Four herds are showing residents just who is the real G-O-A-T, as they chew their way through invasive plants in two City of Greenville parks.
The 40 goats from A Roxbury Goat Barn performed so well in Cleveland Park that City of Greenville staff expanded the project by adding two more herds at nearby Gatlin Park.
Removal of non-native invasive species within city park systems is an ongoing problem that requires a lot of volunteers, employees and resources. However, using goats to control invasive and unwanted vegetation is one of the most efficient and effective methods available. It also promotes environmental sustainability as low-carbon maintenance solution.
Goats help conserve land and waterways by eliminating the need for chemical controls. They have a higher success rate in breaking invasive plant propagation cycles, because their digestive system processes the plants in a way that prevents reseeding. Their droppings don’t smell and make for high-quality fertilizer, with very little methane.
Adding to the benefits, the goat fencing is solar-powered, which aids in making the “goatscaping” project leave a very small carbon footprint. Goats do not eat bird’s nests, wildlife or insect habitats, which makes for a safer and more accurate control method.
All of the common invasives found in City parks are on the menu for this herd, including Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac; Buckthorn, Bittersweet, English ivy, Kudzu, Japanese knotweed, Chinese Privet and Periwinkle.
There are currently three herds in Cleveland Park, just north of the Washington Street bridge along Richland Way, and two small herds at Gatlin Park, 2 Sylvan Drive. The goats will be at work until mid-April.
Park visitors are welcome to watch the work in progress. However, please keep pets away and do not feed the goats. And for obvious safety reasons, do not touch the electric fence.
The 40 goats from A Roxbury Goat Barn performed so well in Cleveland Park that City staff expanded the project by adding two more herds at nearby Gatlin Park.
Removal of non-native invasive species within City park systems is an ongoing problem that requires a lot of volunteers, employees and resources. However, using goats to control invasive and unwanted vegetation is one of the most efficient and effective methods available. It also promotes environmental sustainability as low-carbon maintenance solution.
Goats help conserve land and waterways by eliminating the need for chemical controls. They have a higher success rate in breaking invasive plant propagation cycles, because their digestive system processes the plants in a way that prevents reseeding. Their droppings don’t smell and make for high-quality fertilizer, with very little methane.
Adding to the benefits, the goat fencing is solar-powered, which aids in making the “goatscaping” project leave a very small carbon footprint. Goats do not eat bird’s nests, wildlife or insect habitats, which makes for a safer and more accurate control method.
All of the common invasives found in City parks are on the menu for this herd, including Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac; Buckthorn, Bittersweet, English ivy, Kudzu, Japanese knotweed, Chinese Privet and Periwinkle.
There are currently three herds in Cleveland Park, just north of the Washington Street bridge along Richland Way, and two small herds at Gatlin Park, 2 Sylvan Drive. The goats will be at work until mid-April.
Park visitors are welcome to watch the work in progress. However, please keep pets away and do not feed the goats. And for obvious safety reasons, do not touch the electric fence.
Written by the City of Greenville.