Earth Ethics Institute

Green Studies Immersion: Everglades National Park

A Professional Development Field Immersion Offering 8 Hours of Credit

This immersion for MDC faculty/staff offers participants an overview of South Florida ecology and hydrology by providing a direct field experience of the unique Everglades ecosystem. Participants will explore such habitats as the freshwater slough, sawgrass marsh, tropical hardwood hammock, and the globally imperiled pine rockland, along the way learning about local sustainability issues affecting our watershed and fragile natural areas as well as the plants and animals that make their home in the Everglades bioregion.

Facilitated by: Kiki Mutis (Wolfson Campus iCED Director)
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM 
Registration link: EEI1021-5

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 Capaz (Earth Ethics Institute Padrón Campus Program Professional)
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
Location: MDC Kendall Campus Environmental Center 
Registration Link: EEI1137-1

Big Cypress Exploration and Sustainability

A Professional Development Field Immersion Offering 8 Hours of Credit

Join Earth Ethics Institute for a 6-hour faculty and staff immersion into the heart of Big Cypress National Preserve. This experiential learning journey includes stops along Loop Road and the Florida Trail, with opportunities to explore cypress domes and strands—possibly including a swamp slog through knee-deep water. Participants will examine the unique ecology of the preserve, identifying native plant and animal species and discussing their conservation status. The immersion will highlight the Big Cypress watershed and its vital connection to surrounding ecosystems, including the Everglades. Through the lens of Earth Literacy and environmental science, participants will explore the region’s history of logging and development, leading into a dialogue on sustainability, habitat protection, and the challenges facing endangered and indigenous species. This professional development opportunity invites reflection, connection, and action for a more sustainable future.

Facilitated by: Mike Matthews (Earth Ethics Institute Collegewide Director) 
Date:  Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time:  8:30 AM - 2:30 PM 
Location:  Big Cypress National Preserve (meet at Oasis Visitor Center) 
Registration link: EEI1138-1

A Journey Toward Earth Literacy

A Virtual Professional Development Discussion Series Offering 15 Hours of Credit

Collaboratively explore the book, Now That You Know: A Journey Toward Earth Literacy.  In this book, MDC Professor Emeritus and founder of Earth Ethics Institute, Dr. McGregor (Mac) Smith, Jr (1926 – 2018), offers a compelling tale of his personal journey in understanding the role of life and consciousness in an evolving universe. In so doing, he expounds on the critical importance of humanity re-learning how to live in harmony with Earth and the natural cycles on which our continued existence depends. 

Facilitated by: Mike Matthews (Earth Ethics Institute Collegewide Director) 
Dates (five Wednesdays): February 4, February 18, March 4, March 18, and April 1
Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (the first session will end at 1:00 PM)  
Location:  Virtual 
Registration link: EEI1131-3