14 Oct (Sat): Singapore Celebrates our shores 2018

Date: 14 Oct (Sat) 2017
Time: 2pm - 5pm
Venue: Singapore Maritime Gallery, Marina South Pier [Map]

What is this workshop about?
Next year is International Year of the Reef 2018, declared once every 10 years. A chance to celebrate Singapore's shores throughout 2018. This workshop hopes to bring together those who have ideas for what we should do for this special year.

This workshop is for those who are passionate about Singapore's shores and are prepared for a highly interactive workshop where you do most of the talking.

The workshop will include a brief tour of the Singapore Maritime Gallery. Where you will discover how one of the world’s busiest ports also has rich marine biodiversity, through fascinating exhibits shared by expert guides.

Rich reefs on Cyrene next to major shipping lanes and Jurong Island

This workshop is organised as part of Singapore Celebrates our Shores for International Year of the Reef 2018 in collaboration with the Singapore Maritime Gallery by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA).

Reefs growing on the artificial seawalls at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal

SPEAKER

Ria Tan is an ordinary person (not a scientist) who is passionate about Singapore's marine life. She runs wildsingapore.com for those who want to learn and do more for Singapore's wild places. For more than 15 years, she has been regularly monitoring about 50 Singapore shores, making about 100 surveys a year. She also trained volunteer guides for intertidal walks at Chek Jawa, Pulau Semakau, the Sisters Islands Marine Park.

PLEASE REGISTER HERE

Registration is strongly advised as it allows us to better customise the workshop to match YOUR interests!

If you have difficulty submitting your registration, please email us at 


CLOSING DATE
Please register by 4 Oct (Wed) 2017.


PROGRAMME
1.30pm - Registration, networking
2.00pm - Workshop begins followed by brief sharing by the speaker
2.45pm - Tour of Singapore Maritime Gallery
3.30pm - Group discussions and brainstorming
5.00pm - End of Workshop


REGISTER NOW!


COST OF WORKSHOP
Our workshops are free! Workshops are conducted by volunteers for volunteers. 

Pesta Ubin 2017 Workshop

Pulau Ubin people had fun at a workshop specially for those organising activities for Pesta Ubin 2017!

About 70 people passionate about Pulau Ubin from 20 Organising Groups made time to attend the Pesta Ubin 2017 Workshop on 10 Apr 2017.


Specially for Organising Groups who are planning activities for Pesta Ubin 2017, this workshop aimed to allow participants to get to know others passionate about Ubin and what they are offering for Pesta Ubin.

November Tan of the Leafmonkey Workshop gets us started.

And to share ideas on how we can all improve Pesta Ubin together.

Also to collaborate with others on Pesta Ubin and Ubin issues.

And an opportunity to network and have fun with others who are passionate about Ubin.

The Workshop began by learning about one another. Each Organising Group made a 2-minute introduction of their Group, the aspects of Ubin they are showcasing in their Pesta Ubin activity and one special attraction of their Pesta Ubin activity.

During the first breakout session, participants shared “What Pesta Ubin means to me?”. Most shared that it was a time to learn and experience Ubin’s cultural, natural heritage, hidden gems; a way of life no longer found on the mainland, the last kampung, interaction with villagers while escaping from city life.

Pesta Ubin was also a time for more people from all walks of life to get to know Ubin, experience the kampung spirit and bring the Ubin Way back to the mainland. Also to encourage others to perserve Ubin heritage and nature.

Some shared that Pesta Ubin was a way for them to give back to Ubin, share their passion.

On “What I would like to see more of at Pesta Ubin?” participants suggested a wide range of ideas including more activities for specific target groups, covering a wider area of Ubin, a wider range of activities from sustainable ones, nature, heritage to kampung life, night activities.

Others wanted more local Ubin villagers involved, more youths to be involved. Some wanted more coordinated publicity and social media coverage of Pesta Ubin.

Some highlighted principles such as keeping Pesta Ubin simple and rustic, and one hoped that Pesta Ubin becomes 'extinct' - because everyone already knows about Ubin.

In the second session, participants came up with a Pesta Ubin activity that involves all members in their group, i.e., the aspects of Ubin that each is passionate about. They then did fun demonstrations of their activity!

which included an Amazing Race, Survivor-style activity, homestay, kayaking, walks and

Homestay with fun walks and kampung games

Island walk to forage for food: the Rambutan Tree!

Amazing Race: Snap a photo of that bird!

Survivor: Pulau Ubin

Kayaking Ubin's awesome waterways.

Including how to survive a capsizing!

What happens when wild pigs get caught in a trap? How to release them gently.

Demonstrations of kampung life.

There was also a lively networking session at the end of the evening.

The Workshop participants also voted on the Pesta Ubin 2017 logo and badge design. And the winning design was done by Inez Alsagoff, NParks intern and Pesta Ubin Coordinator! Thanks also to Inez for doing all the heavy lifting for the Workshop!

Grateful thanks to Senior Minister of State Desmond Lee for hosting the event.

Minister Desmond (centre) with Pesta Ubin Coordinators
Inez Alsagoff from NParks (right) and
Ng Jingrou from NYC-Youth Corps (left)

More photos of the Pesta Ubin 2017 Workshop on wildsingapore flickr.

Full After Action Report of the Pesta Ubin 2017 Workshop is online here.

Fun with mangrove flora ID!

We had lots of fun figuring out mangrove trees and plants last weekend.

The awesome mangrovers!
Photo by Mohammad Juhari

Thanks to enthusiastic support from an overwhelming response to the workshop!


In line with the interests expressed by the participants, there was a brief introduction to the mangroves in Singapore. Their importance, status and threats to them. We also shared more about the Restore Ubin Mangroves (R.U.M.) Initiative and how their newfound skills will play a part in helping Mother Nature do the planting in natural restoration of abandoned aquaculture ponds on Pulau Ubin.

Thanks to Alyce and Chay Hoon for double-cheking the
Mandarin version of the R.U.M. pamphlets.

We then broke up into smaller groups and had lots of fun figuring some common mangrove plants!

Even common mangroves can be a little tricky to tell apart.

Photo by Mohammad Juhari.

Dr Jean Yong's awesome 'blue mangrove ID charts' come in very handy.

Photo by Mohammad Juhari.

As we ended the workshop, we had a special surprise for Prof Dan Friess. It was his birthday the next day. Thanks to Stephen Beng for the delicious 'Swampy Cake' and Lisa Lim for the birthday banner and dividing up the cake for everyone.

Photo by Mohammad Juhari

Thanks to Mohammad Juhari documenting all the happenings with lovely photos as usual. To Stephen Beng for the amazing 'Swamp Cake', Lisa Lim for sorting us out so efficiently as usual, Chay Hoon for the emergency print support, for the many experienced people who came to help lead the small group activities and to everyone who made time to come on a Friday night.



Field workshop

The very next day, we gathered at Pasir Ris Park to take a closer look at real mangrove plants and try to figure out their ID.

Thanks to experienced participants for sharing stories and tips about the many fascinating plants we saw. We're touched that Jonathan Tan too the time to join us even though he was due to fly off in the next few hours. Here he is sharing about fabulous figs!

I was so glad to be able to share with them my favourite mangrove tree. The very elegant Lenggadai which grows right by the bridge. As we were leaving near sunset, some of the night blooming sea shore trees started to blossom!

Thanks to Mohammad Juhari documenting all the happenings with lovely photos as usual. Photos and videos too (see comments on the facebook post).


The enthusiasm and interest expressed by the participants are inspiring! We plan to start surveys this weekend!

More about how to volunteer with the Restore Ubin Mangroves (R.U.M.) Initiative.

Mangrove flora training workshop, Sep 2016

Want to learn about mangroves and how to identify common mangroves in Singapore? Love to learn new Latin words? Then use your newfound knowledge to help the Restore Ubin Mangroves (R.U.M.) Initiative to survey Pulau Ubin's mangroves?

Singapore's mangrove plants are beautiful and easy to ID
once you get the hang of it!

Then this FREE Mangrove flora training workshop is for you! Warning: this training programme will be rather technical and Latin Words will be used! Places are limited to 20 hardcore plant-loving persons. Registration now open via this form.

This workshop is a collaboration with the Restore Ubin Mangroves (R.U.M.) Initiative?.

What is the Restore Ubin Mangroves (R.U.M.) Initiative?

The Restore Ubin Mangroves (R.U.M.) Initiative is for all those who care about restoring mangroves to the abandoned aquaculture areas at Pulau Ubin. The Initiative brings together the community of experts from tertiary institutions, NGOs, commercial enterprises that depend on Ubin mangroves, and individual enthusiasts, with the support of NParks and the corporate sector. More details here.

Some of the awesome volunteers of RUM.

Photo by Lee Yee Ting.

What are the aims of the training?
Give you a framework for self-learning about mangroves
Introduce you to the fundamentals of mangrove plant ID.
Build your confidence to survey mangroves effectively.
Provide you a chance to interact with like-minded people and experienced nature volunteers.

How will the training be conducted?

The training is a series of workshops with small group discussions and lots of interaction. It comprises one classroom workshop and one field session. You are expected to read up the bulk of the information on your own. Links to online resources will be provided to those who register.

Classroom Workshop
23 Sep (Fri)
7pm - 10.30pm
at NUS. Exact venue will be provided to those who register.

The bulk of this classroom session will involve small group practice in mangrove ID with plant specimens facilitated by experienced volunteers. There will be a short talk by Ria Tan to provide a framework for self-learning. The classroom session will involve collaborative note-taking so you are encouraged to bring your laptop for real-time online sharing of ideas.

Field Workshop
24 Sep (Sat)
3.30pm - 5.30pm
at Pasir Ris Park. Exact meeting point will be provided to those who register.

This will give you a chance to practice your mangrove ID on real plants facilitated by experienced volunteers. Priority will be given to those who have attended the Classroom Workshop.


Who can join?

To attend the Classroom Workshop and Field Workshop, you must

• Be 19 years and above.
• Be able to walk about 3km at a slow pace.
• Fill up this registration form.

The Classroom Workshop and Field session are free-of-charge!

But please do not sign up and then not turn up. You will be depriving others of limited places. The volunteers organising and facilitating the workshop are providing their services for free.

More questions?

Please email Ria Tan at hello@wildsingapore.com

Volunteer Training for Sisters Island Marine Park

This training programme is a collaboration among NParks - National Biodiversity Centre, The Leafmonkey Workshop, Ria Tan (wildsingapore) and the volunteer guides of The Naked Hermit Crabs.

Dates:
Day 1 - 1st Oct OR 7th Oct
Day 2 - 2nd Oct OR 8th Oct
Fieldtrip - 12 Oct, 6 - 9pm
Time: 6.30 pm to 10.30pm (Day 1 and 2)
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens (Day 1 and 2)

What is this workshop about?

This is a training workshop for volunteer guides at the new Sisters Island Marine Park. The workshop introduces you to the fundamentals of guiding at the Park and hopes to build your confidence to guide effectively. It is also a chance to interact with like-minded people and more experienced nature guides while coming up with new and exciting ways to share about our shores.

Who can join?

Training is open to:

• Those 19 years and above.
• Able to easily get in and out of a boat and to walk about 1km.
• Participants must commit to guide 4 times in the coming 12 months at NParks public walks at the Sisters Islands Marine Park. (Public walk dates will be made available in Nov 2014 and may not always be on a weekend.)

SPEAKERS

Ria Tan
Ria Tan is an extraordinary person who is passionate about Singapore's marine life. She was involved in setting up the guiding system at Chek Jawa and Pulau Semakau and currently volunteers as a nature guide with the Naked Hermit Crabs. Working closely with NParks, she also volunteers with TeamSeagrass and the Mega Marine Survey. She regularly monitors about 40 seashore locations in Singapore and has been doing so for the past 10 years. She blogs at Wild Shores of Singapore and runs the Wildsingapore resources. She is co-author of the Chek Jawa Guidebook, Southern Shores of Singapore guidesheet and Wild Singapore coffee table book, and is currently working on new marine nature guidebooks for Singapore.

PLEASE REGISTER AT
http://tinyurl.com/SisGuideTrgOct2014

Registration is strongly advised as it allows us to better customize the workshop to suit YOUR needs! If you have difficulty submitting your registration on this website, please email us at


Spaces are limited, so register early to avoid disappointment!

PROGRAM

Day 1 (1st or 7th Oct)
6.30pm - Registration
7.00pm - Sharing by speaker
8.30pm - Activity 1: Making a difference with your walk
9.00pm - Activity 2: How to deal with difficult visitors
10.30pm - End of Workshop

Day 2 (2nd or 8th October)
6.30pm - Registration
7.00pm - Sharing by speaker
8.30pm - Activity 1: Tricky guiding situation
9.00pm - Activity 2: Dealing with unidentified critters
10.30pm - End of Workshop

Field trip: 12 Oct (Sun) 6pm-9pm (More details will be provided to those who register)

• Priority for the field trip given to those who attended Day 1 AND Day 2. Seats are limited.
• Each participant to prepare to talk about 5 things on the Die-die-sure-can-see list (to be provided to those who register).
• Start practicing stories from departure from mainland.
• Practice stories along the walk route.
• Field introduction to effective and safe 'Seeking'.

For more details, visit the Sisters' island Marine Park blog.

COST OF WORKSHOP
Our workshops are free! Workshops are run by volunteers for volunteers. The volunteers organising the workshop are providing their services for free. NParks is providing facilities, support and the field trip for free.

ABOUT THE LEAFMONKEY WORKSHOP
Click here to read more about the workshop objectives, aims and purpose. If you are not sure if the workshop is suitable for you, read here to find out more.

WORKSHOPS FAQ
Please read the workshop FAQ which aims to answer any of your other burning questions.

Walking with Nature at SOTA Workshop

This is the 4th Leafmonkey Workshop of 2014, targeted at new nature guides and existing nature guides who wish to know more.

Dates: 14-16 May 2014 (Wed-Fri)

Time: 7-10.30pm

Venue: SOTA

Imagine Ubin Workshop

This is the is the third Leafmonkey workshop of 2014 for existing nature guides and nature volunteers. Nature lovers with no prior experience are also welcome!

Date: 27 April 2014, Sunday 
Time: 9 am - 2 pm
Venue: Pulau Ubin

What is this workshop about?
Pulau Ubin is close to the hearts of many nature lovers and volunteers in Singapore. In response to the upcoming ‘Ubin Project’ chaired by Minister of State Desmond Lee, we hope to contribute to the future plans of Pulau Ubin by offering our ideas and aspirations for the island through this workshop.

This halfday workshop will start with a working visit around Ubin, followed by lunch and brainstorming of ideas, all on Pulau Ubin itself. We hope to inspire more productive discussions and creative ideas through immersing ourselves in the sights, smells and tastes of Ubin! Discussions and ideas from the workshop will then be compiled and shared with the ‘Ubin Project’.

SPEAKERS
Ria Tan
Ria is the author of the Chek Jawa Guidebook as well as the WildSingapore series of websites. She can be found at every low tide visiting almost every piece of shoreline in Singapore. She can be found writing at the WildShores blog as well.

November Tan
November is an Environmental Geographer by training, nature guide by volition and the founder / coordinator of The Leafmonkey Workshop. 3 generations of her family traces their roots back to Pulau Ubin and she traces hers on Pulau Ubin Stories, a blog started in 2004 to archive stories old and new on Pulau Ubin. She did her undergraduate honors thesis on social capital and networks involved in "Saving Chek Jawa" and has inevitably become part of the same community passionate about Ubin.

PLEASE REGISTER AT
http://tinyurl.com/ImagineUbin

Registration is strongly advised as it allows us to better customize the workshop to suit YOUR needs! If you have difficulty submitting your registration on this website, please email us at


CLOSING DATE
Please register by 23 April 2014. Spaces are limited, so register early to avoid disappointment!

PROGRAM
8.30am - Registration on Pulau Ubin (Recommended to arrive at Changi Point Ferry Terminal around 8am)
9.00am - Short sharing by speakers
9.30am - Working visit around Pulau Ubin
11.00am - Lunch on Ubin (at your own expense)
12.00pm - Brainstorming session
2.00pm   - End of Workshop

REGISTER NOW!

COST OF WORKSHOP
Our workshops are free! Workshops are run by volunteers for volunteers. Participants will have to cover any personal expenses such as the bumboat ride, lunch and any bicycle or van rental cost. Part of the experience of the workshop is finding your way around Ubin. Therefore, the workshop organizers will not be providing any transport or meal arrangements but can provide recommendations, if needed. Feel free to email us if you need further information.

ABOUT THE LEAFMONKEY WORKSHOP
Click here to read more about the workshop objectives, aims and purpose. If you are not sure if the workshop is suitable for you, read here to find out more.

WORKSHOPS FAQ
Please read the workshop FAQ which aims to answer any of your other burning questions.

Trash Talking: Marine Trash and Us

This is the 2nd workshop of 2014 by The Leafmonkey Workshop for existing nature volunteers and those interested in the environment.

Date: 28 March 2014, Friday
Time: 7.00pm - 10.00pm
Venue: Civil Service College [Map]

What is this workshop about? 
If plastic trash were out of sight, out of mind, are they really completely out of our lives? When disposed, many of our plastic trash would land in our oceans and harm marine animals in various ways such as entanglement and plastic ingestion. It has also been found that humans are not spared from the insidious effects of this plastic plague. What can we do or are doing to salvage this situation?

This workshop is useful for all who are interested to learn more as well as passionate members of the community who would like to share their feedback, brainstorm solutions and network with like-minded volunteers to make a difference.

SPEAKERS
Teo Kah Ming
Wanting to do her part for nature, Kah Ming joined Toddycats! under Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research in 2008. Since then, she volunteers in various public outreach events and is also under the International Coastal Cleanup Singapore (ICCS) team where she is the zone captain for Pulau Ubin. Although previously trained in engineering, Kah Ming is now venturing into studying a Masters in Zoological Sciences in National Institute of Education.

PLEASE REGISTER AT
http://tinyurl.com/leafmonkey2014

Registration is strongly advised as it allows us to better customize the workshop to suit YOUR needs! If you have difficulty submitting your registration on this website, please email us at


CLOSING DATE
Please register by 26 March 2014.

PROGRAM
6.30pm - Registration, Networking, Bring your own Dinner!
7.00pm - Short sharing by speaker
8.30pm - Workshop discussion and group presentations. 
10.00pm - End of Workshop

REGISTER NOW!

COST OF WORKSHOP
Our workshops are free! Workshops are conducted by volunteers for volunteers. If you think our speakers and facilitators have done a good job, gift us with what you think our workshop is worth to you! Any gift contributions are welcome because your support helps us keep the workshops alive! Find out more.

ABOUT THE LEAFMONKEY WORKSHOP
Click here to read more about the workshop objectives, aims and purpose. If you are not sure if the workshop is suitable for you, read here to find out more.

WORKSHOPS FAQ
Please read the workshop FAQ which aims to answer any of your other burning questions.

[POSTPONED] Life on a Landfill

This is the first workshop in the "Waste & You" series.

Date: 1 March 2014, Saturday April 2014 (TBC)
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC

What is this workshop about?This workshop gives you a snapshot of the history and transformation of Pulau Semakau and Pulau Sakeng to our only offshore landfill in Singapore, surrounded by mangrove and marine habitats. Learn how your daily waste each day translates into an impact on these habitats and brainstorm ways in which you can make a positive difference!

This workshop is useful for all who are interested to learn more as well as passionate members of the community who would like to brainstorm ideas on what can be done and finding like-minded volunteers to make a difference.

SPEAKER  
Marcus Ng
Marcus is a writer by profession, a naturalist by interest and an avid nature photographer who wows fans with his vivid photographs of insects, spiders, birds and other wildlife. He authors the popular Annotated Budak blog as well as the book "Habitats In Harmony: The Story Of Semakau Landfill". He is also an active nature volunteer with many groups, both terrestrial and marine, spanning his interests from forest ecology, peat swamps to inter-tidal reefs and mangroves.

PLEASE REGISTER AT
http://tinyurl.com/leafmonkey2014

Registration is strongly advised as it allows us to better customize the workshop to suit YOUR needs! If you have difficulty submitting your registration on this website, please email us at


CLOSING DATE
Please register by April 2014.

PROGRAM (TBC)
9.30am - Registration, Networking, Bring your own Dinner!
10.00am - Short sharing by speakers
11.00am - Workshop discussion and group presentations.
1.00pm - End of Workshop 

REGISTER NOW!

COST OF WORKSHOP
Our workshops are free! Workshops are conducted by volunteers for volunteers. If you think our  speakers and facilitators have done a good job, gift us with what you think our workshop is worth to you! Any gift contributions are welcome because your support helps us keep the workshops alive! Find out more.

ABOUT THE LEAFMONKEY WORKSHOP
Click here to read more about the workshop objectives, aims and purpose. If you are not sure if the workshop is suitable for you, read here to find out more.

WORKSHOPS FAQ
Please read the workshop FAQ which aims to answer any of your other burning questions.

Nature and the Big City

This is the 1st in a series of upcoming monthly workshops by The Leafmonkey Workshop for existing nature guides and volunteers and those interested in becoming one.

Date: 20 June 2013, Thursday
Time: 7.00pm - 10.00pm
Venue: Civil Service College [Map]
31 North Buona Vista Road Singapore 275983

What is this workshop about?
This workshop introduces the history and process of planning and urban development in Singapore. Find out how to decipher the future plans for Singapore, the difference between nature reserves and other nature areas and how we can manage the trade offs between conservation and development. Our panel of speakers will also share ideas of how we can have nature in our big city and what each of us can do.

This workshop is useful for all who are interested to learn more as well as seasoned members of the community who would like to exchange ideas on how we can creatively have nature in our big city.

SPEAKER 
The workshop will see a panel of speakers from diverse fields to share ideas with participants and more importantly, to spur creative exchanges between participants. This workshop will be an active exchange between you and other participants, to brainstorm practical ideas and possible solutions.

Dr Lai Chee Kien
Dr Lai Chee Kien is Assistant Professor at the Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore. He is a registered architect, and graduated from the National University of SIngapore with a M Arch. by research (1996), and a PhD in HIstory of Architecture & Urban Design from the University of California, Berkeley (2005). He researches on histories of art, architecture, urbanism and landscapes in Southeast Asia. His books include “A Brief History of Malayan Art”(1999), “Building Merdeka” (2007) and “Cords to Histories” (2013).

Khew Sin Khoon, ButterflyCircle
Khew is an architect in private practice, and has been involved in a number of ecological and gardens projects with the National Parks Board, amongst these are the Masterplan of Labrador Park, Kent Ridge Park & Canopy Walk, Ginger Garden, Evolution Garden, Children's Garden, Symphony Lake at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Redevelopment of Chek Jawa, Sg Buloh Wetland Reserve Redevelopment and more recently, Gardens by the Bay.

He also runs the ButterflyCircle website and has been a volunteer in biodiversity surveys for NParks, as well as, being involved in the creation of butterfly-friendly gardens at Alexandra Hospital, Pulau Ubin Butterfly Hill, Butterfly Garden at Hort Park and Tampines-Changkat Butterfly Garden. He is also an Hon Research Associate at the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, NUS.
PLEASE REGISTER AT
http://tinyurl.com/leafmonkey2013

Registration is strongly advised as it allows us to better customize the workshop to suit YOUR needs! If you have difficulty submitting your registration on this website, please email us at


CLOSING DATE
Please register by 17 June 2013.

PROGRAM
7.00pm - Registration, Networking, Bring your own Dinner!
7.30pm - Short sharing by speakers
8.30pm - Workshop discussion and group presentations.
9.30pm - End of workshop

REGISTER NOW!

COST OF WORKSHOP
Our workshops are free! Workshops are run by volunteers for volunteers. Any contribution is most welcome because your support helps us keep the workshops alive! Find out more.

ABOUT THE LEAFMONKEY WORKSHOP
Click here to read more about the workshop objectives, aims and purpose. If you are not sure if the workshop is suitable for you, read here to find out more.

WORKSHOPS FAQ
Please read the workshop FAQ which aims to answer any of your other burning questions.