In the foothills of Northern California, a unique solution has emerged to tackle the wildfire threat posed by invasive plants. Recently, we sat down with “Sheep Captain” Shi Shangying, the manager of Peacock Villa, to discuss their innovative approach of using a flock of sheep as natural lawnmowers.
Shi highlighted the urgent need for action as the frequency of wildfires in California continues to increase. The unmaintained lands owned by the Northern California Fuzhi Foundation posed a significant fire risk. While they initially considered hiring specialized grazing teams, the estimated $40,000 to $50,000 cost for 300 sheep over a six-month period proved to be too high. Fortunately, a nearby rescue operation in Southern California was facing a crisis of its own, with nearly 100 sheep at risk of being sent to slaughter due to a farm closure. Determined volunteers stepped in to save these sheep, and the surplus flock was sent north to aid in fire prevention efforts.
“Originally, we planned to hire the sheep, but now they are part of our community,” Shi shared, emphasizing the mutual benefits of this unexpected collaboration. Since starting the initiative in November 2023, Shi and her team faced numerous challenges, especially as many volunteers lacked experience in livestock management. Early on, there were concerns about whether the electric fences could adequately contain the flock, prompting careful testing before the sheep were introduced.
“Starting from scratch was daunting,” Shi acknowledged. “But our volunteers adapted quickly. I even had to raise the fences to protect the sheep from mountain lions while weathering winter storms that damaged our shelters.” The commitment within the team was evident, with everyone, including the Foundation’s executive director, pitching in for daily tasks.
Throughout this journey, Shi dedicated countless hours to her newfound passion, often putting her own needs aside. “There were days I strained my back moving the sheep or had to clean my SUV after taking a sick one to the vet,” she recounted. “Being a bit of a neat freak, letting go of that was a big hurdle for me.”
Over the past year, Shi has transformed from a novice into a proficient shepherdess, learning to administer medication and handle IVs and subcutaneous injections with confidence. “When faced with difficulties, I realized there’s always a way to overcome obstacles,” she reflected.
Part of their routine involves rotating the sheep to new grazing areas every three weeks. Shi has adapted by clearing brush and handling surprises like rattlesnakes and poison oak along the way. “At first, I was terrified of the rattlesnakes,” she admitted. “But I realized that meaningful work is worth any fear I might have.”
Through her research, Shi empowered herself and her volunteers with knowledge about the dangers posed by the environment, even creating guides on identifying poison oak to ensure everyone’s safety.
Graduating from Tsinghua University with a degree in electrical engineering and now working as an engineer in Silicon Valley, Shi recently shared her remarkable dual journey with her classmates. They were astounded to learn about her life as a shepherd. “In Buddhism, there’s a belief in karma—that good deeds lead to good outcomes. It feels rewarding to help the sheep—our fortunate flock—in their role to prevent wildfires,” she expressed, capturing the essence of her unique experience that beautifully blends technology with nature conservation.
