BOSTON -- Going back to the land has helped a local educator go green.

NewsCenter 5's David Brown reported that a Winchendon farm, called the David Brown Farm, is doing things the old fashion, organic way.

The 10-acre farm is named after the original owner -- settler David Brown. Current owner, John McDonough, is tending to the flock of Tunis sheep. For the past decade, the former school superintendent has raised historically significant sheep on the historically significant farm.

McDonough is trying to keep the small farming heritage thriving in Worcester County.

"Anybody has the right to farm and anybody who moves into Winchendon or any town that has this bylaw," McDonough said.

This means the community embraces the sights, the sounds and even the smells of local farms. But the McDonoughs are taking an extra step, raising the sheep organically and producing top-grade organic compost benefiting the soil and plants.

"It's natural fertilizer sheep manure, sheep compost," McDonough said.

Not only are the sheep raised organically, but the wool also has a purpose for the soil. The McDonoughs have come up with a very creative and earth-friendly use for the wool once the sheep are sheared.

The McDonoughs have developed what they call a patio pack. Wool from the sheep goes in hanging flower baskets, holding onto water, and compost fertilizes the soil.

"It saves water. It saves time. You can go away on vacation, put them in the shade and not have to worry about it," said Maryanne McDonough, of David Brown Farm.