In this episode of Brainstorms combat veteran Matt Garrett sits down with sustainability advocate Chuck Lynd for a powerful conversation about nature mental health and how reconnecting with the living world can transform lives. March is National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month and this special episode highlights how agro therapy native plants and ecological restoration can support healing especially for veterans navigating the challenges of PTSD TBI recovery and life after service. Matt shares how working with native plants and restoring ecosystems became part of his own journey forward.

Together Matt and Chuck explore Why planting native plants can restore ecosystems and support wildlife The connection between nature mental health and veteran suicide prevention The hidden relationships between plants pollinators birds and even ants Practical ways anyone can support biodiversity in their own backyard How veterans can lead the charge in ecological restoration From winter garden strategies to the incredible science behind pollination and seed dispersal this episode shows how small actions like planting a tree or shrinking your lawn can make a meaningful difference for both people and the planet.

As Matt puts it Plant as if your life depended on it because it does.

Featured Reading Meet the ecologist inspiring people to rewild their backyards https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/meet-ecologist-who-wants-unleash-wild-backyard-180974372/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1772662399365165&usg=AOvVaw1pFjK1782mJOB_oCyzshR2

About Brainstorms Produced by the Resurrecting Lives Foundation with support from the Fred and June McMurray Foundation Brainstorms explores recovery resilience and new ways forward for veterans and others affected by traumatic brain injury.

If you or someone you know is struggling call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.