Old Man River Nature Retreat

Old Man River Nature Retreat is a non-profit 501(c)(3) retreat dedicated to veterans and First Responders suffering from PTSD. Next month OMRNR will also become a part of the Missouri Veterans Suicide Prevention Team, to bring awareness and training to help lower our veteran sucide.

Old Man River Nature Retreat was created in dedication to Jimmy Brown Sr who was nick named "Old Man River". His Son and daughter in law created OMRNR after his passing when they saw a need for veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD like Sr did. He often found peace in nature and would take his children camping when he felt triggered.

Research has shown that nature and running water relaxes the mind, rejuvenates the body and lifts the spirit. OMRNR wanted to have a place that encompassed the beauty of nature with the relaxation and healing properties of water. These are some of the reasons why those suffering from PTSD find water and nature so soothing.

OMRNR is located on 43 acres of both woods and open fields. A spring fed creek flows through the property into a 4-5 acre stocked lake. From the lake, the water returns to the the creek through a small but immensely beautiful and loud rushing waterfall. Trails are being created throughout the woods as well as a lot of general land maintenance. The retreat is located in Potosi Mo and will eventually incorporate cabins, camping, hiking, group story time around bonfires, equine therapy, organic gardening and trail rides. OMRNR also wants to learn the latest and greatest practices to help people who have experienced trauma. Their mission is to offer guests an atmosphere to relax the mind, rejuvenate the body and lift the spirit. OMRNR hopes this will assist guests in making small changes in their daily lives to heal & find peace.

In 2019 we also began a new program called the Victory Garden. The Victory Garden is a community garden which also provides fresh organically grown harvest to local vets, elderly, needy and first responders. Last years program was a success and we were able to provide over 100 people with fresh produce.