Nature Society (Singapore) Horseshoe Crab Watch 27 Oct. '07.

Please note that the Horseshoe crab Watch scheduled for Sat. 13 Oct. '07 has been postponed to Sat. 27 Oct. '07 . Meet at track extending from Kranji Road at intersection with Kranji Loop at 2.30 pm. Those who need a ride from Kranji MRT station taxi stand at 2.15 pm are requested to inform me on hp: 93817653.

I am delighted to announce that our attempts at data collection have inspired one of our members, Lesley Cartwright-Taylor, a Botanist turned Pharmacological researcher, to embark on a 9 month-long research on the Mangrove Horseshoe Crab. She has done some research and has drawn up a study protocol, which has been endorsed by the NSS council and approved for funding. A pilot project with NIE trainee teachers and ISS students was conducted at end September and the project will commence in October. She would like experienced Conservation Volunteers to be involved also. With more information and better understanding of these creatures, this research will complement and improve our rescue effort. It should also be a good learning experience.

Hope to see you at Mandai mudflats on 27 Oct. '07 for R & R---Rescue and Research!

Merry Christmas Mother Earth

Christmas is undoubtedly the most widely celebrated event in the world because of its important religious significance and its phenomenal commercial success. In Singapore, as in almost every country in the world, presents will be bought and wrapped in the hundreds of thousands and even millions. With many shopping Centres providing complimentary Christmas gift wrapping service, shoppers take advantage of this free service to gift wrap items of all sizes. The total amount of gift wrappers discarded after Christmas is horrendous and have escalated over the years. The number of trees felled and the environmental impact of this on our fragile planet is incongruous with the spirit of hope and thoughtfullness of this season.

This year, give Mother Earth a present: DON'T GIFT WRAP IT.