Ben joined the Aldeen team on May 9, 2022, and he’s been making a difference ever since! With the help of our dedicated staff, he’s safely moved more than 6,000 geese off the golf course, helping to keep our course enjoyable for everyone.
Ben came to Rockford from Windchazers, a goose hazard management company in Virginia, bringing both experience and heart to his work. He’s become a great advocate not just for our Goose Management Volunteer Program, but for the Park District as a whole.
Working alongside his handler, Faye, and the rest of the Aldeen team, Ben helps keep geese away from both the turf and the ponds. Together, they use a variety of safe, humane tools—like remote-control boats, cars, and lasers—to encourage geese to find other places to hang out.
We are still working to break the cycle of geese at Aldeen, making the course a cleaner, more enjoyable place for everyone who visits.
FUN FACTS ABOUT BEN AND BORDERCOLLIES
Border Collies are herding dogs who love to be constantly active and mentally stimulated
Ben was first trained to work sheep before transitioning to geese
He is trained in both whistle and verbal commands
He has been trained to work off leash
Ben’s favorite toy is his stuffed goose, who we’ve lovingly named “Lucy Goosey”
Ben can learn new words and commands just from us repeating them. He has learned people’s names, the names for different toys, and new tricks including weaving between his handler’s legs.
Ben loves to participate in Aldeen’s golf camps during the summer! He loves showing the kids his herding skills with one of his herding balls!
Ben’s Job Description
To psychologically condition the Canada geese to view Aldeen Golf Club as uninviting and inconvenient or as an inappropriate habitat. The goal is to discourage the geese from grazing, loafing on land or water, sleeping overnight or nesting activity in the spring.
Ben’s Job Description: to psychologically condition the Canada geese to view Aldeen Golf Club as uninviting and inconvenient or as an inappropriate habitat. The goal is to discourage the geese from grazing, loafing on land or water, sleeping overnight or nesting activity in the spring.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
We know you love Ben and just want to pet him, but please don’t pet him while he is working. When Ben isn’t working, please ask Faye if you can pet him and she will direct you.
When meeting Ben for the first time, stand tall and offer your hand for him to sniff. Once he feels comfortable, Faye will let you know it’s okay to give him some love! Please refrain from petting his hindquarters, grabbing his muzzle, or putting your face close to his face.
When you see Ben out on the course running around just sit back and observe his great work! He will be laser focused on the geese, and he will not respond to anyone but Faye.
We appreciate your patience as we continue our efforts to make Aldeen less inviting for the geese. This will be an ongoing process to help keep them from lingering in the area.
We are extremely grateful to those who donated funds to make this Goose Management Team possible! We would also like to thank the sponsors below for providing Ben’s wellness and vet visits.
If you are interested in participating in the Rockford Park District’s Goose Management volunteer program, please contact Faye at fayemcmanus@rockfordparkdistrict.org or visit the website below.
