The pilot project demonstrates how natural invasive species control methods can replace chemical herbicides while providing long-term environmental benefits.
A flock of 50 sheep and a dozen goats have begun a natural cleanup mission at Carpenter Preserve in Neenah, Wisconsin. The animals are eating invasive plants that threaten the local ecosystem, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical herbicides as part of emerging natural invasive species control methods.
The city launched this pilot project after recognizing the need for safer methods to control unwanted vegetation. Mike Kading, Neenah’s Parks and Recreation director, explained that officials want to test this approach before expanding it to other areas.
Invasive species are plants that don’t belong in their current environment. These foreign plants grow aggressively and steal resources from native species that local wildlife depends on for survival. Without control, invasive plants can completely take over natural areas and destroy local ecosystems.
The grazing animals come from two local businesses: Wooly Green Grazers and Van Acres Homestead. These companies specialize in using livestock to manage unwanted vegetation naturally and represent a growing trend toward natural invasive species control methods.
The sheep and goats follow a systematic eating pattern that maximizes their effectiveness. Roxie Emunson, co-owner of Wooly Green Grazers, compared their approach to eating dessert first. The sheep start with their favourite plants and work through multiple passes until they clear the entire area.
The animals target specific invasive species at Carpenter Preserve, including buckthorn, teasel, and thistle. These plants have crowded out native vegetation and disrupted the natural balance of the preserve. Sheep handle ground-level vegetation while carefully avoiding native plants that belong in the ecosystem. The goats then tackle taller invasive plants by standing on their hind legs to reach higher vegetation that sheep cannot access.
Research shows that over 90% of invasive plant seeds become nonviable after passing through the animals’ digestive systems. This biological advantage means the animals don’t just remove existing plants – they also prevent future generations from sprouting. Traditional cutting or mowing methods often leave viable seeds that can regrow, requiring repeated treatments.
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Neenah invested over $7,000 in this pilot program, viewing it as a potential long-term solution. City officials plan to continue the service if the initial results prove successful over the next 12 months. Chemical applications typically cost municipalities between $200 to $500 per acre annually, with repeated treatments needed every growing season. The natural grazing method costs approximately $300 per acre initially but can provide ongoing control for multiple seasons without additional chemical purchases.
Environmental remediation costs from herbicide runoff can add thousands of dollars to municipal budgets when contamination affects water supplies or protected wetlands. Natural invasive species control methods eliminate these potential liability costs entirely.
The pilot project includes specific measurable goals: achieving a 75% reduction in target invasive species within six months, preventing seed viability by 90% or more, and maintaining native plant populations at current levels or better. Success will be measured through quarterly vegetation surveys conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Chemical herbicides pose risks to water supplies, soil health, and beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. The grazing method eliminates these environmental concerns while achieving the same vegetation control goals. The animals also provide natural fertilizer as they work, enriching the soil for native plants to reclaim their territory once invasive species are removed.
The grazing service providers must meet specific industry standards to ensure effective and safe vegetation management. Wooly Green Grazers and Van Acres Homestead both maintain certification through the American Sheep Industry Association’s grazing management program. Professional grazing contractors undergo training in plant identification, rotational grazing techniques, and animal health management.
Insurance requirements for commercial grazing operations typically include liability coverage of at least $1 million per incident. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture requires annual health certifications for all animals used in commercial grazing operations, including vaccinations, parasite testing, and veterinary health assessments to prevent disease transmission.
The success of this pilot project could influence land management decisions across Wisconsin and other states facing similar invasive species challenges. These natural invasive species control methods offer a scalable solution that works for various terrain types and invasive plant species. Success in Neenah could demonstrate the viability of this approach for parks, nature preserves, and other public lands.
Results from Carpenter Preserve will help determine whether natural invasive species control methods can replace chemical treatments on a larger scale, potentially revolutionizing municipal land management practices throughout the region. The 12-month evaluation period will track vegetation recovery rates, cost effectiveness compared to chemical alternatives, and environmental impact measurements to provide other municipalities with concrete data for similar programs.
