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Vol 7 No 3 Dec 2000 Traditional uses of mangroves Reflections of a Rhizophora Seedling Pink-necked Green Pigeon BotanicalReveries about the common names of plants Cymbly Great rediscovery of an extinct Cymbidium at the Park Rediscovered Palm at the Park: Nibong Deborah Yeo shares her volunteer experience The value of trees by Julian Nick's encounter with Smooth Otters at the Park About the signboards at the Park Up & Coming Boardwalks and Tower Hide		The Park has been under various developments of late. James Gan Senior Conservation Officer, brings you up to date Up & coming New Kids on the Block Sungei Buloh Nature has improved upon yet another facility for the enjoyment of visitors. Two platform decks along route 1 were reconstructed over the waters of the Straits. They were completed in the first quarter of this year and were opened to visitors in the second quarter. During construction much effort was made to ensure that the mature mangrove trees around the platform decks were retained. Reinforced concrete piles were used to prolong the life of the structure and to ensure structural safety. Natural timber, used in the construction of the deck and handrails, helped the structure to blend into the landscape. Seats were constructed and the canopy of adjacent trees retained for shade. The result is a lookout point that offers visitors calm and serene views of the mangrove island of Pulau Buloh and the Straits. It is also a comfortable spot to look for otters, watch herons, kingfishers and other birds or just relax. Coming your way next year is the much anticipated reconstruction of the boardwalks and a new lookout tower. Backed by popular demand, the Park is currently rebuilding the boardwalks that had undergone wear and tear over the years. The new boardwalks will incorporate a number of improvements over the existing. Some examples are: laybys and rain shelters at well placed intervals, distance markers and an improved deck. As was practised with the two platform decks constructed earlier this year, we will conserve the existing trees around the boardwalks during construction. The lookout tower will also have many interesting new features. Sited at a strategic position along route 1, the tower will offer visitors a panoramic view of the waders on the mudflats. In addition, the tower will have a stable deck suitable for placing tripods and mounting cameras and telescopes for viewing the wildlife. Construction work has commenced for the boardwalks and lookout tower. It will not be long before you can take a walk along the newly improved boardwalks or up to the deck of the lookout tower. Stay tuned.
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