About this Event
This Habitat Enhancement (May) series is offered in support, and celebrations of the Faculty of Science 95th Anniversary, and Department of Biological Sciences 75th Annniversary.
Background
The Rail Corridor is a unique green space that encompasses former railway tracks that once connected Singapore and Malaysia. It has been transformed into a beautiful and accessible recreational trail, offering a glimpse into Singapore's natural heritage.
The Rail Corridor serves as a haven for diverse flora and fauna species, and provides a crucial migration pathway for wildlife, allowing them to move freely between different green spaces. This connectivity is essential for genetic diversity and the long-term survival of species. Efforts are underway to restore and enhance the natural habitats within the Rail Corridor by reintroducing native plant species and creating suitable environments for wildlife.
NUS Toddycats will work to help augment the habitat enhancement works along the Rail Corridor South. We will be undertaking Soil Prep and Tree Planting of carefully-selected trees suitable for the habitat, and thereafter undertaking Sapling Protection Action to give tender loving care to these tree saplings. Through SPA, we hope to reduce the transplantation stress experienced by these newly-planted tree saplings, and enhance their survability until they take root!
We invite you to join us; especially if you are residing or working around the area.
The Habitat Enhancement sessions will entail:
1. Soil Prep & Tree Planting - 18th May 2024
- Scraping grass off the topsoil
- Digging into, and excavating the exposed soils with a changkul
- Loosening any embedded rocks or items with a chiam(if neccessary)
- Adding approved soil mixtures (ASM) into the grounds to enhance the soil before planting
- Placing the tree into the prepared grounds
- Top up the area around its base with ASM, followed by mulch (e.g. leaf litter or wood chips)
- Water the newly-planted saplings well
- Where necessary, stake the saplings to give them temporary support whilst they strengthen their trunks
2. Sapling Protection Action (SPA) - 1st Jun 2024
- Scraping grass back from recently-planted tree saplings
- Hand-weeding persistent grass sprouts at the base of recently-planted tree saplings
- Cutting off and clearing any creepers on recently-planted tree saplings
- Topping up leaf litter and/or approved soil mixture (ASM) around the base of recently-planted tree saplings
- Scraping grass back from recently-planted tree saplings
- Helping to stake recently-planted saplings to give them temporary support whilst they strengthen their trunks (where necessary)
- Replace old, broken or lost tree identification tags (where necessary)
Please take note
- Participants MUST wear COVERED SHOES; without this, you will not be allowed to participate.
- We strongly recommend that you bring sunblock, and a hat/cap to help shelter yourself from the sun. Arm sleeves are useful too.
- Bring at least 1 litre of drinking water - you will need it!
- Have a hearty meal before the session and bring some snacks to munch on and prevent exhaustion
- Bring insect repellent; there could be mosquitoes and insects in the area.
- Bring your own gloves, if you have a pair (we will supply otherwise)
- Bring a change of clothes in case you get drenched or dirty after the physical and potentially muddy activity
Further details will be emailed to registered participants 2 days before the session.
Where do we meet?
We meet at the Rail Corridor itself, at the resting hut next to the Buona Vista Node (near the Elementum building). If you coming from the MRT station, take Exit D through Metropolis to find your way to our meeting point (see map below).
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Resting Hut (Rail Corridor - N Buona Vista), Resting Hut (Rail Corridor - N Buona Vista), Singapore, Singapore
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