About The Creator Of The Heartwood Path
Don Pierce Charts A Course In Human Happiness and Ecological Durability
I spent nearly my whole life working to protect the environment. After decades of work as a professional environmentalist, I concluded that a new approach—one focused on the environmentalist and not just the environment—was needed.
When famed conservationist David Brower asked me to write “a piece” to show environmentalists how to persevere, the result was a series of books that are intended to be good for both environmentalists and anyone seeking happiness and the preservation of nature. This series—the Heartwood Path—helps people to develop spiritually, helps people discover the benefits of communing with nature, and helps people find the abundant, abiding, and authentic happiness that comes from helping others, including natural beings.
I formed my first environmental group—a tree planting club—when I was nine. After that, I was president of both y high school and college environmental organizations. After a few years as a professional river conservationist, I was hired by Brower to be the Midwest Representative of Friends of the Earth. I led numerous conservation groups, including the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club. I was a governor-appointed member of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, a Master’s Degree in political science, and Master’s Degree in social work. When I was not working to protect the environment or guiding people down the Heartwood Path, I worked as a qualified life coach and mental health practitioner—serving those who needed his care—including those who are young, aged, mentally ill, or mentally disabled.
Having finished my doctorate in eco-psychology, I divide my time between Santa Barbara, California and St. Louis, Missouri. I am a professional drummer, an avid canoeist, and a photographer. I love to walk in nature. I have two grown daughters (one, the mother of three in Missouri and another, a mother of two, in California.