Gorgeous sheep have been preserving Governors Island's environment, yet this upcoming summer marks their final tenure.
Hello there fellow New Yorkers!
Get ready to bid farewell to a unique group of friends this summer, as the house sheep of Governors Island are gracing us with their presence once again - alas, this is their final hurrah! The decades-old, furry landscaping squad has been roaming the island since 2021, and this season marks their last stand.
The quintet of intriguingly named sheep - Evening, Chad, Philip Aries, Bowie, and Jupiter - have been hard at work munching on invasive plant species like phragmites, bindweed, and mugwort. Since their debut, they've devoured around 15 acres of these pesky invaders, not to mention a whopping 8.26 acres in their first year alone! Their tireless efforts have freed up valuable time for the horticulture team, who can now focus on enhancing the island with captivating new paths in the Hammock Grove for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to saving human labor, these wooly workers have significantly improved the island's ecosystem. These colleagues hail from the Friends of Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm in Albany, and over the years, the horticulture team has grown quite fond of their personalities. Did you know that our female sheep seems to wear the pants in this group of four males? It's a sight to behold!
In honor of their final season, various events will be held in partnership with the Friends of Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm, allowing you to part ways with these hardworking inhabitants.
But wait - the fun doesn't stop there! If you're looking for an unforgettable camping experience under the stars, why not give a shout to the island's shoreline this summer? Plus, there's plenty more to explore on the island, like the Governors Island Urban Farm, historic monuments, and the captivating Lavender Field.
Don't miss this golden opportunity to bid adieu to the fluffy trailblazers of Governors Island. Stay updated on all sheep-related events here.
Notice:
- The sheep program on Governors Island will be wrapping up this year as we've reached its fifth and final season [1][5].
- The flock consists of five sheep - Evening, Chad, Philip Aries, Bowie, and Jupiter [1].
- The sheep work tirelessly, eating invasive plant species to help maintain the island's ecosystem [1].
- Over the years, the sheep have consumed approximately 15 acres of invasive plants, freeing up human resources for other tasks [1].
- As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, various events will be held on Governors Island in collaboration with the Friends of Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm [2][4].
- There are occasional public programs featuring the sheep, including live sheep herding, Q&A sessions with shepherds, and hands-on wool activities. Dates will be announced on the island's platform [3].
- In honor of the ending fifth and final season of the unique sheep program on Governors Island, consider attending environmental science-oriented events that allow you to interact with these hardworking fluffy friends.
- By attending the events on Governors Island related to the environmental-science project of the sheep, you can enhance your lifestyle by understanding their role in maintaining the ecosystem and perhaps even engage in home-and-garden related activities such as hands-on wool activities.
