Former state conservationist Pete Heard recently released a book, “Out of the Earth: A Memoir,” which features highlights from his 52-year career and his achievements during the modern conservation movement.
“I’m hoping that this book will get more people interested in protecting and utilizing our natural resources for sustainability for generations in the future,” said Heard, who is a Holmes County native.
Heard said Psalm 104:10-14 inspired the title for his book.
“It talks about providing food ‘out of the earth’ for man,” said Heard. “The whole idea of providing food — that’s what sustains us. So we need to take care of the earth. That was my intention for this book.”
Heard, who is now retired and resides in Brandon with his wife, Myrna, has had a love of wildlife and the outdoors since he was child growing up in Holmes County. It was passed down to him from his father, who was an avid hunter and fisherman.
“It was just almost imprinted on me,” said Heard. “I was just amazed by the outdoors, and a lot of that came my father.”
Heard’s book includes information about his family, memories of his childhood and what led to his first job in the conservation field as the Holmes County deputy game warden.
Heard left his job as deputy game warden to get in his service for the Army before heading to college. After his service, Heard attended Louisiana State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry and a Master of Science degree in game management.
He began his career with the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission. Heard served as a conservation officer and later as a wildlife biologist before joining the Natural Resources Conservation Service at the United States Department of Agriculture. He served in the USDA’s Florida and Caribbean offices, as liaison to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region IV, Mississippi’s state conservationist and on the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s National Wetlands Training Team.
Heard’s book talks about different aspects of his career, from wildlife to his projects and assignments to conservation politics. He also provides his own thoughts and professional opinions and several anecdotes that keep readers — even those not familiar with conservation efforts — interested. He also includes pictures from his childhood and throughout his career.
Heard has received more than 45 performance awards, including the USDA Honor Award for Excellence and being inducted into the LSU Hall of Fame.
He has been recognized as a role model for natural resource professionals and a national conservation leader.
Heard has also given testimony before the U.S. Congress on wildlife management issues, including the debate over the Conservation Title of the Farm Bill.
“I feel like I’ve made progress in moving conservation forward,” said Heard.
With “Out of the Earth,” Heard continues that progress.
“I hope this book will get people interested in conservation,” said Heard. “I hope the readers will get an understanding of the importance of conservation as related to the environment and ability to produce food for society.”
Heard will be at Turnrow Book Co. at 5 p.m. on Saturday to sign copies of his book.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
