On the 5th and 6th of December, the Nature Guiding team organized the Jurong Eco-Garden Biodiversity Audit Training Programme. The 2-day event aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills to identify different species of birds, damselflies, dragonflies and butterflies.
Held at the JTC CleanTech Park, the first day started in the morning at 8:30am. Despite this early start, all were gathered eagerly in the seminar room to learn more about the vast biodiversity in Singapore, especially those found in the Jurong Eco-Garden. For the first few hours, the participants learned about birds, butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies and how slight differences in colour, shape and pattern distinguishes the species of that particular bird or insect. To make things more exciting and fun, quizzes and games were played to facilitate learning!
With the relevant knowledge, everyone was eager to see the wildlife mentioned during the class. The participants headed out to the Eco-Garden for a dry run in preparation of the excitement waiting on the next day, whereby they will be conducting a wildlife survey to help keep track of the different species living in the Eco-Garden.
The next day began early as well, as birds, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies are more active in the morning. The participants were divided into groups and given a time limit of 20 minutes per transect. Each group was tasked to walk 3 transects to observe, identify and count the wildlife that they spotted as they walk.
Under the sweltering heat, this task was not easy at all. However, that did not deter the participants from doing the job assigned to them with enthusiasm. Each transect held surprises and participants did not know what to expect, making the walk even more exciting. Sticking to just 20 minutes per transect was difficult, because many ended up spending more time looking at the beautiful birds and insects. Luckily, the Nature Guiding team foresaw the delay, and gave the participants ample time of 3 hours to explore the garden.
After all groups completed the transects, they met at the shelter to take a group photo with a member of JTC. All participants then headed back to the seminar room for a short reflection session. The fulfilled participants shared their experiences on the programme. One common insight from all was that it was a good experience and allowed one to slow down to take in the nature around them. The participants then played a reflection game, which aimed to create awareness that their one little action can have a big impact on the environment – cutting down one tree in the rainforest will lead to unforeseen consequences for the biodiversity in the forest.
The programme was a great success, managing to not only equip participants with knowledge but more importantly, ignite the spark in them to be grateful for the nature and play their part in conservation of the environment.
Earthlink NTU
The largest environmental sustainability group in NTU