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 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 ZylstraStunning high definition slow motion footage of an eagle owl honing down on its prey ...
On October 22, 2011 / By Matthew ZylstraConcerns are sometimes expressed about how indigenous perceptions of certain animals acting as a ‘sign’ or ‘omen’ for an ...
On October 19, 2011 / By Matthew ZylstraBy Mariska Spoormaker, Die Burger Port Elizabeth (SA) – A Somerset West man has told how an enraged buffalo ...
On September 8, 2011 / By Matthew ZylstraSouth Africa’s popular ‘50|50′ television programme recently ran an interview with the ageing but ever lucid and inspirational Dr. ...
On June 11, 2011 / By Matthew ZylstraWhere’s my Whale? Yesterday in Plettenberg Bay! Many savour the rare and special sighting of orcas coming in close ...
On April 27, 2011 / By Matthew ZylstraEver seen a praying mantis attack a 'mouse'? No, neither had we. Until this bizarre moment ...
On March 30, 2011 / By Matthew ZylstraAn experiential training workshop was run for members of the Baviaanskloof Nature Awareness Group between 4th-7th March. The purpose ...
On March 9, 2011 / By Matthew ZylstraKnown as the 'Crocodile Man', Costa Rican animal lover 'Chito' swims, plays and even feeds 'Pocho' the giant ...
On January 26, 2011 / By Matthew ZylstraCurrent education systems do little to support finding an “ecological conscience.” Author James Swan suggests an alternative pathway ...
On November 28, 2010 / By Matthew ZylstraAnd yet we know…
Hatred, even of meanness
Contorts the features
Anger, even against injustice
Makes the voice hoarse. Oh, we
Who wanted to prepare the ground for friendliness
Could not ourselves be friendly.
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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