LARPD trials cattle mowing at Sycamore Grove Park

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LARPD invites the public to see its cattle grazing pilot program during an educational hike at 9 a.m. Oct. 12 at Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore. (Photo courtesy of LARPD)

On the upper portion of Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore, cattle munch on dry grass and plant material in the name of wildfire protection and park maintenance.

These hairy grazers were reintroduced to Sycamore Grove during March as part of a five-year pilot program by Livermore Area Recreation and Park District, according to LARPD land agent and planner Marc Roberts.

“Cattle act like natural mowers,” Roberts told the Weekly.

By eating continuous vegetation and thatch, which build up in grasslands, the cows help slow or even prevent the spread of wildfires, he said.

The cattle also make way for native grasses and wildflowers to return to the park, as non-native annual grasses currently dominate much of the area. They also help conserve habitat around cattle ponds for threatened amphibians such as California red-legged frogs and California tiger salamanders by trampling and eating vegetation surrounding the water sources, Roberts said.

Over the course of the five-year project, Roberts expects LARPD to learn more about the impacts of grazing on vegetation, how it can reduce wildfire fuels and what the right long-term approach should look like for the park.

The cows are being leased through Flynn Road Ranches, Roberts said.

The guided hike at Sycamore Grove on Oct. 12 will be the third public education event in LARPD’s grazing education series. (Photo courtesy of LARPD)

As part of LARPD’s public outreach about the pilot program, the park district is hosting an ongoing grazing education series. During the third event of the series Oct. 12, LARPD is scheduled to host a guided hike at Sycamore Grove.

“We’ve really enjoyed seeing the community come out, ask questions and learn the purpose behind what we’re doing,” LARPD community services manager Jill Kirk said in a statement. “It’s a great chance to see the cattle up close and hear how grazing fits into the bigger picture of maintaining the park.”

During the hike, LARPD staff and grazing experts plan to share how grazing reduces wildfire fuels, supports healthy grasslands and wildlife habitat as well as the district’s actions to minimize trail impacts. Hike leaders will also share practical tips for sharing the trails safely with grazing animals.

The upcoming educational hike is scheduled to run from 9-11 a.m. next Sunday (Oct. 12).

The 3.25-mile trek is considered to be moderate in difficulty with hilly sections. LARPD recommends participants bring water, wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers. The hike is best suited for ages 10 and above, and registration is encouraged.

Attendees are set to meet at Sycamore Grove’s Wetmore Road entrance. For more information, visit the LARPD website at larpd.org.