For most of their lives, cicadas stay hidden underground. Then, for just a brief period, they emerge, sing, mate, and complete their life cycle.
Their appearance may be temporary, but their role in nature is important. Cicadas help support the food web, improve soil health, and remind us of the beauty of seasonal change.
This is a lovely time to pause, listen, and appreciate one of nature’s most remarkable insects.
Read our 10 Fast Facts About Cicadas to learn more.
We also warmly acknowledge the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum/NUS and Nature Kakis for their support in helping more people discover and appreciate the wonders of nature.
Article by Teresa Teo Guttensohn Photographs contributed by Cuifen Pui, Intan Krishanty, Merey Tan, and Teresa Teo Guttensohn
What is UN World Water Day?
World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of fresh water. WWD celebrates water and inspires action to tackle the global water crisis. The theme for WWD 2026 is Water and Gender.
Left photo: Volunteers Rominia Leonard, Merey Tan, Intan Krishnanty, Cuifen Pui, and Teresa Teo Guttensohn on the traditional ferry ride to Pulau Ubin
Where water flows, equality grows
On World Water Day 2026, let’s explore the critical relationship between water, women, and gender equality.
Water services must withstand climate change and meet everyone’s needs. We need a transformative, rights-based approach to solving the water crisis, where women’s voices, leadership and agency are fully recognized. https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day
Women volunteers from Cicada Tree Eco-Place Explore Scenic Water Bodies at Pulau Ubin!Chek Jawa Wetlands: A unique mix of natural ecosystems such as sandy beaches, rocky shores, seagrass lagoons, and mangrove forests.Quarry Lakes: Scenic habitats for biodiversity at Pekan, Kekek, Ketam, Balai, Petai, and Ubin Quarries. Featuring Pulau Ubin’s resident, Mr Heng with the volunteersMangroves and Tidal Rivers: The island is crisscrossed with waterways, notably Sungei Besar and Sungei Jelutong, which are surrounded by mangroves.Beaches: Pockets of beaches dot the coast of beautiful Pulau Ubin.Nature in every detail, from flora to fauna, Pulau Ubin’s ecosystems thrive where water flows. Can you spot and name them?A tranquil water landscape at Pulau Ubin, part of the Ubin Living Lab, where natural ecosystems and conservation efforts come together
Find out more about Singapore World Water Day by PUB and take the pledge here.
Here is a photo of Rosemary in her element, taken during an adventure group trip to visit The Lost Waterfalls of Jerantut, Pahang. Date unknown.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news that Rosemary Ann Moss passed away on 11 March 2026. Rosemary once served as Hon. Treasurer of Cicada Tree Eco-Place. She loved being in nature and was a great supporter of nature and nature groups like ours.
May she be received into a place of light, peace, and happiness.
May the forests she loved, the rivers she walked beside, and the wild places she cherished forever remember her spirit.
Cicada Tree Eco-Place co-founders Teresa Teo Guttensohn (in a blue suit, standing at the end of the second row from the front) and Dr Vilma D’Rozario (in a green SWAG blouse, standing third from the left in the fourth row) with invited participants at the Nature Conservation Masterplan (NCMP) engagement session 2025 organised by NParks.
Rounding off a year of biodiversity advocacy and awareness efforts, Cicada Tree Eco-Place joined many other green groups at the Nature Conservation Masterplan (NCMP) engagement session hosted by NParks on 29 November 2025.
During the session, participants brainstormed initiatives to support the NCMP thrusts and discussed how different stakeholders could facilitate partnerships for community stewardship and biodiversity outreach. The session was also a great opportunity to meet members of the nature community and make meaningful new connections.
