We commenced our project at another site, Sungei Tampines in Pasir ris Park.
- Hand-drawn
We have been visiting SBWR and Pulau Ubin (short stint) for the past months. Our chosen sites, namely SBWR and PRP were picked because they were geographically distinct and were accessible for us. Most importantly, they had boardwalks as transects and so were safe for the Borg to tread on. Otterman really cares about the Borg’s safetyJ
The Borg stayed under the Macdonald umbrella until Otterman’s arrival. We were then tested on our map reading skills. Otterman just loves to spring pop quizzes on us. Additionally, we hadn’t done our homework prior so we were a little lost as to how we can get to Sungei Tampines from White Sands Shopping Centre. We went all the way to the MRT station to take a look at the map and after much discussion and many hints, we were finally on the right track. We used the sun to navigate which was a first for me.
After reaching, I realized that I had passed by the entrance of the boardwalk numerous times before but I had never explored it. I was really thrilled to find that such great biodiversity had always been so near me and also rather ashamed that I had not discovered this previously.
The three of us then commenced our adventures on the boardwalk. We found numerous Bruiguiera cylindrica and Rhizophora mucronata. There was an exceptional amount of Schyphiphora hydrophyllacea and more than usual Ceriops tagal. We did not have these numbers at SBWR. We were introduced to the Thespesia populnea which was also flowering. It was not easy to differentiate the Thespesia populnea from the Talipariti tiliaceaus (Sea hibiscus).
Soon after, we reached Sungei Tampines (river) and had a rest. We saw a really beautiful Sonneratia (unsure if it is Sonneratia caseolaris or Sonneratia alba) flowering. Rhizophora mucronata had many flowers and propagules too.
Otterman also shared with us about the water bodies in Singapore and some physics behind the currents in the river. We were then tasked to map out PRP identify occurrences of flowering and fruiting on it. It was really tedious for the Borg and soon, our backs were aching because of overarching. The trees were tall, the boardwalk was near the trees, and we were short. Thus, we yearned for a masseuse.
We did a terrible job of the map but we still managed a rough sketch. We came back really tired and finally, Otterman said to pack up. Not that we did not enjoy the trip but we really wanted to go home and rest. I really wonder how Otterman stays so fit! Cycling? We had a rather brief discussion on our project for a possible extension- an updated Guidebook to the mangroves in Singapore, revised from the 2001 version by Peter K.L. Ng and N. Sivasothi. Wow! Doesn’t that mean the Borg get to publish a book? A real first! But all the ideas were tentative.
On the way back, with the Borg on legs, and Otterman on bike, we passed by a mangrove patch on the beach, located at the mouth of the river to the sea. We saw even prettier Thespesia populnea and their fruits too!
Soon, we walked back to White sands. This must be the most tiring field trip so far. But it was really enjoyable to learn and see so many new things. Otterman then treated us to a mud pie from Coffee Club as we talked about Sci-fi.
Data transfer complete. Borg 2 of 2
The Borg's Hideout 