Resiliency Ranger: Amber Martin’s Groundbreaking First Six Months

In 2024, the Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA) in partnership with the National Park Service at Colorado National Monument launched the Resiliency Ranger program—the first of its kind in the National Park Service.

Led by Amber Martin, this innovative initiative has already made a significant impact on our community, connecting visitors, veterans, and youth to the outdoors while fostering mental health and wellness. In just six months, Amber has brought mindfulness programming, outreach, and critical mental health resources to hundreds of individuals.

Building Partnerships and Growing Reach

From the program’s start in May 2024, Amber laid the groundwork for meaningful partnerships across the Grand Valley. Meetings with the Suicide Prevention of Mesa County Coalition, the VA Western Colorado Healthcare System, and the Vet Center opened the door for collaboration and new opportunities for outreach. By the end of fall 2024, the program had facilitated four coalition meetings, strengthening multi-agency efforts to address mental health through nature-based programming.

Amber also worked to directly connect veterans and community members with public lands. In partnership with fellow rangers and agencies, over 235 Federal Lands passes were issued to eligible veterans at events such as the Grand Junction Farmer’s Market Vet Fest and VA outreach days. This outreach makes it easier for veterans to access the healing benefits of the outdoors.

Programming Highlights

Amber’s mindful hikes became a cornerstone of the program. Veterans, youth, and students participated in guided outdoor experiences that emphasized wellness, emotional resilience, and connection to nature. In just six months, more than 20 hikes and presentations were held, with over 350 participants benefiting from the program. Highlights include:

• Mindful hikes with the Vet Center and VA, fostering healing and camaraderie among veterans.
• Youth Conservation Corps hikes and collaborations with Colorado Mesa University, connecting students with mindfulness practices outdoors.
• Colorado West Pride Hike, hosted by CNMA, which provided a welcoming and inclusive space for all participants.

In addition, Amber presented two 4-hour training blocks on psychological safety and suicide prevention during the Mental Health Safety Stand Down event. This training provided attendees with coping tools and critical wellness resources.

Training and Professional Development

Amber’s success as the Resiliency Ranger is rooted in her commitment to professional development. Over the past six months, Amber completed 150+ training hours in critical areas, including Ethics, Resiliency, Trauma-Informed Care, and Peer Support. These trainings have provided the tools needed to advocate for community mental health, expand partnerships, and deliver impactful programming.

Looking Ahead

Amber Martin’s work as the Resiliency Ranger has made an indelible first impression in 2024. From mindful hikes to multi-agency collaborations, this pilot program is transforming how public lands can serve as sanctuaries for mental wellness. 2025 planning is already in motion to expand programming. This spring will bring mindful hikes and outreach to additional veteran communities and youth groups across the region.

With over 235 Federal Lands passes issued, hundreds of lives touched, and partnerships strengthened, Amber’s work exemplifies the power of public lands to promote healing, connection, and resiliency.

Interested in learning more about the Resiliency Ranger programming? Want to collaborate with Amber Martin as an individual or organization? Please contact her at: amber_martin@partner.nps.gov.