At Jay Peak Resort in Vermont, end of summer cleanup looks a bit different.
Instead of gas-powered mowers, the resort brought in a herd of goats and sheep to clear the slopes before ski season.
The so-called “Chew Crew” has been happily munching its way through 25 acres of brush and tall grass, turning a maintenance job into an eco-friendly spectacle.
The benefits go beyond charm. Goats are natural landscapers, tackling invasive plants and tough terrain that machines struggle with.
They fertilize as they graze, leave the soil healthy, and run entirely on renewable energy. The weeds, wildflowers, and sunshine from the hillsides.
By swapping engines for animals, Jay Peak is cutting emissions, noise, and fuel use while keeping the mountainside vibrant. It’s a simple, clever solution that feels right for the times: sustainable, effective, and unexpectedly delightful.
Who doesn’t love a goat?
Sometimes the best tool for the job isn’t new technology at all, it’s a hungry goat with a good attitude.
Images © Copyright Jay Peak Resort. Via Smithsonian Magazine.
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