INTERNEWSTIMES.COM – Cities across the country are embracing a new, woolly solution to urban landscaping challenges: sheep. From grazing along the Cumberland River in Nashville to helping prevent wildfires in Santa Barbara, these four-legged grazers are proving to be an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.
In Nashville, the “Nashville Chew Crew” has been hired by the city’s parks department to maintain Fort Negley, a historic Civil War-era fortification. The sheep’s grazing helps control weeds and maintain the site’s natural beauty. The city has also expanded the program to include 150 acres of city property, showcasing the versatility of these furry landscapers.
Santa Barbara has been using grazing sheep for seven years to manage land buffers that help prevent the spread of wildfires. The city’s residents have embraced the program, finding it both effective and a charming way to engage with nature. The sheep’s grazing creates a “broken up vegetation” effect, which can significantly slow the progress of wildfires, giving firefighters a better chance to contain the blaze.
The trend of using sheep and goats for urban landscaping is not limited to parks and open spaces. The University of Georgia, for example, has employed a herd of goats to tackle an invasive privet problem on campus. The goats’ natural grazing habits helped to eliminate the invasive species without the use of harmful chemicals or heavy machinery.
As cities continue to search for more sustainable and eco-friendly ways to manage their landscapes, sheep and goats are proving to be a valuable and popular solution. Their ability to control invasive species, reduce wildfire risk, and maintain historic sites is making them a trendy and effective addition to the urban landscape. (Red)
