Is there a quicker way to ruin a peaceful morning than the sound of lawnmowers roaring and leaf blowers buzzing at 8 a.m.?
For residents near Vermont’s Jay Peak Ski Resort, that’s no longer a problem. The resort has swapped out noisy landscaping crews for a flock of goats and sheep that now maintain its ski slopes during the warmer months.
Affectionately known as the “Chew Crew,” this 150-member team of grazing specialists keeps the resort’s vegetation neatly trimmed while offering a host of environmental benefits. Their munching helps control erosion, reduces fossil fuel consumption, and naturally spreads seeds—all while working quietly, aside from a few cheerful bleats.
Normally, resort staff spend months mowing and clearing the slopes to prepare for ski season. This year, Jay Peak turned its 385-acre mountain over to its four-legged landscapers—a decision management says was an easy one.
The animals come from Cloud Brook Grazing, a small farm about 65 miles north of Jay Peak. To manage the herd, the Vermont Agritech Institute has implemented an advanced digital fencing system that creates virtual boundaries around each slope. This keeps the goats safely contained and prevents them from overgrazing.
Currently in a trial phase, the project covers about 25 acres, overseen by Agritech staff and Helios, the farm’s hardworking shepherd dog. If the test run succeeds, the program will expand next year to cover more of the resort’s terrain.
“The goats are great with woody plants and goldenrod, while the sheep handle the grasses,” explained Adam Ricci, owner of Cloud Brook Grazing, in an interview with Vermont Public Radio. “Together, they make a perfect team.”
Each animal wears a collar that emits a high-pitched sound if they approach a boundary. If they continue past it, they receive a gentle electric pulse—nothing harmful, but enough to steer them back.
In addition to their eco-friendly mowing, the Chew Crew helps eliminate the need for chemical herbicides. “It’s a win for the environment,” said Andy Stenger, Jay Peak’s director of mountain operations. “And we didn’t need much convincing to give it a try.”
Dan Smith, executive director of the Agritech Institute and a longtime Jay Peak skier, was equally enthusiastic.
Meanwhile, the goats and sheep seem more than content, happily grazing under the mountain sun and clearing away blackberry, poison oak, and other tough plants—proving that sometimes the best landscapers come with hooves instead of hands.