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Session
I - Sat 18th Aug 2001: 6.30pm - 8.00pm
Introduction to
mangroves and SBNP
What is the mangrove? Where are mangroves found -
which part of the world, in what geographical conditions,
and how it is found. Zones in SBNP. Why it is relatively
easy to identify mangrove plants and some
examples.
Introduction to the aim
of the course
Outline of the route, stations an topics we will
study at SBNP. Stories to tell - topics and method;
Rhizophora as an example - how to identify by unique
characters, similarities and differences, uses, where you
can find them.
Techniques for the
guide
Why the public may know the common Malay or dialect
names. Attention span limitations in explaining a topic.
Alternating guiding styles to suit specific group
dynamics.
Session
II - Sun 2nd Sept 2001: 9am - 5pm
Objective: To be
able to organise, coordinate and guide an introductory walk
for NSS members at Sungei Buloh Park.
OUTLINE
1. Review
Role of NSS and nature appreciation in relation to
education, conservation and the public. Your role and how
this course will help.
2. More on ecology
Zonation (in general and in Singapore), food webs
and tides - gravity at work, tide-tables, trends and links
to ethnic calendars, extreme examples in Sungei Buloh (look
for tidal marks) and Singapore - how to explain and use
them. Correlation with faunal ecology.
3. Fauna and flora and
other stories
Familiarity with the most common organisms - five
species each of plants, insects, other invertebrates, crabs,
molluscs, fish and birds. And stories about the park you
should know.
4. Route in the park
Guiding the layman at the specific stations: Visitor
Centre, Mangrove Boardwalk, Bridge over Sungei Buloh Besar,
Main Hide & Sluice Gate, part of Route 1, Western
Straits of Johor.
5. Techniques for the
guide
Outlining your objective. Using familiar names and
products. Use of analogies. Attention span limitations.
Generating a response, direct and indirect. SBNP is more
than mangroves. More than nature during a walk. Why you have
to read newspapers. Teaching concepts and content - which do
they walk away with?
6. Public performance -
Strategies for a guide
The class will be guiding a session for Nature
Society members which will be announced in the November -
December issue of Nature News. The walk is conducted
annually for NSS members in the first week of December. What
dfo you include in a write-up? Who is the target audience?
Review
examples of write-ups for this walk in Nature News listed
here.
7. Internet resources for
the guide
A variety of resources that are available on the
internet, both public and private.
Preparations
for Sesssion II
I -
Questions to answer
Where can mangroves
be found in Singapore?
What zones can you see along the route?
What do you think is the knowledge base and objective of NSS
members who come for the 'Lazy Sunday' walk in SBNP
in November and December?
II -
Topics to present on
Aurora & Raymond -
Plants
Rhizophora, Bruguiera, Avicennia, Sonneratia,
Acanthus, Acrostichum, Hibiscus
Beng Chiak & Bee Leng -
Insects
Pneumatophore moth, Shield bugs, Cotton-stainer bug,
Tide-watching moth, Mangrove longicorn beetle
Han Bin & Maureen -
Others
Tetragnatha josephi, Barnacles, Argiope
mangal, Polychaetes, Anemones
Marilyn & Lee Yng -
Crabs
Episesarma, Portunus, Scylla, Aplheus,
Chiromantes
Andrew & Alan -
Molluscs
Cerithidea, Telescopium, Ellobium, Sphaerassiminea,
Onchidium, Thais, Isognomon
Juggi & Daphne -
Fish
Halfbeak, Spot-tail Needlefish, Archerfish, Mullet,
Green Chromide, Garfish
Ria & Wang Yee-
Birds
Kingfisher, Egret, Heron, Water hen, Sandpiper,
Munia
Pack
the following:
Classroom attire
Field attire (shorts/t-shirt, shoes with laces)
Complete change of clothes, including a change of
shoes/slippers
Pen, nature notebook
Mangrove guidebooks
Snacks for tea
A sunny disposition
Lunch - cantten has food these days
Minimise the valuables you are bringing.
Locker services are available at SBNP; just have a one
dollar coin ready.
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