Earthlink

Green Circle Organic Farm

2008-10-09T13:36:00.001+08:00

Venue: Green Circle Organic Farm
Date: 11th October 2008 (Sat)
Meeting Place: NTU Chinese Heritage Centre
Time to meet: 8am

Cost of Farm Trip:
$3 (members)
$5 (non-members)

Description of Conducted Farm Tour Programme:
Introduction Talk (10 – 30minute)
Different farming methods
- Traditional
- Conventional
- Hydroponics
- Aeroponics
- Organic
- Natural
Organic Framing Methods
Why do we eat organic food.
Organic farming and the environment.

Walk around the Farm
(30 min-2hr)

Participants will be led around the farm to see how compost is made, how and why different vegetables are grown in different ways. Identify the rich variety of vegetables, herbs and fruit trees grown in the farm..

Refreshments: Herbal drink is provided.

Shopping for vegetables
We specialize in home deliveries and only excess will be sold to visitors or we can reserve but you must pre-order a week ahead.
The duration of the whole program depends on the participants’ interest. It normally last between 1 to 2 hrs, including questions, shopping and time to relax.

MAX No. of Participants: 40

If any queries, feel free to contact me.

Candice Tan
HP: 94379003

Earthlink 1st gathering - Water, tips and games!

2008-09-05T22:56:00.012+08:00

______________________________________________________________

Does water pollution exists in Singapore? Want to know more about what you can do for the environment? Or just want to join in the fun with a bunch of environmental enthusiastics? Come and join us for our first gathering of the academic year!
______________________________________________________________

Date: 11 Sept 2008, Thursday
Venue: Executive Seminar Room-3South Spine, S3.1
Time: 7pm - 9pm

Time_______Programme
1900 – 1910 Easy Green Tips
1910 – 1925 Updates on Earthlink’s upcoming events
1925 – 2025 Waterways Watch Society Talk
2025 – 2055 Games
2055 _______Refreshments*
____________(End of gathering)
*Refreshments provided! We encourage you to bring along your own utensils for the gathering to reduce the use of disposables. Lets do our part for the environment! Thanks! :)

Highlights of Gathering

“Easy Green Tips” Presentation & Earthlink upcoming Events!
A presentation to bring out some simple and easy tips for people to know what they can do for the environment.

Talk by Waterways Watch Society
The Waterways Watch Society (WWS) is a Non-Governmental Organization tasked to bring people together to monitor, restore and protect the aesthetics of our waterways around the Marina Reservoir. It is an independent group of volunteers working towards the same objective as other green groups however concentrating more on our waterways with an identity of its own.

Games
Get to have fun and interact with our fellow Earthlinkers and make more friends!

Interested to join us for Earthlink 1st members gathering?
RSVP with your name, contact number and membership number to earthlink0809@gmail.com by Tuesday, 9/09/08, 2359hr.

Partnership with Waterways Watch Society

2008-09-04T01:24:00.005+08:00

Keen to do your part for the environment but don’t know where to start or what to do?

This year, Earthlink NTU will be collaborating with WaterWays Watch Society for joint boat and bicycle patrols along the Marina Reservoir. (Areas covered include Kallang Basin, Marina Bay and Singapore River.)

Waterways Watch Society (WWS) is a non-governmental organization that works closely and reports any pollution in the Marina Reservoir to the relevant authorities like PUB, NEA, Nparks, URA and LTA for necessary action.

With the completion of the marina barrage, the 15th reservoir - Marina Resevoir will have the largest and most urbanized catchment area at 10,000 hectares or one-sixth of size of Singapore. Major canals and waterways within the catchment area will eventually flow into the reservoir. This is unlike the other 14 reservoirs which are protected and not in an urban surrounding area. Hence, there is a strong need for us to play do our part to keep our environment clean.

Interested to be a Water Ranger? Sign up with us as a volunteer by sending us your name, email and contact number to earthlink0809@gmail.com.

A pre-event briefing will be held for all volunteers on 17th September (Wed) at LT 15 1930hrs.

A compulsory orientation program will be conducted on 27th Sept at WaterWays Watch Society. (1 Way transport provided from NTU on 27th Sept.)

Venue: Kallang (Under Merdeka Bridge)
Patrols are conducted on weekends only:
Saturdays: 0930-1300hrs
Sundays:1100-1430hrs

Pre-requisite:
1.Have the passion in protecting the environment!
2.Need to be able to cycle confidently.
3.Complete a minimum of 3 tours of duties (1 Boat and 2 Bicycle Patrols)

For any queries email to earthlink-awareness@ntu.edu.sg
Do visit http://www.wws.org.sg/ for more information about Waterways Watch Society.

International Coastal Cleanup Singapore (ICCS) 2008

2008-08-31T23:09:00.021+08:00

The International Coastal Cleanup Singapore (ICCS) is an annual event coordinated by Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research at the National University of Singapore from 2001. The aim of this event is to remove and collect data on the debris from the shorelines, waterways and beaches and coastal regions in Singapore. The extent and scope of the ICCS has also grown over the years, starting from the beaches of East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park and Changi Beach, to pioneering mangrove cleanups in Mandai, Lim Chu Kang, Chek Jawa, making ICCS as one of Singapore’s largest environmental conservation programmes. This information serves to educate the public on marine debris issues and to encourage positive change by submissions to governmental and international organisations that will reduce debris in waterways and enhance aquatic environments.

Earthlink NTU has been taking part in the ICCS ever since 2006. During the last two years, volunteers from NTU would gather and join this worldwide battle against marine trash. This year we will be going to Kallang Basin and other groups/organisations involved include German European School Singapor, Compassvale Secondary School Ministry of Environment and Water Resource, British Petroleum, and Waterways Watch Society.

If you are not afraid of getting your hands dirty, come join us in our battle against marine trash.
Place: Kallang Basin, Marina Reservoir
Date: 20th September, Saturday (morning)
Duration: 0715-1130hrs
Two-way transportation will be provided from NTU.

To sign up, simply email your name, email and contact number to earthlink0809@gmail.com.

Please take note that there will be a compulsory pre-event briefing on 16th September at LT 15 at 1800hrs.

To find out more about ICCS, do visit the websites below for more information.
- The Ocean Conservancy
(http://www.oceanconservancy.org/)
- International Coastal Cleanup Singapore
(http://coastalcleanup.nus.edu.sg/)
- Waterways Watch Society
(http://www.wws.org.sg/)

Welcome Trip to Kranji Countryside!

2008-08-11T20:34:00.005+08:00

Itinerary:

1)Educational Tour to Hay Dairies Goat farm

Milking demonstrations included!

2) Spring Orchard

Indulge in the vibrant hues of the Dragonfruit farm and the Adenium

3) Guided Tour for Aero – Green Technology

Learn how aeroponics growing system differs from soil cultivation

See and learn more about the different uses of plants!

For just SGD$6!

Lunch Provided!

1 bottle of Goat Milk (250ml)

1 souvenir with Hay Dairies logo

1 bottle of lettuce juice 1 serving of salad

Programme for the welcome trip

0845hrs Meet at NTU Chinese Heritage centre

1000hrs Reach Hay Dairies Goat Farm

1000-1100hrs Milking demonstrations and guided tour for participants.

1100-1130hrs Free and easy walk in Spring Orchard (Dragonfruit Farm)

1200hrs Reach Aero-Green Technology (Vegetable Farm)

1230-1300hrs Lunch

1300-1400hrs Guided tour in Aero-Green Technology (Vegetable Farm)

1400-1600hrs Games and bonding/interaction section

1615hrs End of Welcome Trip/Return to NTU

To register, email earthlink0809@gmail.com or contact:

Activity Manager, Yong Xiang 96207434

Logistics Officer, Edwin Shi 94386234

with your Name, Contact Number, Membership Number and any food requests (halal, vegetarian, allergies, etc.)

Upcoming Earthlink events on August 2008

2008-08-11T20:27:00.002+08:00

1. ECA fair
Venue : Bridge between N4 and LT5
Date : 12 August (Tuesday) - 14 August (Thursday)
Time : 10am - 5pm

2. Welcome Tea
Venue: Lt 4
Date : 14 August (Thursday)
Time : 7.30 pm – 10 pm

3. Wecome Trip
Venue: Kranji Farms
Date : 16 August (Saturday)
Time : 8.45am – 4.15 pm

4. Annual General Meeting
Venue: LT 4
Date: 25th August (Monday)
Time: 7.30 pm – 10.00 pm

5. Subcommittee Recruitment
Venue: TR 9/10
Date: 28th – 29th August (Thursday & Friday)
Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm

3rd nature walk with NTU staff

2008-05-20T20:41:00.000+08:00

It was our last nature walk for this academic year. We had 5 NTU staff attending that morning. One of them was Mr. Chan Seng Fatt from SAO, who is a plants lover. He woke up early and drove to NTU to catch the morning walk. Another was Mr. Chan Kok Tiong from OFPM, who have been in this school ever since NTI and was in charge of Yunnan Garden before. Therefore, he himself also knows a lot about the flora in this garden. Others were researcher Liu Shudong from MAE, A/P Ng Yin Kwee from MAE with her two children and Dr. Rajendra Kumar Sullerey also from MAE with his wife.

We set off for the walk a bit late than 8:30am, because most of them were late (Hmm, are professors and officers also used to being late? ). Knowing that there would be children attending the walk, we had prepared a game for them. It was suggested by Kang Hua, one of our nature guides, that we can make a good drawing by putting a leaf under the paper and outlining it out by pensile. I did it before A/P Ng's two children and asked them to try, but they seemed not interested in it.

However, the nature walk was very successful. Mr. Chan Kok Tiong was a very outgoing and energetic person. He always spoke out when we just started to point at some plant:

Our nature guide, "Hello everyone, this is..."
Mr. Chan, "Oh, that is Song of India and it has another branch which grows green leaves!"
Our nature guide, "On our left is..."
"Saga tree!"said Mr. Chan immediately.(big sweat)

It reminded me of what some experienced guides shared with us that sometimes participants can know more about the plants. Mr. Chan is just of this kind, so we let him talk most of the time and just inserted when necessary. As a result, we all picked up some new knowledge and other participants seemed to be entertained as well.

During the walk, we were also surprised by the new finding in the Garden. For example, we found the fruits of Tee tree, pods and flowers of saga tree which we had never seen before. It is just as what I shared with the participants that, "This is a garden with ever changing landscape. Therefore, it is worth our visit again and again."

After the nature walk, there was, the same as before, a short tour to Chinese Heritage Centre. We shared with our participants the history of Nanyang University (the Old Nantah) and stories of Mr. Tan Lark Sye. I ended the tour by sharing about Mr. Tan Lark Sye's attitude toward money. He once said, "Money comes and goes like tide; If used to irrigate the crops when rising tide, the crops can grow even better. Otherwise, what is the meaning of the tiding of money to me?"

To me, this can mean: if we have the ability to influence others, we ought to lead others to be more social responsible; we ought to encourage a green life style among more people.

Meet the Swiss Solartaxi at Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

2008-03-25T20:20:00.000+08:00

The Embassy of Switzerland in Singapore and its platform swissnex Singapore are proud to inform you about the visit of a remarkable fellow citizen, Louis Palmer, a Solartaxi driver. Finally, after having passed through many countries such as India, Indonesia, New Zealand and Australia, Louis Palmer is about to arrive in Singapore. On his adventure of circling the world in a car that relies entirely on renewable energies, Mr Palmer will set foot on 5 continents and 50 countries, driving more than 40'000 kilometers. Among others, Louis Palmer will present the Solartaxi and give a presentation on his adventures at the Nanyang Technological University, 25 March 2008.

Swiss Adventurer Mr Louis Palmer started his trip around the world in his solar powered vehicle, the "Solartaxi", on the occasion of the European Sustainable Energy Forum in Lucerne, Switzerland, on 3 July 2007. It took 3 years to build the Solartaxi. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and three Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences have been involved in its making, integrating top-notch technologies and a flexible steering-wheel that allows the passenger to take control of the vehicle running at a maximum speed of 90 kph, the sustainable way.

Louis Palmer travelled overland from the heart of Switzerland through 18 countries to the Middle East and India. From there he travelled by ship to his next destinations, India and Indonesia , just in time to reach Bali for the Climate Change Conference in early December 2007, where the Solartaxi became a major attraction at the gates of the summit. It served to give an emission-free lift to a great number of participants. Among many were Rajendra Pachauri, Chair of the Nobel Prize winning IPCC, Bianca Jagger, President of the World Future Council, and Michael Bloomberg, City Major of New York.

In order to see the Solartaxi live in Singapore, come to Nanyang Technological University on Tuesday, 25 March 2008. Besides showcasing his car, Mr Palmer will hold a presentation of his endeavours on the road, his intentions and on the vehicle itself. Do not miss the opportunity to get a glimpse on the future of automobiles in the context of sustainability!

Presentation
Location: Classroom 5, Level 1, School of Biological Sciences
Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm

Exhibition
Location: The Quad

For further questions and enquiries, please refer to www.solartaxi.com or www.swissnexsingapore.org, or call us on +65 6774 9364.

Pulau Semakau

2008-02-23T16:22:00.000+08:00

On Saturday, about 50 of us headed off to Pulau Semakau, one of Singapore’s offshore landfill. We started our long journey there at 12.50 pm. At Marina South Pier, we embarked on a 45 min ferry ride to our destination – Sumacau Island. On arrival we headed into the conference room for a talk and video. The video mainly showed the operations of the island. We learnt that Pulau Semakau was created by forming a 7 km bund around two existing island, Semakau and Sakeng. The bund had 2 layers to prevent any leakage into the sea. The area within the bund was divided into cells to be filled. Did you know that our incinerated waste is transported to the island using barges that can carry up to 30 tonnes of incinerated waste daily?

We had the opportunity to observe the many cells that the island was divided into. Some were still in the process of being filled. Our friendly tour guide Mr. Poothaphan drove us along the road where we could compare the already filled cells with the adjacent unfilled one. We were also able to observe the mangrove plants that were planted on the left side of the road to increase the biodiversity of the island.

Upon reaching the southern part of the island, we stopped to enjoy the breathtaking view of the sea. While resting, we had some refreshments and had an opportunity to interact with one another and with our guide. He was very helpful in answering the questions many of us had. We spent quite some time there taking photos or just appreciating the good view. All too soon, it was time for us to leave.

Through this trip, we have gained a deeper appreciation for the efforts taken into processing our waste and also the planning and thought put into Semakau that has led to it becoming a clean, green and beautiful island. We also know that the waste that we throw down our rubbish chute simply does not just disappear, but it is used in the development of our offshore islands. Much thought and care have been put into ensuring that they are disposed off properly without affecting the environment.

At the end of the day, we are reminded of the importance of keeping the environment clean and green all while enjoying ourselves in Sumacau Island.

Report on Trip to Tuas South Incineration Plant

2008-02-15T17:39:00.000+08:00

On 15th February 2008, Public Education Portfolio of NTU Earthlink organized a trip to Tuas South Incineration plant.
The objective of the event was to educate participants on the incineration process and its significance in sustaining a healthy and clean lifestyle in Singapore. Due to space constraint, Singapore resorts to incineration of its waste which allows a reduction of 90% of volume of refuse.

A Brief Description of Tuas South Incineration Plant(T.S.I.P.)
Tuas South is the forth Incineration plant which was built in year 2000. It is currently the largest refuse incineration plant and can incinerate 3,000 tonnes of refuse per day through its 6 incinerators.
TSIP is a "green" plant, helping to conserve our portable water resources by using industrial water pre-treated by its own water reclamation plant for use in the boilers. The plant will also not consume any of Singapore's present electricity resources. Rather it will generate 80 MW of electricity, 80% of which will be made available for the public to use. Together the four plants supply about 2 % of Singapore's overall electricity consumption.

1235 – Departure from Chinese Heritage Centre
Ms. Grace Ngan, Public Education Officer gave a quick introduction of the trip and what to look forward to.

1255 - Arrival at Tuas South Incineration Centre

1300 - Video presentation of Managing Solid Waste in Singapore
Video highlighted the importance of managing waste and illustrated the whole incineration process.Most of the participants were enlightened that Pulau Semakau will take 30 to 40 years to reclaim. Once complete, it will be an island resort with a golf course and more!

1315 - Presentation by Mr. Ravi,
Mr. Ravi introduced the plant to all the participants, mentioning as stated above in the brief Description. To add, he said that TSIP takes domestic and combustible industrial waste to be incinerated.
Due to the humid Singapore climate, the plant operated 24 hours a day, for 7 days a week. This is to avoid pileup, which could lead to stench and a myriad of diseases.He also covered the incineration process once again and opened the floor for a Q&A session. Participants were clearly engaged and curious, for they brought up various issues regarding the plant and impact on the environment.

1335 - Guided Tour of the Plant
After his presentation, Mr. Ravi started the guided tour of TSIP. Participant were brought to the control room to see first hand how the plant operates. Participants also manage to have a look at the ash pit as they were making their to the control Room.
At the control room, there were various monitors and dashboard for operation purposes. A participant commented that it was like entering a NASA operation centre, like in the movies. Mr. Ravi talked about what happens in the control room and explained on the functions of the huge screens that is used monitor the operation level of the plant and to detect any fault in the system.

1400 - Moved from Control Room to view the Stoker Model
The Stoker Model is the minimized version of the incineration plant. This 3D model clearly illustrates the whole incineration process that takes place in TSIP.

1415 - Refreshments
As a close for the trip, participants were given light refreshments and were able to quench their thirst of curiosity regarding the plant. Mr. Ravi was enthusiastically answering various questions from participants.

1430 - Departure from TSIP
Heavy heartedly, participants boarded the bus to return to NTU. This trip was very knowledgeable and interesting for all.

Nature Walk Get Started!

2008-01-26T14:50:00.007+08:00

8.25am… 8.30am… 8.35am… Subconsciously, I kept glancing at my watch in between each bite of my breakfast. In front of me on the table, I had my notes for the day’s guide spread out in an attempt to do some last minute preparation. It was nearing 8.45am - almost time to go. Finishing one final bite of my bun, I made my way quickly towards the Chinese Heritage Centre.

The 26th of January was a rather special day for me, and for many others, I believe. For most of us guides, this was our first official guiding as we had never done any guiding anywhere before. It was no more a trial, but the real thing! For those Earthlinkers and NIE students who came along to support us, this was the first ever guided nature walk around the Yunnan Garden that NTU Earthlink and NIE Green Club co-organized.

It did not take long before the first group set off towards the garden. Soon after I, myself, together with Thai led a second group out too. It was a beautiful morning – the sun was out and no rain clouds were in sight. That was a good sign!
At the start, I was feeling rather nervous as I brought the group towards the garden. Lucky for me, Thai was very well-prepared and broke the ice among the participants by first introducing ourselves and giving everyone a brief history about the Yunnan Garden. It took a while for me to warm up but I soon felt comfortable with my group and everything went on rather smoothly.

My group looking up at the flowers of the Yellow Saraca. The tree has many flowers growing out of almost everywhere on its branches and even its trunk.

Jackson and his group walking through the garden. (We found out later that the participants in his group were actually present for another event organized by the Chinese Heritage Centre. So in the end, they soon left, leaving the guides alone. I believe they had an enjoyable time though, while it lasted.)

After a short tour around the Yunnan Garden, we made our way back into the Chinese Heritage Centre for the second segment of the day – to see the NanTah Pictorial Exhibition located on the second level of the building. As the exhibition room was rather small, not all groups could fit in all at once. However, the problem was easily solved by taking turns and every group was able to have their go and no one missed anything.

Yongxiang telling his group about the history of NanTah. Everyone was listening attentively!

As the last attraction of the day, all of us played a photo-hunting game, the guides together with the participants. Each group was given a few pictures and we were supposed to find out where the photo was taken, hurry to the spot, and take a group picture there. I am sure everyone had fun playing this game, running around trying to find the exact location.

One of the photos my group took for the game. We were hoping that our interesting photos would score us more points!

We were not the overall winner but really, everyone was a winner then because all of us “won” ourselves some food from the game.
The day’s event soon came to an end. It was quite a good experience for me. I hoped everyone else had a great time that day too!

Smile, everyone, for a job well done!

Chek Jawa!

2007-12-24T13:01:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, a group of 40 NTU students went to Chek Jawa on Pulau Ubin. The eventful day started with waiting for the bus for around 45 minutes. When the group finally reached Pulau Ubin, it was already 1045am! Nevertheless, two interesting ice breaking games ensued.
The first game involved protecting an egg using recyclable materials, after which the whole art piece (with the poor egg hidden within the creation) was thrown onto the ground. The group whose egg did not break won the game. I hope the game made an impact on the undergrads about the usefulness of recyclable materials as much as the throw did on some of the eggs.

Throwing the protected egg...

The second game was a three legged race in which the group which filled 2 cups with the most marbles and water respectively wins. It was a tiring but exhilarating race in the ruthless late morning sun.

Simultaneous with the three legged race… hello doggie… (I WANT YOUR FOOD!! *woof)

After lunch, we set off for Chek Jawa in a total of 4 vans. Chek Jawa is situated at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin. Chek Jawa escaped reclamation and preserved its natural state, hence enabling us and many other groups to visit its rich marine life today. We first made our way to House number 1 after a bumpy van ride. The house is so named because it is a house, and its address is number 1.

My guide then took my group to a board walk just beside House number 1. We spent quite some time there marveling at a whole ‘field’ of sea grass, weeds, trapped fishes, crabs, their molts and anemones. Something which I found particularly exotic was the self sacrificing nature of the male fiddler crabs. The males have an extra long pincer which is red in colour while females are a (relatively) boring shade of grey. This is so that birds prey on the males which are easier to spot instead of the females as the latter are rarer. How touching…

We then headed to another boardwalk which led us to the mud flats. There, we saw most of the marine life. It was amazing! We saw hermit crabs, tube worms, sea cucumbers, sand dollars, bristling worms, sea stars, two mantis shrimps, a moon snail, a nudibranch, a catfish and a carpet anemone.

You only see some of the hermit crab here. When you see a beautiful shell on the beach, don’t bring it home! It is the home of hermit crabs though they may not be in when you visit them.

See the tubes poking up from the ground? Those belong to the tubeworms. *shivers (I don’t like worms…)

The slimy and cute sea cucumber. It’s rather shy, it contracts and appears smaller when in human hands.

The Ferrari Seastar in action. It flips itself over very fast hence its name.

The nudibranch.

Those circular disc-like objects are the sand dollars. They are actually alive and the tracks you see are evidence of their movements. Sand dollars are actually the mermaids’ and mermen’s currency too.
I found the Chek Jawa trip educational and an eye opener. My knowledge of marine life is very limited, so I learnt quite a lot from this trip! I also hope that through experiencing marine life first hand, the participants learn to appreciate them more and do their part in saving nature.
For more photos of the other marine life, please visit http://s236.photobucket.com/albums/ff263/earthlink0708/Chek%20Jawa%20231207/?start=0

Nature Walk @ NTU: Yunnan Gardens Recce

2007-10-29T01:43:00.000+08:00

With the intention of starting a nature walk in NTU next year, we conducted our very first recce session last Friday. The purpose of this nature walk is to introduce to NTU staff and students the types of flora and fauna (mostly flora though) that can be found on our garden campus, to increase awareness and in the process nature appreciation. Yunnan gardens was chosen as our first location to start the nature walk, partly due to its high concentration of flora in a designated area, and also its links to NTU history and culture.

Dr Shawn Lum kindly agreed to come down and conduct this recce cum guided walk for us. A total of about 10 people turned up for the walk, a myriad of people from various nationalities (China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, India, Singapore), but with the common interest to learn more about the biodiversity on campus and to share it with fellow students and staff as nature guides.

Among the trees that we saw was a saga tree. As we found out from Dr Lum, the red seeds of the saga tree are sometimes collected and given during Valentine's day as a representation of love.

Moving on, near the replica gate to Nan Tah, were two majestic trees, a Banyan tree (in the middle) and a Sea Almond (on the right). The actual Nan Tah gate is actually still standing, somewhere in Jurong West. In the past, between the actual gate and where NTU now stands was all rubber, and students had to walk through the rubber plantations to get to class.

We also found a few cycads planted in the garden. These trees have been around since ancient times, and are non-flowering (compared to similar looking, but much larger, palms, which do flower).

Below a Trumpet tree,

we found saplings of Brown Heart, Sea Almond, etc. Knowing that these trees normally do not disperse their seeds too far from the parent tree, the logical explanation was that there were bats that took the fruits from the other trees, returned to the Trumpet tree to eat it, and dropped the seeds onto the grass below, where the saplings germinated.

The seed of the Brown Heart looks like this (when dried)

We also found a few Kapok trees. Kapok is a cotton-like fluff that is found in the fruit, but is not strong enough to be made into thread. It was commonly used as fill in pillows/bolsters in the past.

There was also a rather big Hop tree, with distinctive purple flowers covering the whole canopy of the tree. These flowers were in fact individual buds.

We found a woody fungus growing out from the grass. It was pretty interesting as the fungus seems to have grown around the grass, with a few blades actually sticking out of the fungus itself.

Near the end of our walk, we reached a Yellow Saraca tree, with a whole gathering of Birds' Nest Fern below it. Very few flowers were in bloom at this time of year though.

Dr Lum indeed gave us alot of information during the short recce, too much to remember for one time. However, over the subsequent training sessions in December with more walks around the garden to familiarise ourselves with the flora and fauna there, we will slowly gather enough knowledge to be able to share our garden campus with others.

Student Leader Briefing (By Zhiyang)

2007-09-28T15:20:00.000+08:00

From 25th to 27th September 2007, we presented environmentally-friendly guidelines to all Student Leaders of NTU. The purpose of this is to spread environmental awareness to the student population through the influence of the student leaders. The guidelines highlight green practices that are practicable for application by the Committees of all Clubs, Societies and Halls. Basically, the guidelines cover eco-friendly practices for common activities like meetings, events, camps and publicity. We have also proposed the idea of appointing a Green Ambassador for each main committee so as to better facilitate the incorporation of green practices in each club’s activities.
Thus far, we would not have achieved so much without the support of the NTU Administration. Particularly in this academic year (07/08), the NTU Administration has become more proactive in pursuing environmental initiatives. As a result, Earthlink is able to install recycling bins in all Halls and “green publicity” can been done on a larger scale. We look forward to further collaboration with the Administration and other student organizations of NTU to create a Green Culture on campus.

Outing #1 to Singapore Botanical Gardensn (by Ru Hui)

2007-09-22T19:18:00.002+08:00

For Earthlink’s very first outing, we visited the Singapore Botanical Gardens.

At 745 am, we made our way there. Since we reached the place a little early, we had a small ice-breaking session while waiting for our tour to start.

Our guide was an experienced and enthusiastic volunteer who took us through the journey of plant evolution. She began by asking us to see the difference between the palm tree and a cycad right outside of the evolution garden. The cycad, though small in size, was much older than the palm tree that was twice its height. The cycads were a much older species of plants that was present even during the dinosaur period. So that was how we started our journey into the evolution garden.

Although the evolution garden is a relatively new area of the botanical gardens, there were many plants and interactive sculptures as it was set up mainly for educational purposes. Starting off with the mosses, we gradually moved to the taller ferns, cycads and lepidodendrons. We learnt many interesting facts along the way, like how some spores of ferns that were growing around a cave was used for camera flashes, how horsetails could grow back together if the broken pieces were put together again and many other interesting details of plants through the ages.

After the insightful tour, we headed to the national orchid gardens, a must-see when visiting the botanical gardens. We rested in the cool house after taking many pictures of the colourful and vibrant orchids, which were present in large varieties.

Finally, it was time for lunch. By this time, most of us were familiar with one another and we had a really enjoyable lunch at a food court within the botanical gardens. Overall, the trip was a fruitful one as we left not only with many things learnt, but also with a few more friends.

Coastal Cleanup 2007 at Kallang Basin (By Dang Kang)

2007-09-15T12:18:00.000+08:00

This year on September 15th, 24 Earth link NTU volunteers went to clean up trashes on coastlines and waterways at Kallang Basin. The event is part of International Coastal Cleanup Singapore organized by Ocean Conservancy. It is the largest and most successful event of its kind. We not only tried to eliminate those rubbish, but also recorded the number of rubbish collected according to its type, which may be useful for further analysis such as tracing back origin of the trashes.

Morning Gathering at Chinese Heritage Garden, a beautiful day.

Around 8:30 am, we reached Kallang Basin, and quickly began our work.

We are divided into group of 4 to finish our job. Among the four people one records the data and the other three collect the rubbish.

Some of us are discussing among the groups on dividing of tasks and a good strategy to finish their job.

Each group was given a log sheet to keep a record of garbage item for different categories like plastics, food and so on depending on the materials they were made of.
The data then will be sent to the ICCS for consolidation and further analysis. The analysis results then would be sent to the SEC, ENV, NParks, PUB, URA, MND, MOE, MITA, The Internet. Some of them even affected the policy making!

Volunteers are so eager to collect the rubbish that they even forget the safety of their shoes!

Although it is a tough job, many of our volunteers feel very happy.

Let's hear what they say

“I think the coastal clean up is quite meaningful for me because I can help protecting the environment in my own way. I can also do my part in taking the responsibility of the citizen of this country.”

“I think sometimes people are very selfish. They clean and decorate their house very well however make our natural environment very dim. The activities can help us be aware of the serious consequence of the rubbish pollution for the coast by looking out to the coast.”

The kids from German European School of Singapore

And we are not alone. there were other volunteers working with us to clean the coast. Some of our volunteers think this activity is particularly meaningful for kids like these. One volunteer said, “ I think this activity is especially helpful to the children for encouraging them to protect the coast and environment. The main duty of adults, I think, it is organizing the activity”

We found all kind of rubbish.

Here, we even found such big monsters!

Life is being threatened!

A sick bird

Our volunteers are also worried about the pollutions: “There is a lot of daily life rubbish. The creature in the ocean must have a very hard life. The problem might be very serious cause a lot of rubbish has been embed in the underground very deeply. There might be a lot of rubbish that we didn’t get.”

The whole activity end around 10:00 am . Despite the short during, we have made a great job. our Earth link volunteers managed to clean up around 100m of coastline and collect 45kg of trashes. While for the whole Singapore, the length of coastline cleaned is 1520m and the weight of trashes collected is 4109kg.

After our work,no more trashes!

Background Information: About Kallang Basin

Kallang Basin is selected to be one target of the events because of its economic, social and environment benefits। According to Chou L।M, The Singapore River and the Kallang Basin “form an important catchment covering one-fifth of Singapore's total land area। These waterways served important functions in the economic development of the country. The intense and varied uses however contributed to the gross pollution of the rivers.” He suggested the cleaning system of these area shall be implemented. Besides, National Environment Agency etc also have the following plans:

Kallang Basin is going to be a linear garden of the Garden at Marina Center is links the cultural core at the Esplanade Theaters to Kallang Basin.

In 2004, the Public Utilities Board publicly announced plans to construct a new downtown reservoir. It will turn Marina Bay and the Kallang Basin into a confined freshwater reservoir with limited access to marine transportation to regulate the water quality.

This event would promote the protection of Kallang Basin and thus help reach the above goal।

Welcome trip 07/08: Pulau Ubin (by Alan)

2007-08-18T23:41:00.000+08:00

It was the early hours of 18th August 2007, but I had to wake up earlier to get myself prepared for the day that was ahead. All I could remember now was the cool morning that had almost hypnotized me to sleep. It was unlike any other weekend. The major difference was that I was detached from my bed.

There was a mass gathered at the steps just outside of the Chinese Heritage Centre of NTU. It was not open on that day, so I guessed it must be the crowd that I was going to spend my Saturday with.

I have passed by that building they named Chinese Heritage Centre definitely more than once; however, it cannot understand how come it seems more than usually unfamiliar. I couldn’t resist the chance to roam around, despite most of the areas being closed.

It was one of the more landmark buildings in NTU, with its unique ancient Chinese architectural style. There was an opening right in the middle of the main hall ceiling. That opening was consistently visible throughout most of the floors. I have heard before that it had a practical usage, which is to illuminate the building naturally.

Upon reaching Changi Ferry Point Terminal, everyone did a last round of checks. The bumboats service could only ferry a maximum of 12 people per ride excluding the ‘captain’. Due to our large numbers, we were divided equally onto 3 different bumboats. It was a spectacular sight, looking at how 3 boats tag along one another and ferried us over to the shores not far away, Pulau Ubin.

The Pulau Ubin pier was just a short distance walk from the only bustling town center. The scene that greets the visitors, are the scene from olden Singapore. It was a scene where older generation lived to talk about it and many of the younger generation can only see from photos. It was a scene of a struggling new town called Singapore, being ‘preserved’ on Ubin.

The ‘preservation’ was apparent. The vast difference between the main island and its sister island. There seemed to be no town planning at all, where only a small road leads from the pier to the town plaza. However, it is undeniable the charms that this sleepy little town brings, a breather for those running in the rat race.

We headed towards the ‘Green House’ which is located along the only road leading to the town center of Ubin. It is there where we met the Nature Guides that would be giving us a trail around the sights and scent that Ubin has to offer. We headed over to the information kiosk to begin our trail briefing.

At the kiosk we were roughly briefed about what we were expecting. Everyone was all ears about what we were about to do. The name of the trail was known as the Sensory Trail. To not only see, but feel and smell as well, providing an all-round experience.

The Sensory Trail was adopted by Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped and Singapore America School. That was officially launched on 15th April 2000 by America Ambassador to Singapore the Honorable Steven J. Green.

Just a few steps away from the information kiosk, the trail had a brief prelude. Along the way to the beginning of the Sensory Trail, there were already plants along the road side which was valuable and can only be found on Ubin. We were also learning about plants which kill trees because of their symbiotic nature. A slow death for the trees, drawing parallel to cancer patients, everyone sympathized.

Along the Trail, we were exposed to many different types of species of plants. Most of which were naturally found on Ubin and some re-introduced. One of plants that are on the Trail is the common plant known to most Singaporean, pandan. As the guides explained, on about the Trail and plants, I couldn’t stop basking in the refreshing scent of pandan.

There was also a Secret Garden located along the Trail. The Secret Garden hosts a variety of chef’s familiars. There were curry leaves, pepper plant, etc. The whole garden was packed with other edible plants as well. Not to mention even a plant for oral anesthetic purpose. Everyone was resisted the temptation to take a bit of the garden into their hands and admired the plants in that natural glory under the supervision of the guides.

Alas, as the saying goes, the good rarely lasts long. As we were continuing to explore the Secret Garden, the skies bode ill omen, big black clouds. The rain started to pour and dampen not only the plants and trees, but our trail. We had to make our way back to the ‘Green House’ as soon as possible to avoid any wet weather complications such as thunders and lightings.

Back at the ‘Green House’, we contemplated the next step, LUNCH. There were a number of restaurants at the town center; however, we wondered if there was any one that could house our large numbers. Some of us accompanied the Muslim friends to the halal outlets located further away from the town center. Everyone was recharged after the meal. Firstly, the rain had stopped and secondly, everyone was ready to continue to enjoy the sights and plants that Ubin had to offer.

Other than learning about the plants that grow on Ubin, we also had a chance to know a bit more about Singapore history. For example, there was the Gelam tree, which once populated a particular place in Singapore. Due to the abundance that place was later on known as Kampong Glam. The bark of the tree was used by the Bugis and Malays to caulk the seams of boats, while the timber was used to replace rotted hull planks and doubled as firewood. The fruit was dried, ground, and used as a type of black pepper.

The Trail ended roughly around the later part of the afternoon however, it didn’t end there. The organizers prepared a photo hunt around Ubin for everyone that attended. So the rule of the game is to take photographs of the various places around a certain area in Ubin. The places where clued by only a photograph distinct to that place. The clue was only helpful when the distinct feature was recognized easily, in many a times; we were just hoping to bump into other groups who already found the spots.

The photo hunt ended nicely. Most of the teams got the spots however, in each competition a winner has to be decided. The winners proved that winning was indeed a title nothing more. The spoils of the victory were shared amongst not only the winning team but to every other group as well.

The day was drawing close. Everyone gathered at the pier for the finale photo session. SAY CHEESE