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 »
A trailer from a recent interview I did on KyKNET's 'Dierepraters' series ...
On September 17, 2021 / By Matthew ZylstraThe urge to experience and love new nature places while we can. ...
On January 31, 2021 / By Matthew Zylstra"For the Love of the Lagoon" - the Keurbooms 2021 Calendar is ready to order! ...
On November 21, 2020 / By Matthew ZylstraVIDEO: An online Special Session at the Fynbos Forum 2020 ...
On September 21, 2020 / By Matthew ZylstraBirths and the birds that bring connection and catharsis in moments of need. ...
On May 19, 2020 / By Matthew ZylstraDoes the Xhosa tradition of ukuthwasa serve as a metaphor for humanity's own COVID-19 calling? ...
On April 22, 2020 / By Matthew ZylstraMatthew Zylstra was recently interviewed on Earthfire Radio about his perspectives on where to put our attention during these ...
On March 24, 2020 / By Matthew ZylstraIf we scaled the entire human history into a 24 hour day, what would that timeline tell us? We ...
On March 11, 2020 / By Matthew ZylstraA special moment transpired earlier this year: it involved a dragonfly, a prolonged thought of invitation and a ritual ...
On November 2, 2019 / By Matthew ZylstraAnnouncing the new publication “Meaningful nature experiences: pathways for deepening connections between people and place” in the book "Cultural ...
On December 4, 2018 / By Matthew ZylstraError: No feed found.
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The idea that animals can convey meaning, and thereby offer an attentive human being illumination, is a commonly held belief the world over. The view is disparaged and disputed only by modern cultures with an allegiance to science as the sole arbiter of truth. The price of this conceit, to my way of thinking, is enormous.
eyes4earth.org is a portal into meaningful nature experience and connectedness with nature. It draws on scientific research and experiential insight to explore implications for sustainability education and consciousness.
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The PhD research underpinning certain content on eyes4earth.org was completed in early 2014.
The final dissertation is freely available for download here.
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