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

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
Blog 1
Nature needs our attention

The ability to focus attention on nature is vital for sustainability and human health and well-being, writes Matthew Zylstra ...
On August 29, 2014 / By Matthew Zylstra
Research Insights
PhD thesis: Meaningful nature experience, nature connectedness & sustainability education

Download the PhD dissertation ...
On May 5, 2014 / By Matthew Zylstra
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The inquisitiveness of youth

Are meaningful nature experiences more likely to happen with young animals? ...
On April 1, 2014 / By Matthew Zylstra
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eyes4earth update: November 2013

The November 2013 eyes4earth.org update for is now online. Features presentations, writings, videos and news relating to diverse dimensions ...
On November 4, 2013 / By Matthew Zylstra
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The hatching of an idea

Introducing ‘free-range education’: scrambled idea or hard-boiled movement in the making? ...
On June 23, 2013 / By Matthew Zylstra
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The problem with ‘eyes4earth’

A reliance on our eyes as our primary sense organ inhibits our engagement with environmental issues and our connection ...
On April 22, 2013 / By Matthew Zylstra