Pesta Ubin 2024 programme organised by Cicada Tree Eco-Place
Twenty people gathered on Pulau Ubin on 8 June for a 2-hour nature-culture walk-cum-talk and makan, all on the theme of coconuts and the Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera), our graceful and amazing native tree of life. The group met Teresa Teo Guttensohn, the activity lead, at the 椰子 (Yēzi) drink stall at Ubin main village. They refreshed themselves with a delicious, fresh kelapa, supporting the islanders with their purchase.
The group, led by co-founders, Teresa Teo Guttensohn and Andrew Tay, then headed to a coconut grove to check out the wildlife! They learned about the toddy palm (another name for coconut tree) and saw musang (palm civet) scat, evidence that civets call this coconut grove home too! Everyone learned about our other native coastal plant, the seashore nutmeg, with its small, bright-red fruit. The group had lots of fun at the coconut grove and took many photos!
After the walk, everyone adjourned to the Ubin Volunteer Hub to discover the importance and ethnobotanical uses of தேங்காய் (Tēṅkāy) in our local and regional cultures via an engaging talk by Teresa. Saving the best for last, everyone enjoyed healthy tea and fragrant coconut snacks prepared by Teresa and Supatra!
Thanks to volunteers Teresa, Denise, Sean, Andrew, Jeryl, Mindy and Supatra.
Guest Speaker Teresa Teo Guttensohn, Co-founder of Cicada Tree Eco-Place, and Dr Michael Alexander Kruesi, Associate Professor of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), with student cohort from the Sustainability Hospitality Operations module. Teresa presented the Pang Sua Woodland and Alexandra Woodland books (jointly published by Cicada Tree Eco-Place and NSS) to Dr. Kruesi for the university library.
Singapore’s UV index hit ‘extreme’ level 12 on the afternoon of 27 March 2024. As the island grapples with soaring temperatures and negative impact on the tourism industry, eco-artist and environmental activist Teresa Teo Guttensohn highlighted the triple crises that the planet is facing, and urged the hospitality students of SIT to heed the urgent call to take individual responsibility to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
At the sustainability talk, guest speaker Teresa shared on the focus and aim of Cicada Tree Eco-Place to promote biodiversity conservation and to help protect our precious natural heritage for future generations. To fight extinction, the organisation advocates for the protection of critically endangered native wildlife as well as threatened wildlife habitats.
All wildlife are interdependent. Conserving local biodiversity and maintaining intact eco-systems is the best way to sustain genetic diversity that is critical for the long-term survival of all species on Earth.
Campaigns initiated include Save the Pangolin (2010), Chained to Our Roots (22 June 2013) and Love Our MacRitchie Forest (2013) movement to appeal for the realignment of the Cross Island Line (CRL), Save the Malayan Tiger (2014), and Save our Last Wilderness (2019) which saw the joint publication of local conservation books – Pang Sua Woodland: Sanctuary Unveiled Along the Rail Corridor (2021) and Alexandra Woodland: Haven Along the Rail Corridor (2022).
At the end of the passionate presentation, Teresa challenged each student to take eco-action. Several SIT students responded with personal pledges:
“I enjoyed the session as I learnt about how many wildlife species are becoming extinct as we face mass extinction caused by human activities. As I am interested in animals and their history, I would do my part to reduce my carbon footprint by taking public transport.” – Emily, 22yrs
“I think that the session was insightful. I learnt how people’s activities can really destroy biodiversity and the importance of sustainability with every small action. I will do my best to avoid disposal bottles and use more reusable water bottles whenever possible so as to ensure that I’m doing my part.” – Rin, 21yrs
“I learnt that in order to implement change, sometimes drastic action needs to be taken. I would be more conscious of my actions and follow the 3Rs!” – Fiq, 24yrs
“Thank you for the emotional talk! It’s sad to see that Malayan Tigers are on the brink of extinction and we need to save them. One eco-action I would take would be to always bring a recycling bag around.” – Nicole, 22yrs
“I have learnt about biodiversity loss and the amount of endangered species, and how human activities potentially have a negative impact on the environment. An eco-action I would take is to reduce the use of plastic bottles and don’t takeaway food as it is quite achievable for me to do.” – Bryan, 25yrs
Today, March 22, 2024, we commemorate World Water Day under the theme ‘Leveraging Water for Peace’. At Cicada Tree Eco-Place, we recognize the vital role that water plays in sustaining life and fostering harmony among communities.
As we celebrate this day, let us reflect on the importance of water conservation and equitable access to clean water for all. Together, let’s pledge to protect our precious water resources and promote peace through sustainable water management practices.
Join us in honoring World Water Day by spreading awareness and taking action to safeguard our planet’s most precious resource.
Article by Teresa Teo Guttensohn Saturday 24 February 2024, 9am to 12pm
Thanks to our amazing volunteers who sweated it out on a hot morning to make the Rail Corridor a greener place.
The sheer hard task of clearing densely tufted clumps of tall Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and invasive weeds paves the way for forest tree saplings to provide future canopy cover.
The bamboo-like grass, also known as Napier Grass, is an introduced herb species from Africa and is naturalised in tropical Singapore. In Africa, the grasslands or savannah support millions of wildlife and communities. Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is useful for feeding livestock. They are very robust and can survive fires with roots deep underground.
The clearing work was back-breaking but most satisfying! The aim of the project is to fulfil our goal of keeping the Green Rail Corridor a lifeline for wildlife and people.
Kudos to all volunteers! Those who registered under Cicada Tree Eco-Place were: Teresa Teo Guttensohn, Elena Sandalova, Sean Guttensohn, Claudia Bui, Nicholas Hong, Supatra, Winston Teo, Grace Teo, Wyzston Teo and Victor Toh.
Join us for our next monthly Rewilding session on Saturday 30 March 2024 at 9am. To register please email contactctep@gmail.com
Happy World Water Day! 
