Sheep Eat Chinese Privet at Field Day Event 2-24-09
Posted by: Kate on 02/26/2009 10:11 AM
Updated by: Kate on 03/16/2009 12:28 PM
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Expires: 01/01/2014 12:00 AM
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 Summary: At the David Henry Hardigree Wildlife Sanctuary just south of Watkinsville, eighty Bluefaced Leicester and Katahdin sheep are hard at work clearing privet and honeysuckle in a demonstration test site on the property.
Quote: "Will they eradicate Kudzu?" - attending participate.
Sheep owner, Jennif Chandler from Shady Brook Farm, LLC, has partnered with the Oconee River RC&D, Fort Valley State University, American Sheep Industry Association and the Natural Resources Conservation Service on this unique project to determine the effects of targeted sheep grazing on some of the southeast’s most undesirable invasive plants.
Although not expected to completely eradicate the woody shrubs in one grazing pass, the project has been designed to explore the feasibility of using sheep as one part of an integrated attack on several types of invasive plants that grow in abundance in the area.
On February 24th, at 10 am to 12 noon, land managers, forest management personnel, cooperative extension and the general public attended the RC&D field day and saw the effects of this project.
The two-hour event took place at the David Henry Wildlife Sanctuary located just 2 miles South of Watkinsville on highway 15. Discussions included: project overview; invasive plants; chemical and mechanical treatments; implementation of the project; project results and a tour of the experimental test sites.
About 90 participants come out to see what a warm, fuzzy and “green” method of weed control sheep can offer. The group first heard talks about invasive plants that exist in the south and the cost associated with eradication. Information was given on which animals are best suited for targeted grazing. Then everyone walked down the road around the lake and to the area where the sheep were grazing. Ms Chandler explained how she was involved with the experimental project and her efforts as a public service.
Project Partners include the following:
American Sheep Industry Association
USDA Forestry Service
Fort Valley State University
Oconee River Soil & Water Conservation District
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Georgia Forestry Commission
Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission
Oconee River Resource Conservation & Development Council (Luther Jones, Director)
The program ran for 2 hours followed by a catered lunch from The Masters Table in Winder and caterer Amanda Skelton.
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