Heritage Breeds

Heritage Breeds. . , Many people are aware of endangered species in the wild, such as sea turtles or spotted owls, very few realize that domesticated livestock species are also threatened., The Accokeek Foundation works to increase awareness about these special breeds of domesticated livestock by promoting and preserving heritage breeds through a managed breeding program, demonstration, and education., The Foundation's Heritage Livestock Conservation breeding program includes American Milking Devon (cattle) and Hog Island sheep. For demonstration purposes, the farm is also home to Ossabaw hogs, various varieties of chickens: Buckeye, Hamburg, Silver Gray Dorking, Araucana, Dominique, Light Brahma, Speckled Sussex, and Welsummer; and turkeys: Black, Bourbon Red and Chocolate, Farm animals are incorporated in educational programming and public events., Over many centuries, domesticated animals have lived at what is now Piscataway Park and have contributed to the shaping of this land as we see it today. By caring for the animals in a way that enhances the health and stability of the natural and agricultural ecosystems we can prevent erosion, save fuel, return nutrients to the soil, protect water resources, all while preserving genetic diversity.