Name: Ashley Sim
School: Tao Nan School
Level: Primary 4

Caption
"This is a picture of a tree where all the leaves have fallen. I found it very odd but my partner thought otherwise and promptly ignored me. I have only seen such “Naked Trees” in pictures depicting autumn scenery and since Singapore is a tropical country, we do not have the four seasons. Even if we did, it would be more like summer now. Anyway, I realised that if you turn the picture upside down, it would look like the Bakau Kurap!

I have learnt in my science lessons that leaves are the “Food Factories” of a tree and I can't help but wonder if the tree is still alive since it has no means of producing food for itself – poor thing! Trees are an important part of our ecosystem and I think we should all do our part to preserve them. It was an eye-opening trip for me and I would love to visit Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve again. I hope the "Naked Tree" would have recovered by my next visit.”

Name: Chong Jiaxuan
School: Tao Nan School
Level: Primary 4

Caption
“I took this photo as I think that we should protect Mother Nature. Mother Nature made our world not artificially, but naturally beautiful filled with a myriad of colours.

In my picture, there is an oval-shaped yellow leaf. A green bug crawls slowly on the leaf, providing a beautiful contrast of colours.

I am extremely lucky to be able to observe this beautiful natural occurrence as nowadays, people are destroying forests, habitats in which insects live. We should start conserving and preserving our environment now and protect the many living things to continue the circle of life.”

Name: Carrie Tan
School: Methodist Girls’ School
Level: Primary 5

Caption
“This photo shows a monitor lizard. When this picture was taken, the monitor lizard was seen crawling into the water. I especially like the monitor lizard because I think it is a majestic animal. The monitor lizard is a reptile with long, fork-like tongue. Monitor lizards are native to Singapore. Although they are not an endangered species, we should still take care of them because, one day, they might become extinct if we do not. Hence, it is important that we do not litter their habitat as they might mistake the litter as food. They might choke on the litter and die. Monitor lizards have a shorter snout as compared to a crocodile. They are scavengers, which means, they feed on almost anything and everything. If you want to see these amazing animals, come to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. There are also plenty of other wildlife such as the horse-shoe crabs, mudskippers and even a nesting pigeon!”

Name: Ryan Ling Yi Jie
School: Tao Nan School
Level: Primary 4

Caption
“The spider looks like it is floating! The spider shows me that its web is transparent under the sunlight. This shows me that spiders build colossal webs. It looks like it has caught a lot of prey. It is extremely huge and I cannot seem to explain why I am interested but I like to see huge spiders as it is cool. It lives in the trees and it was resting when I took a photo of it. It depicts the beauty of nature. I feel it is quite a rare sight as this is the only time I got to see it. Nature is nothing without plants, insects and beasts. I like nature as the animals and insects are attractive and interesting. The way they live makes me more interested in their lives.”

Name: Goh Jei Le, Geraldine
School: Keming Primary School
Level: Primary 4

Caption
“Have you ever seen so many cotton bugs clustering neatly all on a small leaf? Did you know they have different colours? It is just amazing to see so many spotted bugs!

It makes me wonder, “How do these bugs stand so firmly on a dangling leaf?” This trip is like an outdoor classroom. Nature is full of interesting creatures. Protect them!”

Name: Tan Zhe Hui
School: Keming Primary School
Level: Primary 4

Caption
“I chose to take this picture because it is very interesting to see crabs actually climbing up a tree! Crabs survive in water and yet this species climbs up trees when there is high tide. Take care of them so that they will not be extinct.”

Name: Sydney Foo Jing Ting
School: River Valley Primary School
Level: Primary 6

Caption
“This tree was struck by lightning in the early 2000s. It was first in the Botanical Gardens before it was moved over to Jacob Ballas’ Children’s Garden in 2007 using construction equipment. Looking at it now, don’t you wonder how high this tree would be if it wasn’t struck by lightning? Though it looks like a common tree stump, the story behind it is very meaningful. I believe that not only should we protect animals but plants and trees too. I think that the reason the tree was moved is to tell its life story. If only the tree was not struck by lightning, we would be able admire the tree in its original splendour. If only…”

Name: Zachary Chong Zhe Kai
School: St Hilda’s Primary School
Level: Primary 6

Caption
“I was in awe at the beauty of the dragonfly. Able to blend in with its surroundings, the dragonfly is a real master of camouflage. However, their ability to camouflage still does not save them. Mankind destroys forests, destroying these amazing animals’ habitats. These animals have no voice to protest against deforestation even as other species of animals are pushed to the brink of extinction. If you want our future generations to be able to enjoy the wonders and mysteries of nature, then HELP SAVE THE EARTH BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!!!!”

Name: Justin Low
School: River Valley Primary School
Level: Primary 6

Caption
“This picture signifies beauty, peace, hope, happiness and inspiration. It was rather difficult to get this shot, as butterflies are quick and difficult to catch. Thanks to the beautiful flower, the butterfly was attracted and rested on it, allowing me to photograph this delicate creature. After a long two hours of hunting for interesting plants and animals, my efforts were well rewarded. It was by pure luck and coincidence that I managed to capture this scene with my camera. It was only for a split second that the butterfly rested on the flower to gather its sweet nectar. I believe we should protect and conserve our environment so that there would still be butterflies for the next generation to admire. This also signifies hope for our dying planet and inspires us to strive hard to save the earth.”

Name: Fathima Raeesah Bte Md Elliyas
School: Greenwood Primary
Level: Primary 5

Caption
“Humans litter every day. We do not think it is a big issue but did you know that littering can kill?

When we litter, we pollute the natural environment and make it unsuitable for animals to live in. Animals may die from consuming the litter, after mistaking it as food. This is worse when the animal is an endangered species.

Litter may also trap animals and cause these animals to die a cruel death either by starvation, strangulation or asphyxiation. So, let’s make a promise not to harm or destroy nature and let us all do our tiny bit to help keep our environment litter free.

Name: Muhammad Raiyan B Md Yasin
School: Elias Park Primary School
Level: Primary 6

Caption
“I chose this picture because the monitor lizard was sticking out its tongue. The ripple effect in the water around the monitor lizard made the perfect background.

I was intrigued by this photo because I have never seen such a big monitor lizard up close. From the adventure trail, I had many monitor lizard photos to choose from but none captured the monitor lizard in its natural habitat, swimming in the water with its tongue sticking out. This picture is also reminded me that we must share the world with other living things.”

Name: Darren Teo
School: River Valley Primary School
Level: Primary 6

Caption
“The picture is a close-up of a red Annatto. The flower is mashed to extract the red dye which is then used to dye cloth and silk. However, with the increase in demands, these plants are decreasing in numbers as more people are using them to make colourful clothes.

Besides the Annatto flower, there are many other colourful flowers from which we can extract dye. However, these plants are decreasing as well and there will not be any more flowers in the future.

To prevent these flowers from becoming extinct, we should not only wear plain white clothes, but we can do more by caring for the environment together. We should not hurt the plants, regardless if they are endangered or not.”

Name: Nicole Lee Yihui
School: St. Hilda’s Primary School
Level: Primary 6

Caption
“A picture paints a thousand words. In this picture, it points out the fact that there are creatures that we often do not notice that make the lush green bushes, plants and trees their home.

I have learnt to be patient and observant from this short exploration. There are many little creatures hidden amongst the plants which we see everyday. Most of these creatures would stay in their hiding places just to avoid being killed by ignorant humans.

Why do they need to suffer such indignation? The human race is not the only living species on this earth. Co-existing with us on this planet are millions of plant and animal species and we should seek to exist harmoniously.

The grasshopper “Go Green” to camouflage itself from danger; we can also “Go Green” by not destroying its habitat. Then we can play a part in protecting the earth’s ecological balance. So whenever you see a grasshopper, be reminded to “Go Green”.”

Name: Kim Navatey
School: East Coast Primary School
Level: Primary 6

Caption
“This photo is my favourite because of the background. The colour of the photo looked attractive especially with the holes on the leaves. It represents the interdependence between the animals and plants. In this picture, the worm has eaten the leaves and left holes in it. Without the leaves, the worm might die.

However, the plants must also photosynthesise. The sunlight that shines on the leaves in the picture is absorbed by the plants to photosynthesise in order to survive.

Therefore, do not kill animals or cut down trees as it depends on each other to survive. If we cut down too many trees, plant-eaters like the worm will decrease too. Save them before they disappear!”

Name: Ting Ai Li, Ai
School: St. Anthony’s Canossian Primary School
Level: Primary 6

Caption
“The monitor lizard is an omnivore and it is as cool as a cucumber. They bask on the rock, which was very big. They are very cool as their feature is really beautiful to me. The monitor lizards bask to get warmth and eat almost everything and anything! They are cute in a way; as they have small, beady eyes. It was posing for the camera as though it was the king of the mangroves!

But I do think it helps balance nature as it eats the dead organisms so that the reserve will not be filled with dead bodies. Overall, the monitor lizards may seem dull, uninteresting and does not contribute to nature, but this is the truth, it is interesting!”

Name: Li Zhiping
School: Nan Chiau High School
Level: Secondary 1

Caption
“The small details of nature should not be ignored. A fly, an insect, though small does not mean it is non-existent. Little details of nature pieced together form the big picture, like a jigsaw puzzle. If one piece is missing, the puzzle will be incomplete. A fly, usually ignored, resembles a small, plain, insignificant piece of the puzzle, working silently in the background. No matter how little the fly is, we cannot live without them. If flies disappear, there will be chaos in the ecosystem.

Even microorganisms in water have an important role to play. Survival means helping others survive too. Nature should always be the winner and never ignore even the smallest of organisms. Only when we all work together, will the true beauty of nature surface.”

Name: Janessa Kong
School: Tanjong Katong Secondary School
Level: Secondary 2

Caption
“A withered sea hibiscus leaf found along the walk path. The leaves of the sea hibiscus secrete a substance which attracts ants to feed on it. The ants in return protect the plant from other predators. The plant and the ants are interdependent on each other. Also, the withered leaf that fell from the plant is part of the life cycle of the hibiscus tree. The leaf decomposes and serves as fertilizer for the plant. Thus, the plant continues to thrive and grow. In addition, the leaves of the sea hibiscus plant can be used for medical purposes such as to lower one's fever and clear phlegm when consumed.”

Name: Chua Yeo Mei Junni Maria
School: Tao Nan School
Level: Primary 3

Caption
“It is water lily. The water lily is beautiful. It is blue and orange. It has six petals. I love it as it is very interesting. You should come to Jacob Ballas too. It is fun!”

Name: Sneha Patel
School: St. Anthony’s Canossian Primary School
Level: Primary 3

Caption
“This picture is of an ant on a leaf. The ant is dependent on the leaf for shelter and the leaf depends on the ant for protection. They live in harmony together and we are part of the same environment, hence we should do our part to protect the earth.”

The photos are also published on Green Carpets Awards Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/GreenCarpetAwards