Sheep rescuingly restored the environment on Governors Island, yet their presence is temporary this summer.
XXX Summer Calls for One Last Sheep-tacular Farewell on Governors Island 🐏💔
Hey there, city slickers! Gather 'round for a heart-wrenching update from sunny New York. Each year, our hearts skip a beat when we visit Governors Island to witness those adorable, furball gardening all-stars, but this summer's visit will be bittersweet—it's the last hurrah for our beloved baa-best friends!
The Governors Island Trust has been gracious enough to lend us Sera, Chad, Philip Aries, Bowie, and Jupiter since 2021. These fluffy, invasive-plant-devouring heroes have been clipping, munching, and romping across the island's grounds since. They've helped us clear a whopping 15 acres of pesky phragmites, bindweed, artemisia, and other ugly, invasive critters. Did you know they wiped out an incredible 8.26 acres in their very first year? Talk about a Trojan lamb!
Not only did our four-legged heroes free up countless hours of manual labor for the Governors Island horticulture team, but they also saved the island's environment. With those crazy weed-wolves dealing with the problem, the horticulture team could focus on more vital tasks, like planning the stunning Hammock Grove trails for visitors to enjoy.
As you may have guessed, working alongside our woolly warriors isn't exactly a walk in the park. Or, should we say, a hop on the grass? From the Friends of Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm in Albany, our horticulture heroes have picked up a thing or two about these baaaa-stars over the years. There's a key personality trait to remember: the female is the boss—so watch out, boys! And it's no surprise they've grown to love their New York human-friends just as much as we've loved them. Last year, they even released a heartwarming statement expressing their excitement to rejoin us this summer.
Baaaaaaa, baaaaaa, baaaaaa, baaaaa, baaaaaa!
Although our caprine co-workers gave it their all, once the islands' foliage is under control, there just won't be any more work for them to do. The Governors Island Trust has made the difficult decision to officially disband the sheep gardening program, as their vision for the island's luscious greenery has now been achieved.
Our grief doesn't stop there. The upcoming 20th anniversary of Governors Island's public opening is also set to be the final season for our furry weed-whackers. To honor their outstanding work, Governors Island and Friends of Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm are planning special events to bid a proper adieu to our four-legged heroes.
Want to stay in the loop about all the fur-fun events? Keep an eye on the official event calendar or social media channels! And remember, you can always soak up some stargazing vibes this summer by camping along Governors Island's waterfront 🌟🐸.
X-rated note: No worries, this event is still SFW (safe for work). We never disappoint our shee-per fans! Don't forget to.... baaaa...aaa...aaa... grab your lawn chairs and tissues, folks! 😢🐏💔
As the 20th anniversary of Governors Island's public opening approaches, it also marks the end of the sheep gardening program, a beloved attraction enjoyed by many. To bid farewell to these adorable weed-whackers, there will be special events planned that celebrate their outstanding work in the fashion and beauty of a heartfelt goodbye.
This summer, City slickers can reminisce about past visits as they prepare for the last hurrah of these furry friends, while still enjoying other activities such as camping or food-and-drink experiences in the island's scenic home-and-garden settings.
Those wishing to stay connected to the events surrounding the adieu of these beloved sheep should keep a watchful eye on the event calendar or follow social media channels for updates—just don't forget to pack tissues and lawn chairs for an emotional, yet stylish, goodbye.
