Veterans build community – and calm – through conservation
By Jessica Graybill
Awe, focus, and a feeling of calm are all proven results of spending time in nature. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that being outdoors and connecting with our environment improves wellness. And what happens when you do also that with other people?
This spring, the Mojave Desert Land Trust and Mil-Tree held the Force of Nature program in partnership with Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. Designed to support veterans’ health and well-being, the program offered immersive outdoor experiences that foster connection to the land, and to one another.
Participants took part in a rich line-up of events, beginning with a launch party that centered veterans’ perspectives through open dialogue. A survey to solicit input highlighted a strong desire for deeper community connection and inclusive programming that also welcomed non-veterans, youth, and the LGBTQIA community.
Bonding over birding
In a study published in Environment International, Melissa Marselle et al. (2021) note that experiencing fascination – when the environment effortlessly attracts our attention – and time spent away from our everyday tasks can help restore our ability to focus. “Restoring our attentional capacities while we look for birds may help us to use our attention more effectively and mindfully in the rest of our lives.”
A highlight of the Force of Nature program was a tranquil morning spent birdwatching at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, one of North America’s significant birdwatching sites. From impressive birds of prey such as the American kestrel, turkey vultures, a great horned owl, and red-shouldered hawks to brightly colored hummingbirds and all the warblers, finches, and sapsuckers in between, participants got to observe firsthand the extraordinary array of biodiversity in this beautiful riparian wildlife corridor.
Photos: Jessica Graybill
The group was abuzz with lively conversation throughout, with attendees, staff, and volunteers alike sharing how the experience made them feel. Echoes of “peaceful and happy!”, “part of nature”, and “part of a community” were heard amongst the group.
One participant reflected: “I am always in awe of those with so much knowledge of these tiny, little flitting creatures that require patience to observe. Walking, learning, seeing all the adults patiently helping to keep the inquisitive young ones engaged was affirming of the good in the world. I also feel inspired to learn more about our local feathered friends. It was a great experience overall.”
While any exposure to nature – including urban parks, backyards, and neighborhood walks – is highly beneficial, remote and biodiverse environments like those here in the Mojave Desert seem to be especially effective at supporting positive health outcomes. We know that biodiversity has a direct effect on our physical health in the air we breathe, water we drink, and food we grow. Research also indicates that the number of habitat types and diversity of plants (Fuller et al., 2007) and birds and butterflies (Dallimer et al., 2012) are associated with reflection and improved mental health, while viewing wildlife can contribute to a sense of humility and awe (Curtin, 2009).
Conservation in action
Force of Nature participants lent a hand with stewardship projects at MDLT’s Palisades Ranch. Photos: Sarah Bliss
In the weeks following the birdwatch, Force of Nature participants took part in a range of activities: gaining hands-on conservation skills through MDLT’s volunteer training, contributing to on-the-ground stewardship at MDLT’s Palisades Ranch preserve, taking part in a night photography session under the stars organized by Mil-Tree and led by photographer Casey Kiernan, and learning about the military history of California’s desert national monuments during a talk by MDLT.
Participants in the program received custom Force of Nature gear – hats, reusable water bottles, binoculars, and journal notebooks – to continue their exploration of the Mojave.
Design: Jessica Graybill
The Force of Nature program was made possible through the Veterans and Nature Grant Program, from the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) in partnership with the USDA Forest Service.
How does nature make you feel? Write and tell us!
Additional reading
Nurtured by nature – American Psychological Association
Birding your way to well-being – Psychology Today
Pathways linking biodiversity to human health: A conceptual framework – ScienceDirect