New Online 6-Module Course:
Ireland now ranks among the lowest countries in the world for ‘nature connection’*. At the same time, scientists continue to confirm that our way of living is disturbing the conditions that support life on Earth.
This course supports deep insights and effective reconnection. It helps people notice the living world with fresh eyes, understand their place in the wider community of life, and develop a more meaningful relationship with nature.
* Richardson, M (2025) ‘Modelling Nature Connectedness Within Environmental Systems:Human-Nature Relationships from 1800 to 2020 and Beyond’, Earth; Richardson et al., (2025) ‘Macro-level determinants of nature connectedness: An exploratory analysis of 61 countries’ Ambio.
Who is this course for
It suits anyone who wants to deepen nature connection and support wellbeing. It is helpful if you work or volunteer in places of restoration or regeneration, or if you guide others in outdoor, creative, or ecological settings. It is also of interest to cultural-ecological scholars, researchers, writers, poets, creative administrators and curators.
What the course offers
Rooted in inspiration from the community-led Drummin Bog Project in South County Carlow, this new six-module online course from Haumea Ecoversity introduces ideas and practices that strengthen nature connection, including:
- The Universe Story, a new cosmology grounded in evolutionary science
- Cosmic eco-poetry and creative interpretation of place
- The Way of the Sacred Ecologist
- How to design and host Deep Time Walks
- Information about Irish and international Dark Sky initiatives & light pollution
- Eco-ethics through the Earth Charter and Leave No Trace Ireland
- Creating site-sensitive way-markers
- Designing Cosmo-Ecological Seasonal Calendars
- Using local or upcycled materials for community-built eco architecture
- Examples of Cosmic and Deep Time Walks in Carlow’s An Gáirdín Beo,
Cabragh Wetlands, Spanish Point and other sites around the world
Our guest speakers
Irish and international speakers, Dr Niamh Brennan, SETU, US eco-poet and Revd. Dr Martin Luther King ecological scholar, Dr Drew Dellinger, US Visiting Professor Author K. Lauren de Boer, UK Co-Founder of International Deep Time Walk, Robert Woodford, Aiobhin Ryan of Leave No Trace Ireland and Bauhaus short-listed eco-community Co. Waterford architect Philip Ryan, will share how a science-based cosmology, ecoliterate creative practice and nighttime outdoor experiences inspire wonder, gratitude and increase our responsibility to care for nature and precious habitats.
Facilitated through Haumea Ecoversity by ecoliteracy facilitator, eco-social artist Dr Cathy Fitzgerald (County Carlow, Ireland)and philosopher Dr Nikos Patedakis (Santa Cruz Mountains, California)
Join us
All Welcome. Course places are discounted for previous Haumea Ecoversity learners and subsidised for residents in County Carlow.
Details and booking: https://eveningthoughts.haumeaecoversity.com
Places are limited. Please book early if you would like to join us.
Hello! Kia Ora! Dia daoibh!
I’m Cathy Fitzgerald, an ecological artist, educator, and founder of Haumea Ecoversity. Originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, I’ve lived in rural Ireland, the home of my ancestors, for over 30 years. Together with my philosopher colleague Dr Nikos Patedakis (USA), we’ve guided over 400 creative professionals worldwide in transformative ecoliteracy training since 2019.
Haumea Ecoversity Community Membership is the next chapter of this work—a vibrant space for lifelong learning, collective wisdom, and creative transformation for a more beautiful, just, and life-sustaining world.
Dr Cathy Fitzgerald
“In these times of great challenge, I’m passionate about bringing ecoliteracy—including new ecological thinking, values, language, and head-heart-body practices—to creative, sustainability and cultural sectors. These areas have a crucial leadership role: they can inspire communities to embrace new values and actions for living well on Earth, together with all life.”
About Cathy
- Ecological Artist: Creator of the ongoing Hollywood Forest Story with new-to-Ireland continuous cover forestry (begun 2008).
- Educator & Advisor: Accredited ESD Earth Charter educator, Creative Drummin Carlow Bog project ecoliteracy advisor.
- Researcher & Mentor: Specialist in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at Haumea Ecoversity.com
In 2022, I was honoured to be nominated by Earth Charter International and UNESCO Chair for ESD as Earth Charter Focal Point Communicator for Ireland
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