Earth Ethics Institute

Green Studies Immersion: Mangrove Ecology

A Professional Development Field Immersion Offering 6 Hours of Credit

This immersion offers MDC faculty/staff an overview of South Florida mangrove swamp ecology by providing a direct field experience in this unique ecosystem.  Anthropogenic impacts will be stressed as will the interface of coastal and marine influences.  Participating faculty will be given the tools to convey in their teaching the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of South Florida mangrove habitats and the societal and ecological benefits of protecting this crucial ecosystem.   

Facilitated by: Mike Matthews (EEI Collegewide Director) and Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center staff 
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM 
Registration link: EEI1023-2 

Forest Bathing Mindfulness and Earth Mandalas

A Professional Development Field Immersion Offering 4 Hours of Credit

Reconnect with nature and yourself in this restorative workshop. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), this session explores the neuroscience of nervous system relaxation, mindfulness, and deep ecology. Participants will engage in grounding exercises, silent reflection, a 5-senses wonder walk, and solo nature explorations. Learn how to use practical tools like plant and bird identification apps to do biodiversity audits to deepen your connection to South Florida ecosystems. Together, we’ll reflect on eco-spirituality, Earth Literacy, and our personal responsibility to sustainability. The experience concludes with a creative offering making an earth mandala together, and a collective pledge of gratitude and service to the land.

Facilitated by: Yadira "Yaya" Capaz (EEI Padrón Campus Program Professional) 
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
Location: MDC Kendall Campus Environmental Center 
Registration Link: EEI1137-2

GSELS Learning Network: Transforming Paradigm (Hialeah Campus)

A Professional Development Workshop Offering 6 Hours of Credit

This workshop introduces MDC faculty to the Global Sustainability and Earth Literacy Studies (GSELS) learning network and explores themes of sustainability, resilience, and changemaking. Learn how the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Earth Charter can add to your curriculum, explore GSELS best practices with experienced GSELS faculty, and learn how the Changemaking Education Framework can help bring your teaching to the next level.

Facilitated by: Mike Matthews (EEI Collegewide Director) with Christina Sudduth (Hialeah Campus iCED Director) 
Date:  Friday, September 11, 2026 
Time: 1 - 4:00 PM 
Location:  Hialeah Campus (room TBA) 
Registration link: EEI1010-10

GSELS Learning Network: Transforming Paradigm (North Campus)

A Professional Development Workshop Offering 6 Hours of Credit

This workshop introduces MDC faculty to the Global Sustainability and Earth Literacy Studies (GSELS) learning network and explores themes of sustainability, resilience, and changemaking. Learn how the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Earth Charter can add to your curriculum, explore GSELS best practices with experienced GSELS faculty, and learn how the Changemaking Education Framework can help bring your teaching to the next level.

Facilitated by: Mike Matthews (EEI Collegewide Director) with Dr. Stephanie Best (North Campus iCED Director) 
Date:  Friday, September 16, 2026 
Time: 2 - 5:00 PM 
Location:  North Campus (room TBA) 
Registration link: EEI1010-11