Beyond the battlefield: Public lands as healing spaces for military veterans

A growing body of evidence shows that nature-based therapy can help reduce stress and trauma symptoms. In recent years, the number of outdoor programs for veterans who experience post-traumatic stress has grown. These programs engage with public lands—both practically and symbolically—to create opportunities for transformative personal and professional experiences for veterans. Yet, there is little understanding about the diverse social, therapeutic, geographic, and activity dimensions of these programs on public lands, or how they are coordinated within and across agencies.

To shed light on the role that public land management plays in providing outdoor experiences for veterans, Lee Cerveny and Monika Derrien, scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, collaborated with David Havlick at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. The scientists interviewed public land managers, outdoor program providers, program participants, researchers, and health professionals. They also analyzed program providers’ online promotional materials.

Public land managers can use this information to support healing for military veterans and others who are recovering from trauma. The scientists shared their insights about the diversity of program models and partnerships found in the United States with leaders from organizations working in Ukraine that support veterans and others affected by war.

Citation

Kantor, Sylvia; Cerveny, Lee; Derrien, Monika. 2024. Beyond the battlefield: Public lands as healing spaces for military veterans. Science Findings 267. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 6 p.

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