An Unexpected Experience

17 July 2021, 4.00pm-6.30pm | Sapling Protection Act @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve | Kymberly Goh

Initially, I was hesitant about signing up for this field trip as I had just done a major spinal surgery last October and wasn’t sure of my body was up for it. But my curiosity got the better of me and honestly speaking, when was I going to get another chance like this again?? Hence, I decided that I was gonna give it a try in lending a hand at caring for and maintaining the saplings.

My goals was to clear at least one sapling (pull out the weeds – there were so many millipedes in my area i honestly felt bad for invading their home; trim and remove critters, and finally cover the saplings with leaf litter which acts as nutrients and natural fertilizer for the little young sapling to grow all strong and healthy!) and I did! And though I didn’t have the stamina to clear another sapling, I helped to add and spread the leaf litter around those that had been cleared.

But after that whole experience, I did not regret it! It was tiring and tbh I was dismayed to find out we weren’t going to plant a sapling at first, but I made two new friends (Shermaine and Teong Seng hello!) and got to chat with Prof Siva, Phoebe and Dr Adrian – he even taught us how to play with lalangs haha! Prof Siva shared with us about how he got started planting trees and showed us that the whole field (behind where we were standing) were planted by volunteers and his team over the years. I remember feeling very awed because what I saw wasn’t a field of trees, but sweat, tears and love for our natural environment all at one place.

Towards the end, Prof Siva also gave us a short history lesson about the neighbouring land, including how Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve came about. His stories and love for SG’s biodiversity showed me there is strength in one’s actions. We can start to take action, no matter how small and insignificant we think it may be – it all plays a part in protecting and conserving our biodiversity and green spaces. This SPA was truly an unexpected and unique experience, one which I would definitely want to go again if given the chance to!