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Central Catchment Nature Reserve

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Calendar
When:
June 30, 2015 all-day
2015-06-30T00:00:00+08:00
2015-07-01T00:00:00+08:00
Where:
Central Catchment Nature Reserve
Central Water Catchment
Singapore
Contact:
Tyron Cover, Lachlan Cohen, Jack Finegan & Matt O'Shea
Planning complete
submission acknowledged
Contents
    1. Abstract
    2. Introduction
    3. Broad Aim
    4. Specific Objectives
      1. Self
      2. Others
      3. Nature
      4. Culture
    5. Outline & Timeline
    6. Description
      1. Briefing – Night before
      2. Gear/equipment
      3. Objectives
      4. Activity Description
      5. Transport
      6. Budget
      7. Food/Water/Toilets
    7. Activities
      1. Activity 1 – Singapore Catch’em All
      2. Activity 2 – Street Talk Singapore
      3. Activity 3 – Connecting with nature/Solo Time
      4. Optional – Activity 4 – Open for consideration 
    8. Processing
      1. Final Processing Session
    9. References
    10. Appendix 1 – Fact sheet
    11. Appendix 2 – Transport
    12. Appendix 3 – Do’s and Don’ts of Central Catchment Reserve
    13. Appendix 4 – Catch ‘em All Cards

Today we will walk 15km through Singapore’s largest nature reserve! We will explore one of Singapore’s last natural rainforests, which is home to over 500 different species of wildlife! Try and find the elusive Mousedeer!

Abstract

On Tuesday the 30th of June, twenty three participants from Federation University, Australia will be travelling to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. This is located north of our accommodation at MOE Labrador Adventure Centre. This day will involve exploring Singapore’s natural environment through walking the Treetop Walk and surrounding areas. Getting there will involve; walking to the bus terminal and catching the bus to OPP Flame PK. We will then walk to Venus Drive and enter the reserve from here and move towards the Treetop Walk. During the day, the participants will be involved in various activities to help immerse them in the rich biodiversity and unique natural landscape of the area they are visiting. This will include exploring the area, searching for and identifying native flora and fauna, meeting and communicating with local people and users of the Central Catchment area, and creating a reflective piece based on personal ideas and concepts from experiencing a new environment. After walking the Treetop Walk, participants can explore the MacRitchie Reservoir along the paths available to them. To complete the day, participants will be involved in an interactive discussion relating to the outcomes of the day. A final debrief activity will occur at the Mushroom Cafe on Lornie Road. Once completed we return to our accommodation and have some free time for blogging or relaxing before heading out to dinner.

Suspension bridge along the TreeTop Walk.

Introduction

The Central Catchment Nature Reserve resides in the heartland of Singapore and is home to an abundance of native flora and fauna species. This will be a significant opportunity to explore Singapore’s forests and rich biodiversity. Participants will be provided with the opportunity to explore the area in relation to the concepts of self, others, nature and culture.

Take in the serenity, look out for the monkeys, and make friends with the locals to discover more about their unique culture. The day ahead will be full of exciting adventures, unique environmental experiences, and an abundance of opportunities to discover new friends!

Download the free sParks* (iOS | Android) app on your smart device for some great information about Central Catchment Nature Reserve and more of Singapore’s parks and attractions!

Broad Aim

To explore Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve and surrounding areas with a focus on self, others, nature and culture.

Specific Objectives

Self

  • S1 – Increasing self-awareness through understanding the importance of organisation, self monitoring and involvement in group activities.
  • S2 – Build self-confidence through interacting and engaging in conversation with local nature enthusiasts.
  • S3 – Opening up the mind, indulging the senses and engaging fully in experiencing Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

Others

  • O1 – Find out the perspective of the locals and other visitors about what the Catchment area means to them.
  • O2 – Discuss with fellow participants on the trip about what they’re seeing/feeling/thinking. Talk about similarities and differences between your views. Discuss how it differs from Australia.

Nature

  • N1 – Develop an appreciation for the Central Catchment Nature Reserve through reflective activities and exploration.
  • N2 – To explore different environments, in a very different climate to southern Australia.
  • N3 – To seek out and observe Singapore’s native flora and fauna species.
  • N4 – Being able to recognize one’s impacts on the surrounding environment and their implications

Culture

  • C1 – Explore and question the different cultures experiencing the area. Compare and contrast their aspects with your own experiences in Australia.
  • C2 – Immerse yourself with the locals of Singapore and even other tourists/cultures.

Outline & Timeline

Time Activity / Content
6:30am – 7:30am Wake up, breakfast, organise personal gear
7:45am – 9:00am Public Transport to Central Catchment (51 bus to Aft Queenstown NPC HQ, get off and transfer to 855 bus to Opp Flame Pk bus stop) near Venus Rd Download the app here
9:00am – 12:00pm Tree Top Walk (Sponsored by HSBC) – All Groups

  • Street Talk Singapore activity whilst walking on MacRitchie trail.
  • The groups will be walking out in 2 minute intervals to reduce the number of people in the area and provide a more enriched experience.
  • Solo/Connecting with Nature activity (All Groups)
12:00pm – 1:00pm All groups make way down through the Reserve to Mushroom Cafe for lunch.

Lunch Break

1.00pm – 2.00pm

 Participants will have their lunch. Eating at the Mushroom Cafe or pre-packed lunch if organised.
2:00pm – 3:00pm
  • Catch’em All battle (group battle)
  • Processing activity – Story with cards
3:00pm ~ Explore options regarding the rest of the day (gauge energy levels of group)

  • Exploring the Catchment
  • Singapore Street Talk time (Groups 3 and 4)
  • Final Processing Session

Heading back to Accommodation

  • Depart from Mushroom Cafe back to accommodation. Walk to Caldecott Train station and catch train (towards Harbourfront). Disembark at Pasir Panjang and walk to accommodation.
4:00pm

Return to accommodation

– Free time / Blogging
6:00pm

Dinner

Location: Pasir Panjang Food Centre

This food centre has approximately 45 stalls with a variety of delicious food options and is conveniently located only a short 9 minute walk from our accommodation
8:00pm Catch’em All battle (single-play optional)
Ongoing Singapore Catch ‘em All
Ongoing Street Talk Singapore
Ongoing O’Shea’s Top Plays

 

Description

Briefing – Night before

Date: 29/6/15                             Time: 8:00pm                        
Location: Labrador Outdoor Adventure Learning Centre     

Gear/equipment

Water bottles (recommended 2L), Drawing/writing materials, paper, comfortable & sturdy walking shoes (runners), daypack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent (heavy duty), money for lunch (mushroom cafe), camera.

Objectives

Refer to page 4 (S1 is an important one in this session)

Activity Description

Travel to the Central Catchment
Walk the Treetop Walk
Participate in learning activities

  1. Singapore Catch ‘em All
  2. Street Talk Singapore
  3. Connecting with Nature/Solo Time
  4. Final Debrief

Travel back to accommodation

Safety Considerations

  • If carrying food, ensure it is wrapped well (otherwise monkeys might smell it).
  • Do not intentionally make eye contact with the monkeys (seen as a threat, aggression)
  • Drink plenty of water, ensure your staying hydrated.
  • Wear sturdy shoes as the track can be quite undulating and uneven.
  • Mosquito repellent and sunscreen are a must due to the weather.
  • Toilet stop at Rangers Station (only one until Mushroom Cafe). Water refill area as well.

Transport

Option 1 – Bus (Labrador Adventure Centre → Venus Drive near Central Water Catchment) ($1.50)

9:05 AM Harbourside Ind Bldg 27 min (7 stops) · Stop ID: 15169

9:26 AM Aft Queenstown NPC HQ24 min (25 stops) · Stop ID: 11021

9:50 AM Opp Flame Tree PkAbout 3 min , 280 m

9:53 AM
Option 2 – Subway, then Bus To Venus Drive ($0.61)8:50 AMWalkAbout 8 min , 700 m9:02 AMPasir Panjang22 min (9 stops) · Stop ID: CC26

  • 9:24 AM – Marymount – Walk – About 2 min
  • 9:37 AM – Marymount Stn – 7 min (6 stops) · Stop ID: 53121
  • 9:44 AM – Walk – About 4 min , 300 m
  • 9:48 AM

Budget

Bring a minimum of $20
Transport: ~$5 per personLunch: ~$10

Food/Water/Toilets

  • Food
    • Bring packed lunch or money for lunch.
    • Bring morning tea/snacks for the day.
  • Water
    • Recommended to bring 2L per person.
    • Refill at a Ranger station (4km into the Treetop Walk) and possibly at lunch time (Mushroom Cafe).
  • Toilets
    • There are toilets at the Ranger’s station.
    • Toilets also available near Mushroom Cafe, where we will be having lunch.

Activities

During the day we will be participating in a number of fun and engaging activities to help us achieve our aim and objectives.

Activity 1 – Singapore Catch’em Alltumblr_static_pokeball

Date:  30/6/15    Time: 9:00am ~ Ongoing        Location: Central Catchment
Gear/equipment Catch’em All cards, Cheat sheet (refer to Appendix #4)
Objectives N1, N2, N3, N4
Activity Description

During the day

Participants are to locate and identify as many animals and plants as possible during the day. When they spot an animal or interesting plant they can check with the facilitator if it is on a Catch’em All card (Facilitator to use a cheat sheet).
Participants will work in their Facilitation Day groups (~4 per group). Each group will have one designated facilitator who will have a pack of Catch’em All cards and a cheat sheet.
When they spot an animal or plant on a Catch’em All card then they have earned their group a Catch’em All playing card with a picture and description of that animal or plant. This will give them a bit more information about what they have spotted. These cards also have Attack (ATT) and Defense (DEF) points which will be used later on. The participants hold onto this card for the rest of the day.

After Lunch

After lunch, each group will tally up their cards and engage in a small competition (similar to a Pokemon battle). The groups will use the ATT and DEF points on each card to battle each other. Ensuring they tally up their Bonus cards (plants and special animals) correctly beforehand.

PBS

Battles

Battles are played out as described below;

Step1: Out of all the cards that you have, add up total ATT points. Team with the highest total ATT points goes first.  Each team starts with 250 LIFE points. The aim of the battle is to reduce your opponents LIFE points to zero. When a player runs out of cards, the player with the most LIFE points wins.

Step 2: The team with the higher ATT points presents their first animal card, placing them face up on the playing field. The second team then has a chance to choose their animal and places them facing up on the field of play and attacks first.

Step 3:  ATT points take away from DEF points. If the ATT points of a card exceed the DEF points of the opponents card in play, then the difference between is the two is subtracted from their LIFE points. When Def points of a card are brought to 0, that card is discarded and another may take its place.

Step 4: Play continues until one team is out of animal cards, or all LIFE points are depleted.

Special Rules: Bonus cards including the Lesser Malay Mouse Deer, Bird Nest Fern, Monkey Cup and Adenia, must be played with the corresponding card as per the description on the card.

Round robin
Round 1: Grp 1 vs Grp 2

Grp 3 vs Grp 4

Round 2: Grp 1 vs Grp 3

Grp 2 vs Grp 4

Round 3: Grp 1 vs Grp 4

Grp 2 vs Grp 3

The winner is the team which won the most battles.

If there are two teams who won the same amount of battles, then they play off to decide the ultimate winner. The ultimate winner takes on H and G to test their skills and determination to succeed.
Note: If not many animals or plants were identified by groups throughout the day or not many cards were collected, then each group will get a lucky dip of ten cards to play in the battle.

Also, if both teams have the same amount of total ATT points then teams play a game of ‘Paper, Scissors, Rock’ to decide who puts down the first card.
Safety Considerations

Participants should avoid touching animals.

Stay on the designated paths to reduce soil erosion or trampling on vegetation.
Budget N/A
Food N/A
Processing

During the day

When an interesting animal or plant is spotted, after first checking to see if it is a Catch’em All card, the facilitator can stimulate some discussion to the group with questions like;

  • What niche do you think this plant/animal has?
  • What do you think the role of this animal/plant is in this ecosystem?
  • How does this animal/plant compare to Australian biodiversity?
  • What impact do you think the humans have on the animals and plants in this area? Compare different areas of the catchment.

At the end of the day

  1. Participants in their small groups will select one card out of the pack each.
  2. Then in partners (or threes), they will share the information on the card they chose. This is to spread knowledge of Singapore’s unique environment and rich biodiversity. Give 2 mins for this.
  3. After that, the partners need to make a short story with their two cards (similar to Ubuntu cards). Give 3mins for this.
  4. Group back up in small groups and ask everyone if they’d like to share.
  5. After everyone has shared, ask the group to now create a story with all of the cards in their group. Give 5mins for this.
  6. Group back up with everyone (all 23 participants) and ask each of the groups to present their story one at a time.

At the commencement of the last story, the facilitators will run a discussion with the whole group. This will involve asking questions about topics such as;

  • Differences between the animals they found and native Australian animals.
  • Possible impacts and challenges faced by their animals.
  • How could their conservation be improved given Singapore’s current situation.

This discussion will flow into the final debrief of the day. See ‘Final Processing Session’ below.

Activity 2 – Street Talk Singapore

Date: 30/6/15           Time: 2:30pm        Location: Near Mushroom Cafe
Gear/equipment Pen and Paper
Objectives S2, O1, C1, C2
Activity Description To connect with the different cultures in Singapore, we want participants to speak with locals about Central Catchment and find out what their background is. Find out what the Central Catchment means to them as a Singaporean. Learn about what different cultures and languages are spoken in Singapore.
Participants in their Facilitation Day groups, ask some questions to at least five people that they cross paths with, to get to know them and their connection with the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. To ensure we don’t crowd a public area, we will separate the group into four smaller groups.Two groups will do this during the Treetop Walk and surrounding areas. The next two groups will do this when exploring the area around the Mushroom Cafe on the MacRitchie Reservoir.
Informal ConversationHi, my name is____. I’m from Australia and studying Outdoor Education, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?
*The below questions are to be used as a guide, do not limit yourselves to these questions, please go beyond this list!
Self

  1. Where are you from?
  2. Have you been to the Central Catchment before?
  3. What activities do you normally do here?
  4. What do you know about Outdoor Education?
  5. What do you like about this place?
  6. What don’t you like about this place?

Others

  1. Who do you come here with?
  2. What things do other people usually come here for?

Nature

  1. What does this place mean to you? Does it have any significance?
  2. What’s your favourite native animal?
  3. What’s an animal you see a lot of?
  4. If this place wasn’t here, where would you go?

Culture

  1. How does it contribute Singapore’s identity as a country?
  2. What changes have you seen to the Reserve since you’ve been coming here?
  3. Does it have a cultural significance for any particular group of Singaporeans?
Safety Considerations Emphasize to groups to be respectful when introducing themselves to other users of Central Catchment Nature Reserve, we are representatives of Federation University Australia.
Budget N/A
Food N/A
Processing

Get a gauge on how participants are going with their interviewing of the local people.

Once each group has at least a couple of informal interviews, report findings back to the group.

Activity 3 – Connecting with nature/Solo Time

Date: 30/6/15                Time:   TBC                 Location: TBC   
Gear/equipment Wide-brim hat, Sunscreen, Pen and paper or something to write /draw in, Water.
Objectives S3, N1, N4
Activity Description Sketching, Short story/poem, Sound map
Participants will be asked to find their own spot to partake in a solo time connecting with nature activity. They will be given the option of using sketching, short story/poem or a sound map to connect to the place.
Location: At a nice destination following the tree-top bridge (just before lunch)
Safety Considerations
  • When taking time to be alone, let facilitators know of where abouts you will be roughly (within 100m approx).
  • Please refrain from using digital devices. This activity is designed to be just you and your thoughts.
Budget N/A
Food Packed morning tea/snacks (to be prepared day(s) prior – mention in briefing)
Processing Following the allocated 20-30 minutes of solo time, participants will return to the whole group and be encouraged, but not forced, to share their experiences and their connections to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.
Questions from facilitators include;

  • Did you find it easier or more challenging to connect to such a small reserve amongst an urban area compared to being in expansive bush like we experience in southern Australia?
  • What factors affect your ability to take in the surroundings? (Weather, people, restrictions of access?)

Optional – Activity 4 – Open for consideration 

Date: 30/6/2015                Time:  TBC                   Location:  TBC
Gear/equipment Jack’s activity resource cards
Objectives Just for Fun
Activity Description If there is some downtime where we think that an activity might be appropriate to run, such as a Cat and Mouse, or Super Ninja Mega Destruction, then we will refer to Jack’s activity resource and facilitate this with the group.
Safety Considerations
  • Ensure a safe area is used for the activity.
  • Be mindful of noise levels and being respectful to other users of the Catchment Reserve
Budget N/A
Food N/A
Processing Let mountains speak for themselves

Processing

When taking a group to a new environment it can be beneficial to have planned ahead different activities and processing techniques to help facilitate learning. To work towards achieving the aim and objectives, certain processing techniques will be undertaken to guide the group to a greater knowledge base and understanding of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. How these processing activities and techniques will be facilitated, have been described in each of the activity tables above. Furthermore, the Final Processing Session below describes the intended structure of how we intend to summarize the day and help participants consolidate the learning they have undertaken.

Final Processing Session

Date: 30/6/15            Time: ~ 3:00pm                     Location: Grassy area near Mushroom Cafe
Gear/equipment Cards (Catch ‘em all)
Objectives To process the events of the day and give voice to the thoughts racing through everyone’s minds.
Activity Description Process key concepts experienced throughout the day.
Catch ‘em all cards

  • Organise people into their facilitation groups again. Each group has a set of cards with 36 cards in each set. One facilitator per group.
  • Spread cards out facing up so everyone can see all the cards in their set.
  • Everyone chooses one card that represents how they felt for the day.

These questions will guide the discussion;
What?

      • What made you choose that card?
      • What was your most memorable moment?
      • What about the environment stood out the most to you?

  So what?

      • How does your card represent your experience today?
      • How does this card relate to one of our four themes for today (self, others, nature & culture)
      • How does the Singapore environment you have seen today compare to the Australian natural environment?

         Now what?

      • Self – What have you learned today, that you can use to help you stay organised for the rest of the trip?
      • Self – What have you done today, that you can use when you’re teaching Outdoor Education back in Australia?
      • Others – What was different about moving in a group in this environment compared to back home in the Australian bush?
      • Nature – How has this day changed your views of the natural environment and how humans interact with it?
      • Nature – Has the connection the local people have with the Catchment influenced how you view the area?
      • Culture – What did you learn today about Singaporean people that will help you on the rest of the trip?
Safety Considerations Emotional safety; facilitate in a fair and equal manner.
Budget N/A
Food N/A

References

National Parks Board. (2015). Do’s and Don’ts. Retrieved from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/dos-and-donts

SMRT Trains. (2015, June). onenorth. Retrieved from http://www.smrt.com.sg/Trains/NetworkMap/onenorth

Trip Advisor Australia. (2015, June). HSBC Treetop Walk (Singapore): Address, Walking Tour Reviews – TripAdvisor. Retrieved June 15, 2015, from http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g294265-d3512406-Reviews-HSBC_Treetop_Walk-Singapore.html

Appendix 1 – Fact sheet

CENTRAL CATCHMENT NATURE RESERVE
Tell us three things about the Central Catchment Nature Reserve you found interesting from your prior research. This will be your golden ticket into the raffle drawn at the beginning of the TreeTop Walk.
Name:

Appendix 2 – Transport

Getting there:

Option 1 – Bus (Labrador Adventure Centre → Venus Drive near Central Water Catchment) ($1.54 Adult)
WalkAbout 3 min , 170 m9:05 AMHarbourside Ind Bldg 29:12 AM51 towards Hougang Ctrl Int7 min (7 stops) · Stop ID: 151699:26 AMAft Queenstown NPC HQ855 towards Yishun Int24 min (25 stops) · Stop ID: 110219:50 AMOpp Flame Tree PkWalkAbout 3 min , 280 m9:53 AMVenus DrOption 2 – Subway, then Bus To Venus Drive ($0.61)8:50 AMMOE Labrador Adventure CentreMoe Labrador Adventure Centre, 45 Pasir Panjang Road (S)118505, Singapore 118505WalkAbout 8 min , 700 m9:02 AMPasir PanjangCC towards To Dhoby Ghaut22 min (9 stops) · Stop ID: CC269:24 AMMarymountWalkAbout 2 min9:37 AMMarymount Stn410 towards Bishan Int

7 min (6 stops) · Stop ID: 53121

9:44 AM

Opp Blk 454

Walk

About 4 min , 300 m

9:48 AM

Venus Dr

Singapore

Getting home:

Mushroom Cafe

Lornie Road, Singapore 570000

WalkWalk

 About 10 min , 750 m
Caldecott (train station)

SubwayCCtowards To HarbourFront

 20 min (8 stops) · Stop ID: CC17

Pasir Panjang (train station)

WalkWalk

 About 8 min , 700 m
1:39 PM
MOE Labrador Adventure Centre
Moe Labrador Adventure Centre, 45 Pasir Panjang Road (S)118505, Singapore 118505

Appendix 3 – Do’s and Don’ts of Central Catchment Reserve

Show Consideration for Others

Stay on track. If you are cycling, skating or jogging, please stay on the designated tracks. Please keep left so as to not obstruct fellow park-goers.

Show care and consideration when using our park facilities. The amenities, such as the open lawns, shelters and passageways, are meant for everyone. Help us keep our park facilities in pristine condition for all to enjoy.

Keep noise levels low. Appreciate the sounds of nature and respect other park goers by keeping noise levels low. Only then can our parks and the peaceful silence of nature be fully enjoyed and appreciated by everyone.

Help Conserve our Environment

Dispose waste in a proper manner. Keeping our parks clean is everyone’s responsibility. Littering not only spoil the beauty of our parks, they may also harm the animals.  Kindly throw your litter at the designated bins located around our parks.

Help reduce waste. Instead of using one brochure each, do consider sharing them when moving about in a group. Afterwards, do return the brochures in a good condition for others to use.

Stay on designated trails. Avoid stepping off track while on our nature trails. By stepping off the trails, you risk disturbing and trampling on our flora and fauna.

Respect our Flora and Fauna

Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs. Our parks are shared spaces for all to enjoy. Do not disturb any wildlife. Let our beautiful flora and fauna thrive in their natural habitats.

Maintain a distance away from wildlife. Do resist the temptation to follow or approach any wildlife. Appreciate the wildlife from afar and maintain a safe distance from them. Kindly refrain from feeding them as this can affect their health and alter their natural behaviour.

Respect the eco-system. Please refrain from releasing animals into our parks and nature reserves. Doing so may upset our fragile eco-system and cause more harm than good.

(Retrieved from: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/dos-and-donts)

Appendix 4 – Catch ‘em All Cards

Click the following link for an example of the Catch ‘em All Cards.

Pokemon Cards

 

 


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