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

Meaningful Nature Experience 0
Gift of the golden key (Kalahari Pt. 3)

There they were, reflecting the sunlight amongst the deep orange sands. /Urugab was visibly moved as he knelt before ...
On July 18, 2012 / By Matthew Zylstra
Research Insights 0
Paradoxical priorities in biodiversity conservation

A recent survey of scientists’ opinions on the state of global biodiversity and its management provides insight into the ...
On July 9, 2012 / By Matthew Zylstra
Meaningful Nature Experience 0
When the rhino saw us

Boom. There it was. Completely unexpected. Completely unsolicited. And it was huge. You just don’t realize how big a ...
On April 4, 2012 / By Matthew Zylstra
Meaningful Nature Experience 0
Mind awash with The Question

Something fishy to add to our weekly release of meaningful nature experience images. ...
On March 21, 2012 / By Matthew Zylstra
Meaningful Nature Experience 0
Cleaning space for the argonauts

How does a washed-up paper nautilus (argonaut) and a beach clean-up become meaningful? ...
On February 29, 2012 / By Matthew Zylstra
Meaningful Nature Experience 0
Surfer’s daemon

The third image in the weekly release of profound wildlife encounters and meaningful nature experiences... ...
On February 22, 2012 / By Matthew Zylstra
Meaningful Nature Experience 0
Fauna mirrors flora

The second image from our weekly release of meaningful nature experiences and other stories of profound encounters ...
On February 15, 2012 / By Matthew Zylstra
Meaningful Nature Experience 0
Mesmerized by mantis

Our first image as part of our weekly release of meaningful nature experiences and profound wildlife encounters: "Mesmerized ...
On February 8, 2012 / By Matthew Zylstra
Blog 0
ICCB presentation available for download

The oral presentation on meaningful nature experiences delivered at the International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) is now available ...
On January 24, 2012 / By Matthew Zylstra
Blog 0
Without thought: The power of peak experiences

A short surfing-inspired film clip exploring the power of peak experience and flow states. Why do these meaningful experiences ...
On December 9, 2011 / By Matthew Zylstra