🐑 Northaven TAILS 🐐
Current target start date is Monday, October 6. But this may change, so please check back.
Live Flock Finder
About the Project
Every spring and summer, the Northaven Trail bursts into color with native wildflowers — but getting those blooms to grow takes more than seeds and sunshine. It requires clearing dense thatch, loosening the soil, and giving seeds a chance to settle in. This year, we’re doing it the natural way — with goats and sheep.
Northaven TAILS is a joyful, sustainable pilot project using goats and sheep to graze our no-mow wildflower zones instead of relying on mowers or herbicides. By rotating through designated areas along the trail, the flock helps prepare the ground for native reseeding while building healthy soil and supporting local biodiversity.
It’s a win for wildflowers. A win for wildlife. And a uniquely fun experience for the 30,000+ trail users who walk, bike, run, and stroll here every month.
We’re proud to be one of the first trails in Texas to try targeted grazing in an urban environment — and we’re inviting you to be part of it. Whether you’re watching the flock roll through your neighborhood, sharing photos online, or donating to support the effort, your participation helps make this innovative restoration project a community celebration.
Trail Etiquette During Grazing
✅ DO
Enjoy the view! Take photos, share on social, and tag us @northaventrail.
Stay on the trail. The goats and sheep are hard at work in designated grazing zones — admire them from a safe distance. There is a difference between working herds and a petting zoo; this herd is not for handling.
Keep dogs leashed at all times. Even the most polite pups can spook goats and sheep.
Respect the fencing. It’s there to protect the flock — please don’t reach over or attempt to touch the animals without talking to the shepherds first.
Ask questions! Scan our signs or visit our site to learn more about how grazing helps native wildflowers thrive.
❌ DON’T
Don’t touch the herd or get too close as this can cause them to stop working or become frightened.
Don’t touch the electric fence and keep your dogs away from it as well.
Don’t enter or lean on the enclosures — goats and sheep need space to stay calm and focused.
Don’t feed the goats or sheep — they’re on a special wildflower-friendly diet.
Don’t touch or feed the dogs. They are there to work.
Don’t use loud noises, whistles, or horns near the grazing zones.
Don’t let children or pets climb fences or chase animals.
🐑 A Peaceful Flock is a Happy Flock 🐐
The goats and sheep are part of a natural, low-impact approach to trail maintenance that supports native habitat and brings joy to the community. With your help, we can keep this a safe and successful project for everyone — including our woolly workers!
Have a concern or question while on the trail? Look for signs posted near each grazing zone with contact info for our team.
Meet the Stars
Our herds are a carefully selected mix of goats and sheep, each chosen for their strengths in vegetation management:
Dorper & Katahdin Sheep – Hair sheep breeds that thrive in diverse environments. They graze grasses and low-growing vegetation, complementing the goats’ browsing patterns for balanced and thorough land clearing.
Spanish Goats – Hardy and well-adapted to rugged terrain, ideal for clearing thick brush and woody plants.
Boer Goats – Larger in size with strong appetites, effective for clearing large areas quickly.
Alpine Goats – Agile and excellent climbers, able to access steep or rocky terrain.
Herding Dogs
The herd is protected by a trained Border Collie. Please do not touch or feed it. The dog is a full-time working partner, and staying focused is critical to its safety and performance.
Herders
Our herders are dedicated professionals with a lifetime of livestock experience and about 20 years of one-on-one herd management on average. While out on the trail, they:
Monitor the animals’ health and nutrition, recognizing when supplements are needed.
Understand which plants are unsafe for the herd.
Determine when an area has been fully grazed and move the herd to fresh vegetation.
Stay ahead of the animals by setting fencing and preparing the next clearing zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every fall, we reseed over 51 no-mow pollinator zones along the Northaven Trail with native wildflowers. In the past, this meant mowing down existing vegetation to prepare the soil. This year, we’re using goats and sheep instead of machines to naturally graze the overgrowth, reduce thatch, and fertilize the soil — all while delighting trail visitors with a truly unique experience.
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Goats and sheep graze on vegetation that would otherwise block light and trap seeds in a thick thatch layer. Their hooves help press seeds into the soil, improving contact and germination. Plus, their digestive process naturally scarifies seeds and returns nutrients to the soil in the form of manure.
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The goats and sheep will be on the trail in October 2025, rotating between 51 no-mow zones between US-75 and Webb Chapel. A live map will be available on our website so visitors can track their location in real time.
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We’re partnering with a professional grazing contractor to manage a flock of 450 goats and sheep. The animals will be safely enclosed and cared for at all times by experienced herders who monitor their health and behavior.
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No. The goats and sheep are confined to specific no-mow zones with secure fencing. They will only access the trail briefly when migrating between no-mow zones. The team managing the flock ensures they stay within designated areas.
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In addition to improving native habitat, the project supports local biodiversity, engages the community, and reduces reliance on gas-powered mowers. It’s a fun, educational way to connect people to nature and sustainable land practices.
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We’re taking every precaution to ensure the project is respectful to nearby residents. Grazing zones will not touch private fences or enter residential yards, and sheep will not graze early in the morning or late at night. Please email us at trails@northaventrail.org if you have any questions or concerns.
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Yes! We encourage trail users to come observe the goats and sheep — it’s a unique and family-friendly experience. The flock is monitored 24/7 by trained staff and protected by secure fencing. Per Dallas City Ordinances, all dogs must remain leashed.
We do ask that you please keep dogs away from the grazing zones. -
Donations help cover the cost of herding, fencing, signage, and logistics. You can donate online through our #GiveToTheGraze campaign — every gift helps us bring back the blooms in a sustainable, joyful way.
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The goats and sheep will be out grazing each day from 7a.m. to 7p.m. We have done our best to forecast the dates the sheep will be at each no-mow zone in the map above. Just click on the no-mow zone flower icon to see our estimated dates.
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A herd can cover about 1.5 to 6.0 acres a day depending on the weather conditions..
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Of Course! Please feel free to contact us at tails@northaventrail.org for details.
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The goats and sheep are all locally owned. Because our project is so big, we are actually sourcing goats and sheep from XX different ranchers from the North Texas region. #SupportLocalRanchers
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The fact that the goats and sheep are gathered together in such a large herd is generally a strong enough deterrent to keep coyotes away. Additionally, the entire herd is enclosed behind a mesh electric fence, which not only keeps the herd on the inside but also prevents coyotes and stray dogs from entering the area. Furthermore, if those protective measures are not sufficient, the herd is closely watched over by two trained guard dogs and two experienced shepherds who ensure the safety and well-being of the animals at all times.