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O’HARE GRAZING HERD
Back for their sixth season, the grazing herd is returning to O’Hare this summer. These intrepid, and hungry, animals clear dense vegetation on areas that are difficult to maintain with traditional landscaping equipment, while reducing emissions and minimizing our use of herbicides.
Originally conceived as a pilot projec, the O’Hare grazing herd program is now the longest-running grazing initiative by an airport in the United States. The animals in the herd vary every year and can include sheep, goats, llamas, and donkeys. In addition to sustainably mowing our lawns, these animals eliminate habitat for birds and other wildlife that pose a safety hazard for the airport.
Additional economic, operational and environmental benefits of the grazing herd include:
- Reduced use of heavy equipment, minimizing soil erosion
- Reduced use of lawnmowers, trimmers and weed-eaters that emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants
- Elimination of mowing/landscape debris and transportation of debris to landfills
- Clearance of poison ivy, poison oak and other noxious weeds and invasive species
We’re looking forward to these hard-working members of our seasonal staff returning to O’Hare by the end of May!
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