Governing Island's ecosystem received a helping hand from these lovable sheep, yet their presence is slated to end this summer.
Not Your Average Summer on Governors Island Ending Soon!
Are you ready to wave goodbye to some unlikely friends? Every summer, NYC residents make a beeline for Governors Island, not just for the fun, but to hang out with a special group of sheep. But this year, we're saying our last "baaa-bye" as it's announced that this will be the final season of the woolly crew.
For the past few years, the Governors Island Trust has been introducing a flock of sheep to create a natural landscaping team. Consisting of five characters - Evening, Chad, Philip Aries, Bowie, and Jupiter - they've been munching their way through the island's grounds, devouring invasive plant species like phragmites, bindweed, and mugwort. Since the program started, these insatiable grazers have munched up around 15 acres of invasive plants, with a mighty 8.26 acres in their first year!
Their work hasn't just saved thousands of hours of hard labor for the island's horticulture team, allowing them to concentrate on crucial tasks like building new trails at Hammock Grove for visitors. It's also aided in preserving the island's ecosystem.
The sheep hail from Friends of Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm in Albany, and the Governors Island horticulture team has gotten to know them like the back of their hand over the years. For instance, it's the females who take charge of the herd. And it seems the sheep are quite fond of their job! Last year, they even released a heartfelt statement gushing about returning to Governors Island.
This hardworking herd has certainly earned their rest. The Governors Island Trust has announced that the horticulture team is now adept at recognizing the island's vision, as invasive plants are no longer a concern. Unfortunately, this summer marks not just the 20th anniversary of Governors Island opening to the public, but also the fifth and final season of the sheep on the island.
While there's no official announcement of farewell events for the sheep, it's recommended to keep an eye on the Governors Island website or social media channels for updates. If you're keen to bid the flock a proper farewell, you might catch wind of any public celebrations or visits.
In the meantime, don't miss out on camping under the stars this summer on Governors Island's waterfront!
Stay tuned for more information on sheep-related events by clicking here. Keep your eyes peeled for any updates about the final season of these beloved wooly workers!
- As the final season of the sheep herders winds down on Governors Island, perhaps it's time to consider embracing a new environmental project, such as researching alternative ways to manage invasive plants in your home-and-garden.
- In light of the upcoming change in lifestyle with the departure of the Governors Island sheep, one may wish to explore the field of environmental-science, to contribute to the preservation of the island's ecosystem and other similar initiatives in the future.
