Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport has become the first major hub to test a living lawn mower, enlisting a small herd of barnyard animals to trim the grass around runways and terminals. The operation aims to reduce fuel use, lower noise, and cut emissions by letting nature do part of the job. Officials describe it as a pilot project meant to complement traditional groundskeeping rather than replace it. The program also serves as a quiet demonstration of how landscapes on busy airfields can be managed with ecological methods. While some eyes roll at the idea of livestock on airport property, the approach fits with O’Hare’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and community education. In time, travelers may notice the animals working during off-peak hours in designated zones, while aircraft operations continue unaffected. The move has drawn interest from other airports exploring low-impact maintenance options, though O’Hare is among the early adopters to organize a structured animal-powered mowing setup, according to the City of Chicago Department of Aviation.
In a secluded corner of the grounds, a varied crew of goats, sheep, llamas, and wild burros are tasked with keeping the grass in check. Goats nibble on steep or rocky edges where machinery would be difficult, sheep graze broad, open fields, and llamas together with burros patrol the outer zones to deter predators and keep the herd aligned. The animals move steadily, guided by a licensed herder who stays with them during shifts, ensuring they never wander beyond safe boundaries. The setup is designed to minimize disruption to flight crews while offering a visible example of practical, nature-informed lawn care in action.
O’Hare’s green record already includes acres of green roofs and a range of water-saving and energy-efficient measures. The animal mowing project sits alongside these efforts as a real-world test of whether grazing can reduce maintenance costs and carbon output on an active airfield. Advocates point to quieter groundskeeping, lower fuel use, and the chance to restore native habitats along runways. Critics raise concerns about safety and animal welfare, but organizers emphasize strict protocols, regular checks, and monitoring by trained handlers. The initiative also serves an educational purpose, inviting visitors to see how ecosystems can be integrated into large-scale operations without compromising safety or efficiency.
Project Herd is the name given to this program. A professional herder oversees the animals, keeping them within designated zones and preventing wandering. Llamas and wild burros are included in part for predator deterrence, helping to create natural barriers around sensitive equipment and work areas. One sheep in the group recently gave birth to a tiny lamb named O’Hare, a development that brought a touch of whimsy to the operation and a boost to morale among staff and visitors.
People may find the idea odd at first, yet the approach underscores a broader trend toward nature-informed maintenance at large facilities. If the herd proves effective, the program could expand to more areas of the airport campus and inspire similar experiments at other North American hubs. The goal is to balance safety with ecological benefits, while keeping the public informed about how such ideas fit into daily operations. Whether this becomes a lasting feature or a temporary trial, it offers a vivid example of creative thinking aligning infrastructure needs with environmental goals. What do readers think of this unconventional method of lawn care at a busy international airport?