Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1484063
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 13 NOVEMBER 2022 9 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 840. Is-Simar Nature Reserve AFTER the 1980s success in saving Għadira for nature, BirdLife's second foray into habitat restoration was at Is-Simar in Xemxija. Formerly a rat-infested dump with frequent sewage overflow AND threatened with development (a dinosaur theme park, no less!), the site cried for attention. Luckily it was the early 1990s, arguably the golden age of nature conservation in Malta. With generous input from the then Environment Secretariat, the site was transformed into a proper wetland with creeks and pools, tamarisk groves and reedbeds. Birds like reed warbler, little bittern, little grebe, moor- hen and common coot gave their nod of approval by nesting in the area. The project earned the coveted Ramsar Site designation and an Europa Nostra award for improving our natural heritage. Go visit sometime – it's free. Community Gardening Session The Community Garden at Friends of the Earth Malta is meeting for its monthly session! We have lots to get done in our veggie patch and wild garden. Join us in our Floriana garden on the 27th of November from 2pm till 6pm to gain hands-on experience in crop growing, preparing soil, pruning and learn more about the world of gardening. There will be water and teas/coffees for everyone. You're encouraged to bring along some food to share after the session. This event is being supported by the British High Commission. Victor Falzon, Desirée Falzon www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 727: Registration is not required, but we encourage you to sign up for the event below: https://foemalta.org/event/commu- nity-garden-session-2/ Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foemalta.org/donate Don't miss this Resilience – Thriving Through Adversity Until 3 December Place: Fort St. Elmo, Aġenzija Sapport is curating an art exhibition showcasing art projects created by Sapport service users, with the theme of Resilience.' The theme of Resilience was chosen to reflect the strength of service users in facing setbacks such as prejudice, negative stereotypes and discrimination. This strength is then expressed and celebrated through the production of the creative projects for this exhibition. Various items will be exhibited. The artists used different media including: acrylic and 3D painting on canvas, encaustic art (using wax), wood and iron, papier-mache, photography (produced on canvas, photo albums and board), clay installations, quilling techniques and more! Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Fairyland Until 6 January Place: Valletta From Rudolph's Wheel, back by popular demand, to give you the best bird's eye view of Valletta, to an Ice-Skating Rink for anyone looking to test their skills, or learn some new ones. In addition to the rides and attractions, you will find a Christmas Market where you can get all your stocking fillers and indulge in a variety of Festive Food and Drink options whilst doing so! Santa Claus, together with his elves, will be in residence at Fairyland, ready to meet children from all over the world, compile his Naughty and Nice list and even get a head- start on delivering gifts. Fairyland guarantees you a magical outing for all the family. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK Singer Mariah Carey is no longer being sued for copyright infringement over her hit song All I Want for Christmas is You, after country singer Andy Stone dropped his legal action. Songwriter Stone sued the popstar in June, claiming he co-wrote a song with the same name five years earlier. Julie Powell, who found fame with an early food blog that was turned into a best-selling book and a hit movie, has died at the age of 49. In 2002, Powell challenged herself to cook all 524 dishes in a recipe book by TV chef Julia Child in 365 days as a distraction from her day job. Andy Stone told the court he would dismiss the case - but legally he could refile it. The resulting blog gained a large following and a book came out in 2005.