Once upon a time, Zenda Farms was a bustling haven of agricultural life, and alive with the sounds of mooing cows and rhythmic clucking of chickens. For nearly 75 years, the rolling hills of this iconic farm have remained silent, serenaded only by songbirds, hooting owls, and the croaks of spring peepers. The dairy herd departed Zenda Farms in the late 1940’s, followed by the beef cattle in the mid-1960’s, moving on to greener pastures.
But then, like a breath of fresh air, everything changed in June of 2023 when Mary Ann Duffy arrived with her flock and furry companions. Her mission was simple yet profound: bring baa-ck life to Zenda. It was a homecoming of sorts, as the sheep became the heart and soul of Zenda Farms once again. For the first time since the 60’s, animals roamed the north side of Zenda Farms, revitalizing the landscape and our spirits.
Sheepdog Trials—also known as the delightful dance of strategy and inter-species communication—have captivated farming communities for centuries. Mary Ann Duffy, a sheepdog herding aficionado and now cherished Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) volunteer, brought her award-winning border collies, Gwen and Bonnie, to Zenda. This dynamic duo frequently steals the show at the Kingston Sheepdog Trials, showcasing their agility and tact. Their role at Zenda is not just to entertain, but to educate the community about this fascinating sport, the remarkable breed of dog, and to bring the Farm’s fields back to life.
Border Collies, with their array of colors and coat types, are a breed renowned for their herding prowess. Whether black and white, tri-colored, brindle, or merle, every Border Collie boasts a distinctive white tip on their tail. Originating from Scotland, these dogs have an innate ability to work various livestock, from goats to ducks to cattle. Their unique “eye”—the intense stare used to move stock—sets them apart from other herding breeds like Australian Cattle Dogs and Australian Shepherds.
At Zenda Farms, the Border Collies exemplify the brilliance of their breed. They respond to the five major herding commands: stop, comebye (move clockwise), away to me (move counter clockwise), walk up, and recall, where you can hear the famous saying “that will do,” to call them off the sheep. Other commands that advanced dogs can learn are “look back” and “take time” to further showcase their training and intelligence. Each dog’s journey to becoming a skilled, working teammate with their handler is unique, some finding interest in sheep as early as 8 weeks and others later in life such as 8 months to a year. Most young dogs don’t start formal herding training until they’re a year old.
Before Mary Ann and her highly trained entourage arrived last year, the TILT stewardship staff were very busy. They spruced up the Dairy Barn, also known as the Long Barn, ensuring it was cozy for the new tenants, and installed fencing that let the sheep wander freely across the Zenda Spur Trail into the picturesque pasture. This pasture, with its sweeping views of the rolling grasslands, is now their playground.
Community involvement soared at Zenda Farms in 2023, when seventeen community volunteers, affectionally known as the “Zenda Shepherds,” started tending to the flock daily. Their role was to keep the sheep happy and safe during their 8-week stay. Each morning, the sheep were escorted to pasture, and each evening, they were tucked back into the barn for a good night’s sleep.
In preparation for the sheep’s return this June, TILT Stewardship Director Ken Nims, along with TILT’s Land Managers Wyatt Lipinski and Robb Myers, were hard at work constructing an upgraded pen for our wooly friends. This expansion features a newly installed 7-acre fenced area built with 8-foot cedar posts and heavy duty 12-gauge knotted wire. An enhanced runway from the Dairy barn will allow the sheep to move back and forth from the fenced area into the barn at night. This thoughtfully designed space serves a dual purpose: providing ample grazing areas for sheep and creating a designated area for dog training sessions. This project exemplifies TILT’s commitment to enhancing the preserve’s ecological assets while maintaining the rich heritage of Zenda Farms.
This year, the arrival of lambs to the flock adds even more excitement and an extra layer of charm to the Zenda Farms experience. These adorable newcomers are sure to capture the hearts of all who visit. Additionally, Indian Runner ducks have joined the menagerie, showcasing their herd-ability as they gracefully navigate through a duck obstacle course. Visitors can also enjoy interacting with chickens, offering them feed if they wish. Come and witness these lively additions to the Farm’s vibrant community!
Building on the success of last summer, Zenda is thrilled to welcome full-time shepherdess Kat Hammond this year! Kat brings a wealth of experience, competing with her dogs Cole and Ciaran in United States Border Collie Handlers Association (USBCHA) trials and earning championships in American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) and American Kennel Club (AKC) trials. She’s been a Herding Instructor at Action K9 Sports since 2020, working with a variety of breeds and skill levels. Kat’s greatest joy is sparking a passion for herding in others and guiding them in building a harmonious partnership with their dogs.
Public demonstrations will continue this year every Friday at Zenda, where visitors can watch Kat and Mary Ann, their expertly trained dogs, and the flock in action. As the weather gets warmer, lessons will be held in the morning, with a break in the middle of the day for the sheep's sake, and then lessons will resume in the evening. Teaching times generally run from 8:30 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm. People interested in lessons can contact Kat for more information at (978) 500- 2561 or kat.p.hammond@gmail.com. These events promise to be both educational and entertaining, showcasing the unique bond between shepherd, dog, and sheep.
Get ready for summer at Zenda Farms filled with baa-rilliant experiences, where the hills will once again come alive with the delightful sight and sound of sheep. Come and check out the sheep, meet the shepherds, and witness the magic of herding. We can’t wait to see ewe there!
By Bridgett McCann
Bridgett McCann recently joined TILT as Communications Specialist. She is a graduate of St. Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Government and Environmental Studies, As a copy editor with experience communicating about conservation topics, she looks forward to making a positive impact in the Thousand Islands region, a place close to her heart. Originally from Rochester NY, Bridgett spent many summers in the Thousand Islands. Outside of professional pursuits, she enjoys spending quality time outdoors and on the River with her family, friends, and two rambunctious black labs River and Rosie.
Posted in: Volume 19, Issue 8, August 2024, News Item, Nature
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