A herd of sheep is back in Santa Barbara parks this week to help reduce wildfire risk. The City’s Parks and Recreation and Fire Departments are using the animals to graze about 16 acres of open space across Parma Park, Laurel Canyon Park, Franceschi Park, and Hale Park. The grazing removes overgrown grass and brush, creating defensible space between homes and parkland.
Before the sheep arrive, a biologist checks for nesting birds, and fencing is set up to protect sensitive plants like young oak saplings. The City’s Vegetation Management Crew, funded by a CALFIRE grant, will clear areas too delicate for grazing and continue wildfire prevention work in other parks…