Governing Island's fragile ecosystem was rescued by these adorable woolly creatures, but unfortunately, their stay will end this summer.
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Summertime means one thing for New Yorkers - a trip to Governors Island! And what's the big attraction? The resident sheep, of course! But brace yourself, this is the last hurrah for these fluffy landscapers. Yes, you heard it right, homies, this is their fifth and final season on the island.
Since 2021, the Governors Island Trust has hired these woolly weed warriors to manage the premises. During the summer, our five friends - Evening, Chad, Philip Aries, Bowie, and Jupiter - roam the island's grounds, delighting tourists while munching on invasive plants like Phragmites, bindweed, and sagebrush. In just four years, these herbivorous heroes have chomped down approximately 15 hectares of invading species, with a whopping 8.26 hectares demolished in the first year!
And it's not just the greenery that's benefited - the garden team at Governors Island is now free to focus on more exciting tasks like designing trails for visitors to enjoy in Hammock Grove. Thanks to these sheep, thousands of hours of backbreaking work have been saved!
Now, you might wonder, what's up with the sheep and their team from the Friends of Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm in Albany? They've surely formed bonds with these ovine workers. For instance, the one female among the four males appears to be the boss. And believe me, the sheep have shown their appreciation, too! Last year, they actually signed a joint statement expressing their joy at returning to Governors Island.
But why you ask, why the retirement party for these hardworking, weed-eating pros? The Governors Island Trust explains that the herd's efforts have been so successful that the island no longer needs them. The garden team can now officially realize their dream vision for the space, now that invasive plants are no longer an issue.
Unfortunately, this year marks not only the 20th anniversary of Governors Island opening to the public but also the fifth and final season of the sheep on the island. In collaboration with the Friends of Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm, several events are planned to bid farewell to the herd.
Stay tuned here for all sheep- farewell-related events. And don't forget, this summer you can still camp under the stars at the Governors Island Waterfront!
**Resources:**
- CBS New York
- Guardian
- NYC Parks
- With the upcoming summer, New Yorkers may bid farewell to their beloved sheep, as they complete their final season on Governors Island and transition from managing the premises to a more tranquil lifestyle in a home-and-garden setting.
- As the garden team at Governors Island prepares for a new chapter without the help of their loyal sheep, they will now focus on enhancing the visitor experience, such as designing trails in the Hammock Grove, while enjoying less feverishly busy days dealing with invasive plants.
