Frequently Asked Questions
Answers for trail users, neighbors, families, schools, dog walkers, and anyone curious about managed grazing.
About the project
Why are there goats and sheep on the Northaven Trail?
They help prepare no-mow pollinator zones for native wildflower reseeding by grazing overgrowth and reducing thatch.
How do goats and sheep help wildflowers grow?
They clear vegetation that blocks light and seed-to-soil contact. Their grazing and movement help prepare the ground for reseeding.
Why not just mow the area?
Mowing can leave behind dense thatch. Grazing helps open the area, reduce plant material, and support better conditions for native reseeding.
Does grazing replace volunteers or professional crews?
No. Grazing is one tool in a larger habitat restoration effort that also includes volunteers, professional crews, mowing, planting, seeding, and ongoing maintenance.
Finding the flock
When and where will the herd be on the trail?
The herd rotates through no-mow zones along the trail. Use the live map and grazing schedule for the latest estimate.
How long will the herd stay in one area?
Timing depends on vegetation, weather, herd movement, and site conditions. The map and schedule provide the best current estimate.
Will the trail be closed?
The trail itself is not expected to close. It may be briefly paused when the herd is moved between zones.
Visiting safely
Can I come see the goats and sheep?
Yes. Please observe from a safe distance, keep dogs leashed, and follow all posted signs and herder instructions.
Can I pet or feed the animals?
No. Please do not touch, feed, chase, or crowd the animals. This keeps the herd calm and protects both visitors and livestock.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but dogs must stay leashed and away from the fencing. Please keep dogs calm and under control near the herd.
Is the electric fence dangerous?
The fence is designed as a deterrent and may deliver an unpleasant shock. Please keep children and pets away from it.
Who manages the animals?
Professional herders monitor the animals, fencing, grazing zones, and daily movement of the herd.
Getting involved
How can schools or groups schedule visits?
Email tails@northaventrail.org for group visit details.
How can I support the project?
Donate to Give to the Graze to help pay for herding, fencing, signs, restoration work, and project logistics — or put your name on the trail by sponsoring a grazing area for the season.
Sponsoring a grazing area
Can I sponsor a grazing area?
Yes — businesses, organizations, families, and individuals can put their name on a grazing area for the season, starting at $500. Sponsors get a yard sign at their area, a listing on the sponsor page, and a dedicated page for their zone with their name (and logo and website link for businesses).
Is a sponsorship tax-deductible?
Yes. Friends of Northaven Trail, Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 27-2405143) under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
When do sponsor signs go up?
Yard signs are installed before the herd starts grazing and stay up through the end of the program — for this season, early October through the end of October.
Can I sponsor anonymously?
Yes. Anonymous sponsors are recognized as "Anonymous Donor" on the sign and zone page.
Still have a question?
Email the project team at tails@northaventrail.org.