The Gems of Chek Jawa

It was Family Day at Chek Jawa yesterday.... and I was extremely excited because I brought my niece and sister along. It is their first encounter with Chek Jawa! As we approach the visitor centre, we were greeted by the call of an Oriental Pied Hornbill.... how lucky is that? During our 2-hour tour, we met many friends like the Knobbly, sea stars, sea cucumbers, sand dollars, Hermit crabs hidden in beautiful Noble Volute shells and baby Horseshoe crabs. Just when we thought the day could not be better, we shared a special moment with a Noble Volute who was laying its eggs in the seagrass lagoon!

Spending time with Nature

I decided to sign up as a volunteer guide with NParks in June. It was a decision made after many years of contemplation.... I have always been in love with Chek Jawa... since I first set foot on it in 2001. Then, I was helping with a project with NIE, measuring carpet anemones. Well, I have not visited the beautiful place since the project ended for fear of tainting its “pristine” environment. Moreover, my busy work schedule did not afford me the luxury of spending time with nature. Now that I’ve embarked on full-time studies and research.... I decided that I should dedicate some time to volunteering as a guide. These couple of weeks has been extremely enriching for myself as I undergo “On-the job training” with guiding at CJ..... I am both thankful for the wonderful opportunity as well as amazed with the lessons “mother nature” impart to me each time I spend time with her. I hope to be able to share what I have experienced through volunteer guiding.... I look forward to each visit to CJ and I remind myself to cherish every moment spent with nature.