Experience, Education & Philosophy
Legacy Acres at Stearns Brook Farm | Milan, New Hampshire
🌲 Rooted in Experience. Built Through Real Life.
Legacy Acres at Stearns Brook Farm is more than a homestead—it is the result of decades of lived experience, professional work, service, and a shared commitment to building something meaningful, sustainable, and grounded in reality.
This work didn’t come from a single path.
It was built through:
- careers in research, education, and human services
- military service and mental health work
- caregiving, resilience, and rebuilding
- and a deep, practical relationship with land and nature
Together, these experiences shape everything we grow, create, and offer.
🌿 Meet Erica
Women-Owned. Experience-Driven. Nature-Guided. Rooted in Resilience.
Erica Buteau brings a multidisciplinary background that bridges data, communication, education, and natural living.
With over 20 years of experience in research, analytics, and strategic communications, her work has supported national brands, nonprofits, and public agencies—translating complex data into meaningful, real-world insight.
She has also worked extensively in:
- higher education
- public engagement
- community-based programs
- and curriculum development
Alongside this professional work, Erica’s path has been shaped by personal health challenges, caregiving, and a return to land-based living—bringing a practical, lived perspective to everything she creates.
🎓 Education
- Master of Arts in Public History — Southern New Hampshire University
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice — University of New Hampshire
- Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies — University of New Hampshire
- Paralegal Certificate — University of New Hampshire
- Diversity & Inclusion Certificate — Cornell University
🌿 Certifications
- Certified Herbalist — Lost Remedies Academy
- Certified Sylvotherapy (Forest Therapy) Practitioner — Alma Oasis
- Certified Master Grief Coach — Cathy Cheshire LLC
- Certified Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Responder (NREMT)
🌿 Erica’s Perspective
“You don’t need perfect conditions to build something meaningful—you start with what you have, and you keep going.”
Meet Rick
Veteran-Owned. Service-Driven. Grounded in Experience.
Rick Buteau brings a lifetime of service, leadership, and real-world human understanding to Legacy Acres.
He served over 13 years in the United States Army as a Behavioral Science Specialist (Mental Health), providing psychiatric support, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care to military personnel.
His service was recognized with multiple commendations, including:
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Army Commendation Medal
- Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award)
- Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award)
After military service, Rick continued working directly with people in complex, high-stakes environments—supporting individuals, families, and communities through mental health, addiction recovery, and life transition challenges.
His civilian work has included:
- adolescent and family mental health services
- corrections programming and reentry support
- substance abuse education and recovery work
- college-level teaching in psychology and human behavior
🎓 Education
- Master of Science in Human Services (Organizational Management & Leadership) — Springfield College
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services (Magna Cum Laude) — Springfield College
- Advanced coursework in Psychology — Columbia College
🇺🇸 Rick’s Perspective
“Real strength is built in the day-to-day—showing up, doing the work, and helping people move forward.”
Veteran-Owned & Operated
Legacy Acres is proudly Veteran-Owned and Operated.
That means this work is built on:
- discipline
- consistency
- service
- and a commitment to doing things the right way—even when it’s harder
Our Philosophy
Everything at Legacy Acres is grounded in a shared belief system shaped by both land and life experience:
🌱 Nature Knows What It’s Doing
We work with natural systems, not against them—whether that’s in growing food, using herbs, or creating products.
🌲 Slowing Down is Part of Healing
Restoration doesn’t happen in urgency. It happens in rhythm, consistency, and connection.
🐓 Real Food & Real Products Matter
From eggs to herbs to mushrooms, quality and process matter—and you can taste the difference.
💛 People Are Not One-Size-Fits-All
Our combined backgrounds in data, mental health, and lived experience reinforce one truth:
there is no single path to healing, growth, or resilience.
What We Offer
🌿 Farmstand & Products
- Fresh eggs (chicken, duck, and seasonal varieties)
- Herbs (fresh and dried)
- Herbal teas and blends
- Mushrooms and seasonal goods
- Honey, beeswax, and handcrafted products
- Salves, balms, and natural preparations
🌲 Nature-Based Experiences
- Forest therapy (sylvotherapy) sessions
- Seasonal workshops and hands-on learning
- Small group and private experiences focused on grounding and connection
📚 Education & Resources
- Practical herbal knowledge
- Homesteading and self-sufficiency skills
- Seasonal living guidance
- Blogging and income stream insights
A Note on Language & Safety
- Products are handcrafted in small batches using traditional methods
- All offerings are intended for educational and wellness support purposes only
- Nothing is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease
- Individual results and experiences will vary
Our Promise
Everything created at Legacy Acres reflects both sides of this partnership:
- knowledge and lived experience
- structure and intuition
- land and life
No shortcuts.
No inflated claims.
Just real work, real learning, and a commitment to building something that lasts.
Rooted in the Land. Built for Real Life.
Legacy Acres at Stearns Brook Farm
Milan, New Hampshire
Visit, Learn, or Follow Along
Explore our offerings, visit the farmstand, or follow along as we continue building—season by season.