Sheep Returning To Decatur Cemetery

DECATUR, GA -- A herd of sheep will be making its return to Decatur Cemetery soon to help keep invasive plants in check.

The sheep, from Trees Atlanta, will be brought back June 18.

According to a blog post from the city, the sheep help control Japanese hops, kudzu and other invasive plants at the cemetery -- particularly on the steep slop near the creek on the cemetery property.

Trees Atlanta led a recent woodland restoration effort in the stream corridor, on the east side of the cemetery.

The sheep in this program are protected by a human shepherd and livestock guardian dogs. Their work sites are surrounded by solar powered, low-voltage electrified fencing to keep the sheep safe and on task.

Their work at the cemetery is expected to take 7-10 days.

Trees Atlanta has used sheep to help eradicate invasive plants at Decatur Cemetery, the Atlanta Beltline, Chastain Park, Kirkwood Forest, Morningside Nature Preserve, Candler Park, Herbert Green Nature Preserve, Perkerson Park and other green spaces in metro Atlanta.

The sheep are provided by Ewe-niversally Green, a local firm that specializes in environmentally sound conservation techniques.

For more information about Trees Atlanta and Ewe-niversally Green, see www.treesatlanta.org and www.eweniversallygreen.com.

(Photo courtesy City of Decatur)