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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Keurbooms Lagoon 2021 Calendar – now available

"For the Love of the Lagoon" - the Keurbooms 2021 Calendar is ready to order! ...
On November 21, 2020 / By Matthew Zylstra
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Connection, Commitment & Community in COVID-19

VIDEO: An online Special Session at the Fynbos Forum 2020 ...
On September 21, 2020 / By Matthew Zylstra
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Births and Birds

Births and the birds that bring connection and catharsis in moments of need. ...
On May 19, 2020 / By Matthew Zylstra
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COVID-19 Calling: Humanity’s ‘thwasa’?

Does the Xhosa tradition of ukuthwasa serve as a metaphor for humanity's own COVID-19 calling? ...
On April 22, 2020 / By Matthew Zylstra
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Podcast: Navigating our ‘inner’ & ‘outer’ nature

Matthew Zylstra was recently interviewed on Earthfire Radio about his perspectives on where to put our attention during these ...
On March 24, 2020 / By Matthew Zylstra
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We’re on Watch: ‘OurStory’ in 24hrs

If we scaled the entire human history into a 24 hour day, what would that timeline tell us? We ...
On March 11, 2020 / By Matthew Zylstra
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The return of remembering

A special moment transpired earlier this year: it involved a dragonfly, a prolonged thought of invitation and a ritual ...
On November 2, 2019 / By Matthew Zylstra
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Publication: Meaningful Nature Experiences

My chapter “Meaningful nature experiences: pathways for deepening connections between people and place” features in the book "Cultural and ...
On December 4, 2018 / By Matthew Zylstra
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An experience of oneness

Organisational expert Joseph Jaworski shares a defining nature experience that inspired his future career. ...
On July 26, 2018 / By Matthew Zylstra
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The real origins of capoeira?

The "Ostrich Dance" of the !Gwikwe Bushmen bears remarkable resemblance to Capoeira. ...
On January 9, 2018 / By Matthew Zylstra