Newsroom

CORVALLIS - They're fluffy, they're frisky and they're arriving daily. The annual onslaught of spring lambs has begun at the Oregon State University Sheep Barns.

This year, 375 white Suffolk ewes are expected to give birth to about 800 lambs in the barns at 7565 N.W. Oak Creek Dr., said Thomas Nichols, the sheep barn manager.

The annual event has become an early sign of spring's imminent arrival to the Willamette Valley. It is especially popular with school children, who enjoy seeing the tiny lambs wagging their tails like puppies as they nuzzle and head-butt their moms.

The barns will be open until April 5, starting Feb. 26. The public can view the ewes and lambs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. The barns will be closed for academic exercises Feb. 28, March 7, and March 14.

Groups of more than 10 visitors should first arrange an appointment by calling Helen Chesbrough at 541-737-4854, or by sending an e-mail to her at: helen.chesborough@oregonstate.edu.