A deadly wildfire traumatized their town. Can nature help them heal?

Although the Chico State walks have not yet been the subject of published, peer-reviewed research, studies show that other forms of forest therapy can lower stress hormones, boost immune systems and ease the symptoms of trauma. And after the dual ordeals of fleeing from fire and navigating an overburdened disaster bureaucracy, participants say the program has helped relieve some of their pain.

“The forest is the therapist,” Nelson says. “Nature knows how to heal.”