Field Exercises: How Veterans Are Healing Themselves through Farming and Outdoor Activities

How connecting with nature is helping veterans recover from PTSD and reintegrate into civilian life

[Westlund’s] thoroughly-researched book builds a powerful case for continuing to explore alternative nature-based activities as part of a broader effort to support veterans as they search to find peace at home as a result of conflict in far-off lands. —Chad Spangler, National Director, Outward Bound Veterans

…. an outstanding synthesis of state of the art research concerning natural environments and human-animal bonds … guided by the beautiful writing style of Dr. Westlund and the poignant, intelligent, experience-based words of veterans,[it] is a call to action. —Alan C. Logan - Co-Author, Your Brain on Nature

Field Exercises explores complementary approaches to conventional therapeutic and medical interventions, offering hope for veterans searching for ways to ease the transition to civilian life and recover from stress and trauma. This unique guide shares the compelling stories of men and women who are finding relief from the effects of their military experiences through outdoor activities such as farming, gardening, hiking, rafting, canoeing and horseback riding, while also establishing community networks and other peer support initiatives. Author Stephanie Westlund examines:
• The deep and far-reaching connections between nature and human health
• The tremendous impact of stress and trauma on survivors’ lives
• Resources and groups providing opportunities in the emerging field of “green care.”

This book will appeal to millions of North American soldiers, veterans and their loved ones, doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, and other caregivers, other groups struggling with high rates of stress and post-traumatic experience, and all those interested in the human-nature relationship.

If we are right, the current wave of veterans coming home from war and entering into agriculture will only continue to grow. When it does, Field Exercises will have been one of the first looks at the complicated mix of motivations that have called veterans to serve their country again as farmers.—Michael O’Gorman, Founder and Director, Farmer Veteran Coalition

Stephanie Westlund holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies. She has been conducting research with veterans since 2009, and continues to be inspired by their courage and personal resolve to move through pain toward recovery, and their unrelenting desire to serve their communities.