Goats and sheep to replace mowers on Jay Peak trails in VT: Why they're doing it
The animals will graze about 130 acres of ski and Nordic trails throughout September, replacing part of the resort's annual fall mowing operation, according to a community announcement.
Traditionally, Jay Peak mows about 340 acres of trails and glades each September and October, using a crew of 10 seasonal workers with gas-powered trimmers. This year, the resort has contracted a Vermont-based farmer to bring a herd of goats and sheep to handle part of the job.
The animals will be outfitted with radio collars connected to a cellular-powered geofencing system and will rotate through 2-acre sections every two days, grazing the vegetation down to the target height of 6 inches. A trained guard dog will stay with the herd overnight to deter predators.
What is goatscaping?
Goatscaping is a centuries-old technique for natural landscaping that relies on goats' indiscriminate appetite for nearly anything leafy and green. Their hardy stomachs can digest plants other animals cannot, including poison ivy, sumac and other invasive or nuisance growth, without harm. This organic, chemical-free approach is both environmentally friendly and highly effective, making it a sustainable alternative to weed-killing sprays.
'This is as much about exploring better, lower-impact ways to care for the mountain as it is about tradition,' said Andy Stenger, director of mountain and base area operations. 'If the goats and sheep can do the work without heavy fuel use — and without us needing to haul crews up the hill every day — that's a win for us and the mountain.'
While optimistic, the resort acknowledges the experiment comes with unknowns. If the animals don't meet vegetation targets, the mowing crew will resume in October to complete the job. If the pilot succeeds, Jay Peak hopes to expand the grazed acreage in future seasons. Regardless of outcome, the planning for winter 2025-2026 operations will not be impacted by how the trails are ultimately cleared.
The approach offers multiple benefits: reducing fossil fuel consumption, cutting back on noise and emissions during the fall prep season and supporting Vermont agriculture through direct partnerships with local farmers.
The goats and sheep are expected to be on-site for the month of September. Guests and passholders may spot them from select trails, though they will remain within geofenced areas and under supervision at all times.
Jay Peak Resort is a four-season destination in Northern Vermont, located near the Canadian border and about 60 miles north of Burlington. While best known for its snowfall and extensive winter terrain, Jay Peak comes to life in the warmer months with a range of summer activities and facilities.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Jay Peak ski resort trying goats on trails to trim growth, save gas
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