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Environmental volunteering builds a sense of belonging and purpose.

Research links conservation work to better mood and less depression.

Helping the environment connects you to others and your community.

Simple acts of stewardship can spark hope and motivation.

Have you ever noticed how working alongside others to protect public lands, clear trails, plant trees, or clean up a park just feels good? When you join in conservation activities, you’re not just helping your community, the other-than-human world, and the land—you’re helping yourself, too.

Fellow Volunteers, the Other-Than-Human World, and The Land

When you have been stuck in PTSD, Moral Injury and complex grief, you know how lonely and disconnected this experience is. In fact, thwarted belonging is a leading risk factor for suicidality. These experiences can leave you feeling helpless. You might have lost contact with your agency.

Conservation work can restore a sense of agency and belonging! A study looking at people who volunteered in environmental projects found that these activities led to more social contact and a stronger sense of community (Rugel et al., 2019). Even small acts can help you meet new people and feel less isolated.

When you work with others toward a shared goal, you start to feel like you’re part of something bigger. You don't have to have the right conversation starter or "be cool"--just pick up a shovel, trash bag, or protest sign. Note that connection does not just have to be with people. Connecting with the land and the other-than-human world also fosters resilience. In fact, The deeper your sense of connection with nature, the more restorative the experience (Berto et al., 2018).

Finding Purpose Through Stewardship

Another leading risk factor for suicidality is perceived burdensomeness. We do not do well when we do not know how to be useful. When life feels aimless, we get stuck in negative thoughts. The reverse is true. When you have a reason to get up in the morning—especially one that contributes to the greater good—your outlook changes. A meta-analysis found that people with a greater sense of purpose had lower rates of depression and anxiety........

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