Matthew Zylstra

Matthew Zylstra, PhD is an ecologist, lecturer and facilitator focusing on human~nature connectedness. His transdisciplinary research has entwined ecology, environmental psychology, and education in support of deep learning and wellbeing. He is a keen naturalist, especially in coastal and marine ecosystems. Matthew’s PhD dissertation on meaningful nature experience, nature connectedness and its role in transformative education is freely available for download here »

Browsing All Posts By Matthew Zylstra

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Familiarity breeds con…nection?

Backyard birds: boring or best friends for bird language beginners? ...
On November 19, 2015 / By Matthew Zylstra
Publications 0
Cave & The Contemplator

Announcing the iBook release of an evocative journey into nature connectedness. ...
On April 22, 2015 / By Matthew Zylstra
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Intentions in print

The Baviaanskloof Nature Awareness Group has released a brochure outlining its vision and ambitions. ...
On April 20, 2015 / By Matthew Zylstra
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Winding up for another big year?

Stop for a moment. Before diving in and racing through 2015, give some time and space to finding your ...
On February 2, 2015 / By Matthew Zylstra
Meaningful Nature Experience 3
The essence of synchronicity as a meaningful nature experience

How is synchronicity experienced with non-human nature? What does it feel like to live through that moment? ...
On December 27, 2014 / By Matthew Zylstra
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Wind & the whales

Does the weather influence when and why humpback whales breach? ...
On December 16, 2014 / By Matthew Zylstra
Blog 6
The Reintegration Problem (Pt 2): Creating a culture of connectedness

Culture is vital in sustaining nature connectedness. And the cues for creating such a culture may be found in ...
On November 28, 2014 / By Matthew Zylstra
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The Reintegration Problem (Pt 1): Why nature connectedness doesn’t stick

Nature connectedness is plagued by ‘the reintegration problem’. Why does the ‘magic’ encountered during our wilderness experiences disappear so ...
On November 28, 2014 / By Matthew Zylstra
Blog 1
Synchronicity or synchrony?

In both scientific and everyday usage these terms are often confused. So what is the difference and why does ...
On November 11, 2014 / By Matthew Zylstra
Blog 1
Connectedness as a core conservation concern

A scientific review article of nature connection and its implications for conservation education and practice. ...
On October 9, 2014 / By Matthew Zylstra