Governors Island puts sheep baaaack to work clearing invasive plants

GOVERNORS ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) – Five sheep have traveled from upstate to save Governors Island – from invasive plant species. 

The sheep, named Chad, Evening, Philip Aries, Bowie and Jupiter, have cleared out over 14 acres of invasive plants in four years, according to the Trust for Governors Island. They returned this week to munch on more plants that overcrowd and threaten other species, like mugwort, bindweed and phragmites, according to the trust. 

And sheep are just the animals for the job, considering they will leave the tree bark alone. And, they’re a way more sustainable option than fossil fuel-powered tools or herbicides. 

“Our flock is happy to be back at work in Hammock Grove,” said Kim Tateo, Executive Director Friends of Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm, where the sheep are visiting from. “It has been incredible to witness how, over the past four years, the sheep have been able to improve the plant diversity in Hammock Grove.”

A sheep at Governors Island on June 2, 2023. (Julienne Schaer via The Trust for Governors Island)

Sheep grazing Governors Island on June 4, 2023. (Julienne Schaer via The Trust for Governors Island)

With the sheep munching away, Governors Island’s horticulture team has far more time to focus on tasks like landscaping new pathways in Hammock Grove, according to the trust. 

Want to meet the hard-working and hungry sheep? Members of the public can participate in a live sheep herding, wool activities, and Q&As with the shepherds throughout the sheep-grazing season. Dates for the events will be announced on the Trust for Governors Island’s website. 

“We encourage New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world to take a quick ferry ride to Governors Island, see the sheep in action,” said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island.