Sheep and Goats Bring Green Touch to Jay Peak

Quick Smiles:

• Jay Peak Resort swaps loud machinery for a peaceful flock of sheep and goats to manage summer vegetation.
• The Chew Crew keeps slopes tidy, reduces fossil fuel use, and helps the environment.
• A digital fencing system and trusty shepherd dog Helios keep the flock on task.

Jay Peak Ski Resort in Vermont has found a serene and sustainable solution to maintaining its slopes.

They employ a lively team of sheep and goats during the summer.

The Chew Crew delights neighbors and visitors, quietly trimming overgrowth, preventing erosion, and promoting healthy plant growth—all while replacing noisy, fuel-powered machines.

These 150 animals are provided by Cloud Brook Grazing.

They work under the supervision of digital fencing and a watchful shepherd dog, ensuring they stay on their designated areas without disrupting wildlife or wandering astray.

Mixing goats and sheep means every type of plant is controlled, from trees and brush to grasses, making the slopes ready for winter.

Adam Ricci, owner of Cloud Brook Grazing, shared in a radio interview:

“The goats are great at the trees and the goldenrod and the other types of brush, but the sheep really do well with the grasses,”

“So by mixing the two together, we get everything covered pretty well.”

Choosing four-legged landscapers also lets the resort avoid pesticides and supports a healthier ecosystem.

Andy Stenger, director of mountain operations at Jay Peak, warmly noted:

“It’s good for the environment. And it didn’t take a lot of convincing for us to hop on board with it.”

The Chew Crew appears to enjoy every moment as they graze under the summer sunshine, offering a refreshing model for eco-friendly landscaping.

If successful, Jay Peak hopes to expand this compassionate approach next year, bringing even more natural beauty to its beloved slopes.

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