A new Sierra Club analysis reveals a startling inequity affecting millions of Americans who have served in uniform: one in five U.S. veterans lack access to nearby parks, forests, and natural spaces.
The report, Roots of Resilience: Veteran Access to Nature Report Card, evaluates eight major U.S. cities and concludes that systemic inequities — including poor transit access, uneven park distribution, and hazardous air pollution — leave many veterans without the restorative power of nature within walking distance of home.
“Veterans risk their lives in service to this country… the U.S. must remove barriers preventing veterans from accessing the healing power of nature,” said Sherman Neal II, Deputy Director of the Sierra Club’s Military Outdoors program.
Cities show uneven access and deep inequities
The eight cities analyzed — Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Denver, Philadelphia, Detroit, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, and Atlanta — present a national picture of widespread and persistent disparities in access to nature for veterans.
While some cities earned strong marks for green space availability and transportation, the report finds that every city suffers from high levels of air pollution and an uneven distribution of parks.
These inequities fall hardest on low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, where many veterans reside. Even in cities with large, well-maintained park systems, proximity does not translate to equitable access.
Veterans living in neighborhoods with high air pollution or poor transit cannot take advantage of the green spaces around them, the report states. These conditions are particularly harmful for veterans with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions — some of the most common long-term health issues among former service members.
Atlanta and Jacksonville rank worst; D.C. and Minneapolis are much better
Each city was assigned a letter grade based on air quality, walkability, transit access, and neighborhood-level distribution of green space. The results show sharp contrasts:
- Washington, D.C. (B+) — Best overall access. Only 3% of veterans lack nearby green spaces, though air quality remains a concern.
- Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN (B) — Strong green space network; just 1% lacks access. Air quality lowers the overall grade.
- Denver, CO (C) — Broad access, with only 2% lacking nearby green spaces. Lower transit scores and smog patterns reduced its grade.
- Philadelphia, PA (C) — Despite one of the nation’s largest urban park systems, over 20% of veterans live far from accessible nature.
- Detroit, MI (D) — Improving park system, but 20% of veterans still lack nearby access; poor transit and pollution negatively impact scores.
- Jacksonville, FL (D) — Clean air but highly uneven park distribution; 40% of veterans lack walkable access to green spaces.
- Las Vegas, NV (D-) — Surrounded by public land but lacks urban access; 30% of veterans have no nearby green spaces.
- Atlanta, GA (F) — Lowest score nationally, with 43% of veterans lacking walkable access due to severe pollution, poor walkability, and stark neighborhood inequities.
The Sierra Club noted that even the strongest-performing cities still face structural challenges, especially around air quality and maintaining consistent access across neighborhoods.
Threats from federal budget cuts
The report warns that proposed cuts to the National Park Service and the Land and Water Conservation Fund — two primary federal programs supporting public lands and outdoor recreation — could exacerbate these inequities.
In addition, ongoing political attacks on the Clean Air Act could worsen health risks for veterans, who already experience higher-than-average rates of chronic respiratory conditions.
“These cuts represent a direct threat to veterans’ wellbeing,” the report states. “Without strong federal investment, cities will struggle to expand or even maintain the green spaces veterans rely on.”
How do we fix this?
To reverse these trends, the Sierra Club outlines a multi-tiered policy blueprint:
- Local governments should prioritize funding for parks, trails, and public transit — especially in underserved neighborhoods.
- State governments must expand investments in clean air enforcement and green infrastructure.
- The federal government should fully fund the agencies charged with connecting veterans to nature, including outdoor therapy and recreation initiatives.
- All levels of government should work to reduce air pollution that disproportionately harms veterans and military communities.
The report emphasizes that improving access to nature is not merely recreational; it is a public-health and moral imperative. Studies repeatedly show that time outdoors can reduce depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and chronic disease risk — issues that affect veterans at significantly higher rates than the general population.
Postindustrial is proud to partner with the Sierra Club to provide perspectives on stories that affect the outdoors and those who enjoy them in our community.
