wild lives: people passionate about nature in singapore

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wild people: Keith Hillier

I first met Keith when I volunteered at Sungei Buloh as a guide. As with all newbies, Keith gave a very warm welcome and lots of support.

Always generous with his vast storehouse of stories and information, Keith constantly keeps us learning new things. His quiet encouragement and patience also helps new guides gain confidence quickly.

With trademark enthusiasm, Keith also started the volunteer tours of the Singapore Botanics Gardens rainforest trail; getting us all excited with notes and stories about every plant along the trail.

Keith has amazing energy and infects all with a fascination for nature, visitors and volunteers alike. I think I speak for the volunteers when I say that a great deal of the joy of guiding at Buloh and the Botanics is due to Keith's inspiring presence.

Here's more about Keith's experiences as a Buloh guide; on the online version of the Wetlands magazine of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Here is more about Keith in his own words ...

How did you first get involved in working for nature in Singapore?
About seven years ago when I half retired, I tried to figure out how to keep myself busy for the other half of my time. I wanted something interesting that would always have something new to learn, something that would take me out into the fresh air and sun and give me some exercise. And it had to be a voluntary community service. Within the first year I found exactly the right thing in becoming a nature guide at Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve.

What do you get out of working for nature?
It proved to be a very satisfying job - there was almost always at least one person in each group that I took round, that expressed appreciation for new insights into nature that I had imparted.

What is your approach/personal motto in your work?
Always look out for the small things in nature and in general that make life enjoyable.

What are some of your current projects?
Present project is to build up the volunteer base at the Botanic Gardens for guided tours of the Rain Forest.

Keith is nearly 75 years young and still has a regular part-time job as the regional representative for the Port of Tacoma, USA. He leads the volunteer groups at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and the Singapore Botanic Gardens. He also runs some activities of the Nature Society (Singapore).

Posted by otterman Posted on 10/08/04 10:48
In this day of emails, Keith's personal nature of keeping in touch with his volunteers helped so much in building up a solid volunteer base. Steady lah!

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