It’s a process of reversing damage inadvertently caused in the building of the railroad, and of restoring natural function to the area, said Coastside Land Trust Executive Director Jo Chamberlain. She explained that originally the land adapted for grazing species such as deer, but when the railroad was being built, soil was brought in to level and maintain the railroad grade. With it came invasive plant species like bristly ox tongue, which took over. The sheep are grazers, Chamberlain said, that tend to forage through low-growing greenery. The goats are browsers, reaching for the taller invasive weeds including bristly ox tongue. That’s a favorite for them, she said. “They’re delighted” with the menu of weeds and invasive grasses, she said, watching the white muzzles munching away.

In time, and through a natural process of land stewardship involving hiring herds of animals once a year, the balance of nature will be restored, said trust Administrative Assistant Eric Rutledge. Thanks to the four-legged work crews, “we’re seeing less invasive plants such as the bristly ox tongue and more native grasses,” he said. “We’re creating a better environment for native plants. It’s very exciting.” Besides, the manure fertilizes the land. And, he added, it’s just plain fun to watch the sheep clearing the land and the herder at work. “It’s exciting to watch the goats and sheep herded into a new location,” he said.

Rojas, who came from Los Banos to do the herding, set up fencing, which would be electrified, to contain the animals and ensure public safety, which Rutledge said was paramount. Rojas’ border collies worked with him in smooth synchronization, driving sheep and goats left or right at his command. “They’re very, very well-behaved,” he said.“This is a lot more effective for the plants than mowing. It’s real good for the vegetation,” said Star Creek owner Pete Pulis, as he stood smilingly watching the herd drift, chomping, through the field. “They never cease to amaze me.”

He wasn’t the only one observing. A crowd of curious Coastsiders, many with cameras and cell phones fixed on the spectacle, watched too. Neighbors who lived in the immediate area donated water for the 100-gallon tanks set up for the sheep and goats. “They’ve been so generous and supportive of the work, and having the animals here,” said Chamberlain. “It’s the busiest this corner has ever been,” said resident Steve Ruddock with a grin. Since the animals were not bound by business hours, the work would continue until finished.“It’s a 24-hour eating operation,” said Chamberlain.

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