with pink raw flesh showing and one eye missing, occasionally wriggled its body and opened its voluminous mouth to gulp air. Some were repelled by this grotesque sight. Others were thrilled to see a freshwater eel, many for the first time.

A boy looking through the scope to see upclose the shimmery green feathers of the native Long-tailed Parakeet.

Scenic walk along the Kranji Bund where we saw plenty of fishing White-winged and Little Terns.

Our group then walked along the scenic Kranji Bund, which is off limits to the general public. Over here, we saw plenty of fishing Little and White-winged Terns, Pacific Swallows, as well as an Intermediate Egret. Many were spooked by the ‘Caution: Crocodile Spotted’ sign at the start of the Bund, which also triggered a whole spate of imaginary crocodile sightings by the very imaginative kids. The darkening skies drove us back to our cars, just in time to avoid being drenched by the late morning showers.

This sign triggered a whole spate of imaginary crocodile sightings.

Upcoming: Fun with Colourful Crabs at Chek Jawa

2009-07-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

Date: Sunday 26 July 2009
Time: 8am - 11 am
Location: Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin. Meet at Changi Point Ferry Terminal (next to Changi Village)
Coordinator: Gloria Seow. Register at gloria_seow AT yahoo.com

Colourful pincers waving in the air, feeding crabs are everywhere. Plenty of multi-coloured fiddler crabs colonise the mangroves and beaches of Chek Jawa (Pulau Ubin), clothed in electrifying colours if you care to look closely. Help Tan Hang Chong and Timothy Pwee spot these tiny crustaceans and learn fascinating facts like how their burrowing promotes nutrient cycling. We will also get to observe the much talked about marine life of Chek Jawa which will be exposed during the low tides. Meet at 8 am at the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. You will need to bring $9 per person to cover the return ferry fares to Pulau Ubin ($5) and the return van ride to Chek Jawa ($4), excluding registration fees. Please register your kids (4 to 12 years old) with Gloria at gloria_seowATyahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if you are a NSS member or not, your mobile number, and if you need us to provide binoculars or not (to see the tiny crabs). A fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents are encouraged to come along at no charge. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

Fun with Plants that Grow on Other Plants

2009-07-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson

Margie explained the difference between epiphytes and parasites to kids and their parents.

Margie Hall’s black-and-white bungalow in Sembawang was the perfect place to view plants that grow on other plants (known as epiphytes and parasites) as they flourish at eye level in her lush garden. Kids had an enjoyable morning touring this little Eden on 6 June 2009 to gawk at the fascinating array of mistletoes, ferns, fungi, mosses, lichens and orchids that festooned the branches and trunks of various trees and shrubs. The Wrightea plant was festooned with semi-parasitic mistletoes.

So what’s the difference between epiphytes and parasites? Epiphytes use the host plant as support only (to reach the sunlight), while parasites not only use the host plant as support, but take food and water from it as well.

Margie’s cutters snipped through the mistletoe’s haustorium (the connection of the mistletoe with the Wrightea) and lots of ants started pouring out!

Kids saw how several types of local mistletoes Dendropthoe, Macrosolen and Viscum, considered semi-parasites, almost snuffed out the life of their host plant the Wrightea in Margie’s garden, by stealing food, water and sunlight from it. They learnt how the Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker played a part in this process – this tiny bird eats the mistletoe berries whole, but excrete the undigested seeds as sticky dung on the Wrightea’s branches, which germinate into more invasive mistletoes. The poor Wrightea was not only heavy laden with these plant semi-parasites, but even had mistletoes parasitizing on other mistletoes growing on it! As a result, its leaves were much smaller than their usual size and the Wrightea was slowly dying. Margie then cut off some branches with mistletoes on them, snipping through the roots and cross-section of the haustorium (the connection of the mistletoe with the Wrightea). Lots of ants began to pour out – apparently the spaces between the roots, haustorium and Wrightea branches were also cosy ant houses!

Luxuriant Oak-leaf and Rabbit’s-foot ferns.

We had various non-plant diversions, like hearing the tantalizing song of the Straw-headed Bulbul, one of the kids finding the moult of a cicada, admiring pretty butterflies as they weaved in and out of flowers, and best of all, observing the tree-hole nest of the Coppersmith Barbet through the scope, thanks to the sharp eyes of Morten Strange, author of numerous bird books, who was there with his son Mark.

Eight-year old Tristan Tan had fun chalk drawing his mistletoe.

Margie’s driveway then became a huge drawing board when kids were invited to sketch their favourite epiphytes and parasites with coloured chalks. Soon enough, the black bitumen was full of cutesy doodles. Kids being kids, they could not help but play tic-tac-toe and draw stuff like a mile-long caterpillar too!

The driveway covered in chalk doodles.

Upcoming: Fun with Plants that Grow on Other Plants

2009-05-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

Date: Sat 6 June 2009
Time: 8am - 10am
Location: Black-and-White Bungalow near Sembawang Park
Coordinator: Gloria Seow. Register at gloria_seow AT yahoo.com

Do you know that Singapore has several of our own species of wild mistletoes (yes, the same one that people kiss under during Christmas) that typically grow on the branches of tall trees? Learn about mistletoes and other plants that grow on trunks and branches (ie. epiphytes and parasites), and see them flourishing wild at eye-level in the garden of a classic black-and-white bungalow near Sembawang Park. Margie Hall, NSS Honorary Secretary and professional nature guide, whose house we would be visiting, will personally give us a fun-filled introduction to these fascinating plants, with insights to their peculiar survival strategies. Please register your kids (4 to 12 years old) at gloria_seow AT yahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if you are a NSS member or not, your mobile number, and if you need us to provide binoculars or not. A fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents can sit in at no charge. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

Fun at Lower Pierce Reservoir

2009-04-14T23:25:00.000-07:00

By Leshon Lee, 12-year old Nature Guide

It was one of the most memorable trips I have ever guided. My little audiences, the children present on 29 March 2009 for my botany and wildlife walk at the Lower Pierce Reservoir, were both knowledgeable and inquisitive. Auntie Gloria and the Education Group led a simultaneous birding session with helpers like Uncle Si Guim, Auntie Lena, Uncle Benjamin and Auntie Luyan.

Barely taller than the children he guided, Leshon gave a briefing before we started out. Photo by Goh Si Guim.

It was quite a squeeze on the boardwalk that snaked through the forest. Photo by Gloria Seow.

We started off at the Casuarina entrance of the Lower Pierce boardwalk, strolling along the Hevea Trail where I pointed out plants like the spiny-trunked Nibong (Oncosperma tigillarium), and talked about its traditional use as construction material for fishing stakes in kelongs, once the trunks have been stripped of their black spines. We also came across the Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis), which has leaflets shaped like fishtails, looking as if they had been eaten before by some animal. This is the plant’s defense strategy against herbivores, as typically, animals avoid eating leftovers too! This palm also has a unique flowering pattern – the first flowering cluster emerges at the top of a mature palm, with subsequent clusters appearing below this level and so on. After the final flowering cluster, which sprouts near the ground, the palm dies.

The kids learnt about how the Nibong can be stripped of its spines to be used as construction material for fishing stakes in kelongs. Photo by Leshon Lee.

A spider breakfasting on a juvenile forest cockroach. Photo by Gloria Seow.

Lots of kids were inspired by Leshon's nature knowledge. Photo by Gloria Seow.

We emerged from the forested trail to the scenic views of the Lower Pierce Reservoir where the boardwalk continued along the water edge. Over here, Auntie Gloria and the other guides pointed out birds like soaring White Bellied Sea Eagles and Brahminy Kites, and showed the kids through the scope, close-up views of an Oriental Honey Buzzard, a Purple Heron, Blue-tailed Bee Eaters, and the highlight of a Changeable Hawk Eagle at its nest, first spotted by Uncle Si Guim. We were indeed lucky to find four raptors in one morning!

We also passed mischievous Long-tailed Macaques and Plantain Squirrels scurrying along the trees, observed a jumping spider and its leaps, and witnessed another spider breakfasting on a juvenile forest cockroach. All in all, we had a wonderful time.

Leshon, possibly Singapore's youngest nature guide, with his 500mm camera around his neck. Photo by Lena Chow.

Upcoming: Fun at Lower Pierce Reservoir with Leshon Lee

2009-03-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

Date: Sun 29 Mar 2009
Time: 8am - 10am
Location: Lower Pierce Reservoir
Coordinator: Gloria Seow register at gloria_seow@yahoo.com

Be inspired by Singapore’s youngest nature guide 12-year old Leshon Lee! Leshon started guiding at the tender age of 9, often astounding adults with his knowledge of plants and other wildlife. Let him open your kids' eyes to the varied nature found along Lower Pierce Reservoir from 8am to 10am. Bring along your binoculars as Auntie Gloria and the Education Group will also point out the colourful birdlife in the area. Please register your kids (4 to 12 years old) at gloria_seow@yahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if you are a NSS member or not, your mobile number, and if you need us to provide binoculars or not. A fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents can come along at no charge. Details will be emailed to those who sign up.

Fun with Talon-ted Eagles!

2009-03-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson

Brahminy Kite, a common raptor found in Singapore with its distinctive 'M' shaped wings, and one of the five raptors we saw at Telok Blangah Hill on 15 Feb 2009. Photo by KC Tsang.

An eagle is able to see a rabbit flicking its ears some 3 km away! Kids lapped up such fun factoids and more during the Fun with Eagles session held on 15 February 2009 at Telok Blangah Hill.

Auntie Gloria highlighted the difference between birds of prey (raptors) and normal birds; talked about their feeding, breeding, and migratory behaviours; and finished off with the exciting hunting techniques employed by various talon-ted raptors (talons=sharp claws). From the largest ones – the Andean Condor with its record-breaking wingspan of 3.2 m, to the fastest animal ever – the Peregrine Falcon when it does its lethal ‘dive’ at speeds of up to 390 km/h, the world of raptors came alive, enthralling both kids and parents alike.

Auntie Gloria highlighted the features that define a bird of prey, also called a raptor. Eagles are just one genus within the raptor family. There are also Kites, Falcons, Buzzards, Vultures, Owls and many other types of birds of prey. Photo by Goh Si Guim.

The majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle, one of Singapore's largest resident raptors, commonly seen circling over water bodies looking for fish. Photo by KC Tsang.

Auntie Amy then flashed out an impressive image array of the various raptors found in Singapore, as captured by her husband and bird photographer KC Tsang, from the teeny weeny Black-thighed Falconet (only slightly bigger than a sparrow), to the gigantic Himalayan Griffon (a splendid and rare vulture).

Auntie Amy presented the array of raptors found and photographed in Singapore by her husband and bird photographer KC Tsang. Photo by Goh Si Guim.

Oriental Honey Buzzard, one of the regularly-seen migrants that over-winter in Singapore in the months of October to March, subsequently flying back to breed in Siberia during the spring/summer months from April to September. Photo by KC Tsang.

The 30 plus kids present were wowed at the sheer number and splendour of raptor images that were passed around. Photo by Goh Si Guim.

Kids were eager to share their own knowledge of eagles and raptors. Photo by Lena Chow.

At the scenic summit of Telok Blangah Hill, the sunny skies delivered their full potential, giving us a good haul of five raptor species in the space of one hour (from 1030 to 1130 am). Kids enjoyed eye-popping views of Brahminy Kites, Black Bazas, White-bellied Sea Eagles, Oriental Honey Buzzards and Changeable Hawk Eagles as some soared barely 10 meters above their heads, propelled by thermals of rising hot air columns. Audible gasps and excited jabs were observed as the little ones studied through their own binoculars, the unique feather patterns identifying the various birds of prey. The combined eagle eyes of Uncle Tim, Uncle Hang Chong, Uncle Vina, Uncle Si Guim, Auntie Lena, Auntie Prithiba, Uncle KC and Auntie Amy helped spot raptors flying in from all directions.

Kids had fun peering into the scope, gazing at a Dollarbird that provided some amusement while waiting for the raptors to soar by. Photo by Goh Si Guim.

Kids either brought their own binoculars or were provided with new Opticron bins to track the flight of these awe-inspiring birds of prey as they thermalled above our heads. Photo by Lena Chow.

Even lizards took flight that day. Auntie Gloria caught sight of a pair of dracos, the Common Gliding Lizard (Draco sumatranus), in the surrounding trees. These dracos were a good distraction as we waited for more raptors to show up, delighting us with their cute ‘push ups’, gular flag flashing, and best of all their short ‘flights’, where they glided deftly from branch to branch by opening up their patagium to act as a ‘parachute’. Some lucky kids enjoyed close-up views through the Opticron and Swarovski scopes that were set up, or through their own binoculars.

Black Baza, a cute and pretty raptor that has an erect crest, and wears a striped jersey. In raptor watches conducted by the NSS Bird Group, the Black Baza always registers the highest count during migratory season, with some flocks as large as 50 birds. Photo by KC Tsang.

A typical view of the Brahminy Kite. Photo by KC Tsang.

A spectacular shot of the black morph Changeable Hawk Eagle clutching a Plantain Squirrel in its formidable talons. Photo by KC Tsang.

Would you come back to see me again? Photo by KC Tsang.

Upcoming: NSS Kids’ Fun with Eagles

2009-01-12T22:45:00.000-08:00

Changeable Hawk Eagle with squirrel. Photo by KC Tsang.

Date: 15 February 2009

Time: 9.30 am to 11.30 am

Venue: Telok Blangah Hill Park

Fees: $5 per child (NSS member) or $10 per child (non- NSS member) will be collected on the spot.

Suitable for: Kids 4 to 12 years old

How far can an eagle see? What is the fastest bird in the world? Learn fun facts about eagles and other raptors, and gain some insights into their hunting techniques with Gloria Seow and the Education Group. Best of all, admire some of the stunning raptor images captured by bird photographer KC Tsang, as presented by his wife Amy. Bring along your binoculars and we will take you raptor spotting at Telok Blangah Hill, where flocks of raptors on migration tend to pass through. Please register your kids (4 to 12 years old) at gloria_seow@yahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if you are a NSS (Nature Society of Singapore) member or not, your mobile number, and if you need us to provide binoculars or not. A fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents can sit in at no charge. This session will be held at Telok Blangah Hill Park from 9.30 am to 11.30 am. More details will be emailed to those who sign up.

NSS Kids’ Perfect 10 Ramble @ Admiralty Park

2009-01-12T22:04:00.000-08:00

NEW!
Watch the NSS Kids' Admiralty Park Ramble on Ecoplanet Internet TV, a newly-launched environmental channel on http://ecoplanet.tv/ On the main page, simply click the 'Most Popular' link and look for the entry 'Eco Planet: Nature Ramblings'.

ARTICLE:
By Benjamin Ho, Nature Ramblers and Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson

The atmosphere was full of excitement as a group of young naturalists gathered on 22 November 2008 for the NSS Kids’ Perfect 10 Ramble at the newly-opened Admiralty Park, a garden-cum-mangrove habitat that is just a stone’s throw from Woodlands MRT station. This first-ever collaboration between the Nature Ramblers and the Education Group filled a niche for nature walks conducted at a kid’s pace and level of understanding.

Binoculars and notebooks enhanced the outdoor learning experience.

Led by Uncle Benjamin, and assisted by butterfly man Uncle Simon and his wife Auntie Jing Ling, together with the sharp eyes of Uncle Timothy and Auntie Gloria, we aimed to show our young charges 10 species of birds, 10 species of butterflies, 10 species of plants and 10 species of everything else that lives and breathes in the park’s gorgeous setting.

A sting bug with its cache of eggs.

“You must keep very quiet as you approach the animals,” Uncle Benjamin gently reminded. Armed with brand-new Opticron binoculars recently purchased by the Education Group, as well as souvenir notebooks and pens, the kids were given a quick lesson on how to use the 8x zoom “bins” and how to jot down nature observations, including making quick sketches of all creatures great and small.

The bridge across Sungei Cina, where mangrove plants, mudskippers, and crab-eating Long-tailed Macaques can be seen.

With parents in tow, the children eagerly ambled through the park, and very soon, we were tip-toeing towards a Changeable Lizard basking itself on a tree trunk. Uncle Simon then found a bush filled with Malayan Eggfly steadfastly guarding their cache of butterfly eggs. Only upon close scrutiny did the kids spot the numerous colourful sting bugs that surrounded the pond area. The enthusiasm of the young ones was apparent as they faithfully scanned their surroundings for any movements and opened their ears for any sounds. A chorus of wows were heard each time we spotted anything interesting, and slowly, the kids filled their notebooks with the names of the various bird, butterfly, insect, spider, animal and plant species encountered.

We spotted a Malayan Water Monitor Lizard basking on the muddy river banks and later swimming in a crocodile-like fashion.

As we strolled along Sungei Cina (China River) that is part of the park, we pointed out several mangrove plants such as the Nipah Palm, which gives us the ice-kachang staple attap chee, beautiful sea hibiscus and prickly sea hollies. Several adventurous participants popped the yellow petals of the Simpoh Air flower into their mouths, one of the many uses for this hardy common plant. The group was treated to high-level acrobatics performed by several crab-eating and mangrove-dwelling Long-tailed Macaques. The ramble ended with a pop quiz by Auntie Gloria, where five questions related to the morning’s sightings were asked, and prizes dished out for correct answers.

All this while, the friendly folks from the new Eco Planet Internet TV Channel had been filming us in action. This programme will be telecast online soon.
Little Tristan's notebook was filled with the names and drawings of the various wildlife encountered. Photo by Tan Sze Wei.

Tristan's dad Tan Sze Wei has also done up a photo essay of the walk at his own blog at http://www.tristan-tan.com/AdmiraltyPark/

Fun with Kampong Games @ the NSS Get-Together

2008-11-27T21:46:00.000-08:00

By Goh Si Guim and Gloria Seow, NSS Education Group Chairperson

The stiff ends of the wild lalang grass (Imperata cylindrica) make good projectiles. To be exact, it is the midrib of the lalang that is launched when leaf blades on both sides of the midrib are rapidly ripped backwards between the fingers, causing the midrib to fly forward like an arrow. Uncle Si Guim shows the kids here how to launch such an arrow. Photo by Goh Si Guim.

During the Nature Society (Singapore) Get-Together on 1 November 2008, NSS Kids left behind their Playstations and XBoxes to go au naturale with games of yore.

At a time when Singapore was mostly kampongs and slums, toys were make-do improvisations of readily-available plant material like lalang and creepers of the wastelands and rubber fruits from disused rubber plantations. They were the source of endless enjoyment in Uncle Si Guim’s village (Lorong Ah Soo, circa 1970), where a little imagination went a long way in transforming these simple playthings into objects of fascination and great entertainment.

For example, the pointed fruits of the Thunbergia made excellent projectiles when ‘fired’ from a wooden rifle. The rifle itself was fashioned from wood to resemble the real thing, and Thunbergia bullets were propelled by kinetic energy from released rubber bands. The stiff ends of the wild lalang grass (Imperata cylindrica) also made good projectiles. To be exact, it is the midrib of the lalang that is launched when leaf blades on both sides of the midrib are rapidly ripped backwards between the fingers, causing the midrib to fly forward like an arrow. Lalang arrows and Thunbergia rifles thus became a game of Red Indians and Cowboys, emulating popular Westerns shown in the days of black-and-white TV.

Uncle Si Guim lets a little boy try out the Thunbergia wooden 'gun', a favourite kampong toy. Photo by Gloria Seow.

The little boy's Thunbergia 'bullet' hits the cloth with some impact, but just beyond the target circle. Photo by Gloria Seow.

Fallen rubber fruits can be turned into a spinning toy by inverting its fruit walls and locking them together (bottom right of photo). The photo above shows both the rubber fruit's walls and seeds. Photo by Goh Si Guim.

The three-chambered rubber fruit has one seed encased within each chamber by a pair of earlobe-like walls. As the fruit dries and contracts, it builds up a great explosive energy and at some point, enough tension causes the two halves of each chamber to dehisce violently, dispersing the seeds some distance away. The fallen fruit walls, mirror opposites in structure, are usually still attached to each other by a thin strand of fibre. Kampong kids would then detach the two halves, invert one half over the other, and lock them in place with the help of a thin springy flap found on the fruit walls. Held gently between the thumb and the third finger, the new toy can then be blown, with the curvature in each half catching the wind and setting the contraption into a delightful spin. Kids were intrigued by the ingenuity of these simple toys, lovingly gathered and made by Uncle Si Guim.

Kids blowing the rubber fruit walls to make the toy spin. Photo by Goh Si Guim.

Auntie Geok Choo and Auntie Gloria then taught the Kids how to play ‘Five Stones’, a game that required good hand-eye coordination to enable the precise throwing and catching of tiny, triangular cloth bags of rice or sand in a fixed sequence. A round of Chatek followed next, with Uncle Loong Fah expertly kicking the feathered device in a controlled fashion to keep it off the ground for as long as possible. Kids then started kicking the Chatek to each other in an impromptu match and had lots of fun doing so.

Playing 'Five Stones', a game involving the throwing and catching of triangular cloth bags of rice or sand in a fixed sequence. Photo by Kevin Blackburn.

Uncle Timothy then introduced the Kids to his childhood pastime of ‘Marbles’, where one marble is carefully aimed and thrown into a sandy pit full of marbles to knock as many of these out of the ring as possible. Children could be seen squatting around in small groups, engaged in a friendly rivalry for more marbles, reminiscent of a bygone era of kampong kids and their simple games.

Kids enjoying the riveting game of 'Marbles'. Photo by Gloria Seow.

Next NSS Kids' Outing: Perfect 10 Ramble at Admiralty Park on 22 Nov 08

2008-11-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

Admiralty Park - Photo from Nparks link - http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parks&id=3&Itemid=73

Our next NSS (Nature Society Singapore) Kids events for children 4-12 years old is a Perfect 10 Ramble at Singapore's latest natural attraction in the North - Admiralty Park - on 22 Nov 08 from 8-11am. See below for details. Sign up soon to ensure places for your kids at this exciting outing! We also need volunteers for this event - please contact me if you are able to help.

Title: NSS Kids' Perfect 10 Ramble @ Admiralty Park

Date: Sat 22 Nov 2008

Start Time: 8am to 11am

Start Location: Republic Polytechnic entrance

Coordinator: Gloria Seow (gloria_seow@yahoo.com)

Leader: Benjamin Ho, Nature Ramblers Cost: $5/child (member); $10/child (non-member) Registration needed

Come explore newly-opened Admiralty Park in an easy 5-km/2-hour NSS Kids' ramble led by Benjamin Ho of the Nature Ramblers. Lots of fascinating natural sights to see along the way! In this "Perfect 10 Ramble", we’ll aim to show you 10 bird species, 10 butterfly species, 10 plant species and 10 miscellaneous species. Try to spot an active troop of Crab-eating Monkeys foraging in the mangroves along Sungei China. Bring along your binoculars and you'll get to observe up close colourful birds, butterflies and insects. If you don't have your own pair, we'll provide one. To top it off, there are plenty of scenic spots for photo taking. Please register your kids (4-12 years old) with Gloria at gloria_seow@yahoo.com, stating their names & ages, if you are a NSS member or not, your mobile number, and if you need us to provide binoculars or not. A registration fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents are encouraged to come along at no charge. Meet at 8 am at the entrance of Republic Polytechnic. More details will be emailed to those who sign up.

Cheers

Gloria Seow

Nature Society (Singapore)

Chairperson, Education Group

NSS Kids' Fun with Asian Elephants @ Orchidville

2008-10-29T01:13:00.000-07:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson

Jin Pyn, the talented author-cum-illustrator of the children’s book ‘The Elephant and The Tree’ read aloud this endearing story, peppering her recitation with lots of captivating Ele facts and figures. This 27 September 2008 event was hosted by Nature’s Niche, the nature bookstore formerly at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, at its new location in Orchidville off Mandai Road.

Author Jin Pyn’s animated story telling brought home the message that Asian Elephants need Trees (the jungle) for their continued survival.

The laid-back ambience of Orchidville (Singapore’s largest orchid farm) proved an apt venue as kids could also browse at Ele-related books and paraphernalia sold at Nature’s Niche. After an invigorating story telling session, kids were treated to two videos filmed at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, north Thailand. These videos showed how Asian elephants lived and played alongside locals and tourists in a conservation-oriented elephant camp. Here, jumbos were portrayed as sensitive, fun-loving giants, co-existing peacefully with mankind in their natural habitat of lush jungles and meandering rivers.

8-year old Faith Wong captured the essence of the session with her cute conservation-themed drawing.

Kids were later asked to draw on ‘trees’ (at the back of recycled paper), to illustrate their thoughts and wishes for elephants. They were particularly energized as Jin Pyn revealed that good drawings would be animated by her and featured on her website at www.elephantandtree.com.

NSS Kids’ Fun with Beverage Plants

2008-10-29T00:50:00.000-07:00

By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson

That cup of coffee, tea or cocoa that most of us cannot do without to start off our day was given prominence at the NSS Kids’ Fun with Beverage Plants session held at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden on 23 August 2008.

Kids gathered around the cocoa tree at the Children’s Garden, the source of their favourite drink Milo.

Auntie Angie led the session, bringing the kids to view the three beverage plants at the Children’s Garden, and talked about the various caffeine-based properties that made these beverages so popular. The best part was that kids got to touch for themselves live coffee cherries from Auntie Angie’s own tree, ripping apart the skin of these cherries to see the two coffee beans encased within. Uncle Timothy then told stories of how these plants were discovered, harking back to mystical legends and whimsical tales. For example, coffee was discovered by a shepherd boy who noticed that his goats became more frisky after eating the plant!

Auntie Angie and Uncle Timothy hold up cocoa pods.

Kids jostled to help pour the beverages out from a Middle-Eastern coffee pot.

Auntie Gloria then continued the session by explaining how the three plants were processed from their raw forms into the delicious cuppa that wakes us up. Kids then tried their hand at brewing their own tea, coffee and cocoa, and had fun pouring out and sipping the hot beverages in tiny take-home souvenir tea cups. Uncle Si Guim was the kind soul who helped rinsed the cups after each beverage was downed with delight. Finally, kids were asked to illustrate the total number of cups consumed by their family members each day, using the powder of each of the beverages to paste onto their drawings, a messy but enjoyable piece of art!

Some of the kids with their pieces of beverage art.

Beverage Art with Raw (green colour) and Roasted (black colour) Coffee beans mixed with a Coffee Cherry (red colour) on a Coffee Leaf.

Horseshoe Crabs & Sloshing on Mudflats

2008-07-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Written by Ryan Gip Soong

It was a beautiful Sunday morning on 6 July 2008, perfect for Fun with Horseshoe Crabs. I invited my best buddy Kaevinn along and together with my parents and my little brother Isaac, we set off for Kranji / Mandai Mudflats, but not before we had a scrumptious breakfast.

We were given an informative talk where we learnt a lot of things about horseshoe crabs and even how to differentiate between male and female crabs - males have larger pincers than females!

We wasted no time with Kaevinn finding our very first live crab. I managed to spot a shell from a moulted crab! I left it in the sun and brought it back as a souvenir. It was kind of fun walking on the mudflats but halfway through, my foot got stuck in the thick mud and when I lifted it, my boots were left behind! I had to get mum to rescue me. Poor mum ended up with dirty muddy fingers! It was a yucky feeling as my toes with coated with the slimy mud!

Aside from horseshoe crabs, mum found a huge tapeworm which left my brother Isaac squealing away and that was hilarious!

Little Isaac with big brother Ryan and best buddy Kaevinn holding the Red Tapeworm.

Cute baby horseshoe crabs being measured.

We had so much fun and learnt so much. It was our first outing with Nature Society and we look forward to going on more informative trips!

Editor's Note: This family asked for permission before taking home a horseshoe crab moult. However, in general, please DO NOT remove any living things (plants, animals, fishes, insects etc) from nature places as they are unlikely to survive for long. Singapore also has enforceable anti-poaching laws in place. Even non-living things like shells might seem harmless to collect, but they actually provide homes for hermit crabs. The only thing we are encouraged to remove is discarded garbage! So the old dictum presides: Take only Photos, Leave only Footprints.

Sloshing on mudflats, looking for horseshoe crabs. Photo by Goh Si Guim.

Fun with Horseshoe Crabs

2008-07-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

Written by NSS Kids' Emily Blackburn

Barnacles like to choose horseshoe crabs as well as rocks for homes!

Today (6 July 2008) we went to the NSS Kids activity, Fun with Horseshoe Crabs @ the Mandai Mudflats! It was a fun-filled and exciting trip! We learnt all about horseshoe crabs from one of the volunteers Poh Bee. We managed to save a few horseshoe crabs from fishing nets left by some irresponsible fisherman. There were some secondary school youths who also came to lend a helping hand.

Poh Bee is explaining to us how horseshoe crabs moult and showing us actual moults.

Emily with her mother Tan Swee Ngin and her brother Nicolas. We are gingerly handling horseshoe crabs by their carapaces and not their tails.

We watched and learnt how to measure horseshoe crabs and how to tell the difference between male and female crabs. Horseshoe crabs may have the word “crab” in their name but they are actually related to spiders and scorpions. The most important part of their body is the tail because they need their tail to flip themselves over if they happen to be washed upside down by waves. These gentle creatures do not sting or bite but if you are not careful when handling them, you may get pricked accidentally by one of their sharp spikes.

The Mandai Mudflats are simply polluted with rubbish! No wonder lots of horseshoe crabs die!

Horseshoe crabs were collected and placed in plastic troughs. Volunteers would then measure their diameter, sex the crabs, record their findings and release the crabs.

Volunteers and students in action!