Our sheep recently demonstrated their abilities for the upcoming
North American Agroforestry Conference. They're progress can be seen on River Road by East Campus village. Students and faculty loved to see these friendly animals perusing the woodlands next to the Oconee River. This area was dense with privet and all sorts of ivy. As you can see, these hungry mammals really did open up the area. (See last photo)
In this circumstance, heavy machinery or herbicides were completely unacceptable. Neighboring the river, this is considered a riparian zone. These areas are critical to maintaining our water quality and protecting the biodiversity of the river. Using herbicides in such an area could result in dangerous runoff threatening any person or animal who makes use of this important river. Heavy machinery also has the potential to cause great runoff and damage to the crucial root systems that prevent erosion. Not to mention expensive!
Here's the famous sheep herding K9: Jesse, checking out all the fine work his sheep companions did in reclaiming the forest for the trees.
Our sheep came to the rescue and in a couple weeks turned what looked like a 'jungly' brushy mess into an open inviting forest. They'll be back at the end of April for a second round. Come see for yourself!
Our sheep recently demonstrated their abilities for the upcoming North American Agroforestry Conference. They're progress can be seen on River Road by East Campus village. Students and faculty loved to see these friendly animals perusing the woodlands next to the Oconee River. This area was dense with privet and all sorts of ivy. As you can see, these hungry mammals really did open up the area. (See last photo)
