Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
About Us.
Our Mission.
To connect Veterans and their families to the healing power of plants and nature, creating space for connection, purpose, and growth.
Our History.
Heroic Gardens is dedicated to and inspired by the life of Clem Stevens, a World War II Army Combat Medic Specialist who carried both the visible and invisible wounds of war long after returning home.
Like many Veterans of his time, he rarely spoke about his experiences. Instead, he spent time in nature, farming to feed his family and quietly tending to the land.
That garden became a shared space with his granddaughter, where lessons of sustainability, service, and giving back took root—and where they grew incredibly close.
Years later, that granddaughter, Collie Turner, felt called to support the Veteran community in a more meaningful way.
Drawing from her lifelong connection to gardening, she began creating opportunities for Veterans to come together, work with their hands, and reconnect in a way that felt natural and real.
What started as a personal effort has grown into Heroic Gardens, a nonprofit organization serving Veterans and their families through scientifically proven therapeutic horticulture programs, community engagement, and shared experiences all based in nature.
What We Do.
Heroic Gardens is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting the mental health and well-being of Veterans and their families through nature-based programming.
Founded in 2018, the organization delivers therapeutic horticulture programs through both in-person and virtual classes—providing structured, guided experiences designed to support connection, growth, and well-being.
In addition, Heroic Gardens leads community-based programs that transform spaces at Veteran homes and in Veteran-serving public environments, while also activating its Sunflower Farm as a place for connection and engagement. These programs bring together Veterans, families, and volunteers—creating opportunities to work side by side, build community, and be part of something meaningful.
At its core, Heroic Gardens creates spaces where connection happens—and where Veterans can begin to rebuild a sense of purpose, one experience at a time.
Heroic Gardens is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible.
Our Team.
Heroic Gardens is powered by a dedicated group of practitioners, volunteers, and leaders committed to supporting Veterans and their families.
Practitioners
Practitioners
Practitioners
Our programs are guided by registered horticultural therapists and therapeutic horticultural practitioners who bring both expertise and compassion to every experience.
Volunteers
Practitioners
Practitioners
Our volunteers are an essential part of everything we do, showing up, getting their hands in the soil, and helping create the spaces where connection happens.
Leadership
Practitioners
Leadership
Heroic Gardens is led by founder Collie Turner, whose connection to gardening and commitment to the Veteran community shaped the organization from the ground up.