09/24/2026
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Visit all 175 National Forests and Grasslands. ✅
Explore 417 out of 433 National Parks. ✅
Dedicate 33 years to protecting natural resources with the U.S. Forest Service. ✅
David, a 1976 Unity graduate, earned his B.S. in Forest Management and didn't hesitate to start putting his skills to use right away. David started working at the Green Mountain National Forest and continued his career with the U.S. Forest Service for the next 33 years. As a self-described "Nuts and Bolts" kind of guy, David found his place at Unity, with their hands-on education style being the thing he was searching for.
Through the intensive mini terms under Henry Hatch and Gerry Cinnamon, David was able to learn blacksmithing, how to drive skid steers, work with horses and how to work in the logging industry. These lessons took him across Maine, including studying geology in Acadia National Park. While our academics have evolved and grown over the years, our course philosophy hasn't shifted. At Unity, the experiential, hands-on education is and will remain at the foundation of everything we do.
Now retired but still keeping busy, at 77 years old, David is spreading his love for the forest and education to as many people as he can. He leads nature and foliage tours, works as a local historian, volunteers in conservation, and continues to enroll in new classes.
"Try to get as much experience as you can in a variety of fields. Work on these different experiences and take internships wherever you can. Never stop learning and always devote 2% of your income to continuing education."
How many National Parks or Forests have you checked off your list so far? Drop your count in the comments, and leave a 🌲 to congratulate this amazing alum! 👇
You can read more about David's story by clicking this link -> https://unity.edu/unity-stories/david-govatski-76/