Sheep Employed to Manage Grass at Appleton Airport

Key Takeaways

• Appleton Airport resumed sheep grazing July 10, 2025, adding goats to improve vegetation control effectiveness.
• Program saves about $1,000 per season and reduces herbicide use, benefiting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
• The grazing program supports education, community engagement, and serves as a sustainability model for other airports.

Appleton International Airport (ATW) in Wisconsin has taken another step forward in its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. As of July 10, 2025, the airport is once again using a flock of sheep, along with goats, to manage vegetation in the Casaloma Conservancy. This marks the third year of the Sheep Grazing Program, a partnership with Wooly Green Grazers, and reflects a growing trend among regional airports to find eco-friendly solutions for land management.

This update provides a clear summary of what has changed in 2025, who is affected, the effective dates, required actions for stakeholders, and the broader implications for pending and future applications of similar programs. The information below is designed to help readers understand the immediate next steps and the long-term impact of this innovative approach.

What Has Changed in 2025

The most notable change for 2025 is the return and expansion of the Sheep Grazing Program at Appleton International Airport. This year, the airport has not only brought back the sheep from Wooly Green Grazers but has also added goats to the grazing team. The inclusion of goats is expected to improve the effectiveness of vegetation management, as goats are known for their ability to eat a wider variety of plants, including some that sheep may avoid.

The program continues to focus on the Casaloma Conservancy, a protected area next to the airport. The main goals remain the same: control invasive plant species, maintain healthy grass levels, and protect native plants and newly planted trees. However, the addition of goats and the continued refinement of grazing strategies show the airport’s commitment to improving the program each year.

Who Is Affected

Several groups are directly or indirectly affected by the Sheep Grazing Program at Appleton International Airport:

• Airport Management and Staff: Responsible for overseeing the program, working with Wooly Green Grazers, and ensuring that the animals are safe and effective in their roles.
• Wooly Green Grazers: The local company that supplies and manages the sheep and goats, handling animal welfare and the logistics of moving and rotating the flock.
• Local Community: Residents, environmental groups, and visitors to the Casaloma Conservancy benefit from the program’s environmental and educational value.
• Other Regional Airports: Many are watching Appleton’s progress as they consider similar programs for their own sustainability efforts.
• Environmental Stakeholders: Conservationists and ecological experts interested in sustainable land management practices.

Effective Dates

• Program Start: The Sheep Grazing Program began as a pilot in 2022.
• 2025 Update: The current season started in July 2025, marking the third consecutive year of operation.
• Ongoing: The program is expected to continue annually, with possible expansion in future years.

Required Actions

For those involved or interested in the Sheep Grazing Program at Appleton International Airport, the following actions are recommended:

• Airport Staff: Continue to coordinate with Wooly Green Grazers to select grazing areas, set up temporary fencing, and monitor animal health and vegetation progress.
• Wooly Green Grazers: Ensure the welfare of the sheep and goats, manage their rotation through different sections of the conservancy, and provide regular updates to the airport and community.
• Community Members: Respect temporary fencing and posted signs in the Casaloma Conservancy, and take advantage of educational opportunities related to the program.
• Other Airports: Monitor Appleton’s results and consider reaching out to Wooly Green Grazers or similar providers for advice on starting their own grazing programs.
• Environmental Groups: Stay engaged with the airport’s sustainability initiatives and provide feedback or support as appropriate.

Implications for Pending and Future Applications

The continued success of the Sheep Grazing Program at Appleton International Airport has several important implications for similar initiatives, both at ATW and at other airports or public lands:

• Model for Sustainability: Appleton’s approach serves as a model for integrating animal grazing into airport land management, reducing reliance on chemicals and machinery.
• Cost Savings: The program has demonstrated savings of about $1,000 per season compared to traditional mowing or herbicide use, making it attractive for budget-conscious organizations.
• Environmental Benefits: By avoiding herbicides and supporting native plant growth, the program helps protect local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
• Community Engagement: The presence of sheep and goats has proven to be a positive, educational experience for the community, increasing support for the airport’s sustainability efforts.
• Scalability: The program’s success suggests it can be expanded to cover more land or adapted by other airports and public agencies.

Detailed Overview of the Sheep Grazing Program

Program Scope and Purpose

The Sheep Grazing Program at Appleton International Airport is designed to manage vegetation in the Casaloma Conservancy without the use of chemicals. The conservancy is a protected area established as part of the airport’s mitigation efforts for development projects. It focuses on wetland restoration and provides public access for hiking and nature observation.

The main tasks for the sheep and goats include:

• Controlling Invasive Species: Targeting plants like phragmites and buckthorn, which can crowd out native species and disrupt the local ecosystem.
• Maintaining Grass Levels: Keeping grass at a manageable height to reduce fire risk and maintain open habitats for wildlife.
• Protecting Native Plants: Avoiding damage to newly planted trees and native flora that are important for biodiversity.

How the Program Works

The process for implementing the Sheep Grazing Program involves several key steps:

1. Selection of Grazing Areas: Airport staff and Wooly Green Grazers work together to identify which sections of the conservancy need vegetation control.
2. Transport and Setup: Sheep and goats are brought to the site, and temporary fencing is installed to keep them within designated areas.
3. Grazing Rotation: The animals are rotated through different sections to ensure even grazing and prevent overgrazing, which could harm the land.
4. Monitoring: Both airport staff and Wooly Green Grazers regularly check on the animals’ health, the progress of vegetation control, and the overall ecological impact.

This hands-on approach allows for flexibility and quick adjustments if certain areas need more or less attention.

Cost and Efficiency

One of the main reasons Appleton International Airport continues the Sheep Grazing Program is its cost-effectiveness. In previous years, the airport saved about $1,000 per season compared to using traditional mowing equipment or chemical herbicides. These savings come from reduced labor, fuel, and equipment costs, as well as lower expenses for purchasing and applying chemicals.

The use of sheep and goats also means less wear and tear on airport machinery and a smaller carbon footprint, as there is no need for gas-powered mowers or trucks to apply herbicides.

Environmental Impact

The environmental benefits of the Sheep Grazing Program are significant:

• Reduced Chemical Use: By relying on animals instead of herbicides, the airport protects water quality and avoids harming non-target plants and animals.
• Protection of Native Species: Sheep and goats are carefully managed to avoid damaging native plants, allowing them to thrive and support local wildlife.
• Support for Biodiversity: The program creates a more diverse and healthy ecosystem by controlling invasive species and maintaining a mix of grasses and wildflowers.
• Pollinator-Friendly Habitat: The reduction in chemical use and careful grazing helps support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that are essential for healthy ecosystems.

These outcomes align with the airport’s broader sustainability goals, which also include energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects.

Stakeholder Perspectives

The Sheep Grazing Program has received strong support from a variety of stakeholders:

• Airport Management: Abe Weber, Airport Director, and Luke Bettis, Landside Operations Supervisor, have both praised the program for its environmental and operational benefits. They see it as a way to save money while also being good stewards of the land.
• Wooly Green Grazers: The company is proud to partner with the airport and sees the program as a showcase for sustainable land management.
• Community Members: Local residents and environmental groups have given positive feedback, noting that the sheep and goats are both therapeutic and educational. Many families visit the conservancy to observe the animals and learn about sustainable practices.
• Environmental Experts: Conservationists applaud the program for reducing chemical inputs and supporting pollinator-friendly habitats.
• Airport Operations Analysts: Experts note the cost savings, reduced labor, and positive public image generated by the initiative.

Historical Context and Program Development

The Sheep Grazing Program began as a pilot project in 2022. At the time, airport officials were looking for ways to manage the Casaloma Conservancy without relying on chemicals or heavy machinery. The pilot was so successful in controlling invasive species and protecting native plants that the program became an annual event.

Each year, the airport and Wooly Green Grazers have refined their approach, learning which areas need the most attention and how best to rotate the animals for maximum effectiveness. The addition of goats in 2025 is the latest improvement, as goats can eat a wider range of plants and help control species that sheep may avoid.

Integration with Broader Sustainability Initiatives

The Sheep Grazing Program is just one part of Appleton International Airport’s larger sustainability master plan. Other initiatives include:

• Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Installing LED lighting, improving insulation, and upgrading heating and cooling systems.
• Renewable Energy Projects: Exploring solar panels and other renewable energy sources to reduce the airport’s carbon footprint.
• Waste Diversion: Increasing recycling and composting to reduce landfill waste.

By integrating the grazing program with these other efforts, the airport is working toward ambitious targets for energy reduction, renewable energy adoption, and environmental stewardship.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, airport officials are considering expanding the Sheep Grazing Program to cover more areas of the conservancy or even other parts of the airport property. They are also exploring the possibility of increasing the size of the flock in future years.

Other regional airports are watching Appleton’s progress closely, with some considering launching their own grazing programs based on this successful model. The program’s positive results suggest that animal grazing could become a standard practice for sustainable land management at airports and other public facilities.

Immediate Next Steps for Stakeholders

• Airport Staff and Wooly Green Grazers: Continue monitoring the animals and vegetation, adjust grazing rotations as needed, and document results for future planning.
• Community Members: Follow posted guidelines when visiting the conservancy, and participate in educational events or tours if offered.
• Other Airports and Agencies: Reach out to Appleton International Airport or Wooly Green Grazers for advice on starting similar programs, and review the airport’s sustainability master plan for ideas.
• Environmental Groups: Stay engaged with the airport’s initiatives and offer feedback or support for ongoing and future projects.

Additional Resources

For more information about the Sheep Grazing Program and other sustainability initiatives at Appleton International Airport, visit the official airport website. Wooly Green Grazers also shares updates and community engagement opportunities on their social media pages.

For those interested in broader environmental and land management policies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Sustainable Management of Airports page provides authoritative information on best practices and regulatory guidance.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, Appleton International Airport’s Sheep Grazing Program stands out as a practical, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution that benefits the airport, the local community, and the broader ecosystem. The program’s continued success demonstrates the value of creative thinking and strong partnerships in achieving sustainability goals.

By staying informed and involved, all stakeholders can help ensure that the Sheep Grazing Program and similar initiatives continue to grow and deliver positive results for years to come.

Learn Today

Sheep Grazing Program → A method using sheep and goats to manage vegetation by controlling invasive plants without chemicals.
Casaloma Conservancy → A protected natural area adjoining Appleton Airport where grazing helps manage local vegetation sustainably.
Wooly Green Grazers → Local company that supplies and manages the sheep and goats for Appleton Airport’s grazing program.
Invasive Species → Non-native plants like phragmites and buckthorn that threaten native ecosystems and biodiversity.
Sustainability → Practices aiming to protect the environment while meeting present needs without harming future generations.

This Article in a Nutshell

Appleton International Airport’s Sheep Grazing Program returns stronger in 2025, using sheep and goats to control invasive plants. This sustainable method saves costs, supports native flora, and engages the community. It reflects the airport’s growing commitment to eco-friendly land management and inspires similar regional initiatives.
— By VisaVerge.com