Rabun County has its Goats on the Roof Goats on the Roof in Tiger, Georgia – Visit Sky Valley (visitskyvalleyga.com) and now Gainesville has its Goats in the Park.
In case you haven’t seen them or, maybe have, Gainesville Parks & Recreation is using goats to help clear Ivy Terrace Park of weeds, invasive plants, etc. Goatscapin’ it’s called, according to city officials. Oh, and there’s also a Goat Cam set up at the park to help keep an eye on the munchers.
Here’s what the city has posted on its website about the operation:
“The Kinder Family Farms Herd is working to remove invasive plants and clear overgrown areas within Ivey Terrace Park. Using goat herds on rough terrain is a great alternative to herbicides in the management of vegetation. Park visitors are welcome to (take) a walk through the park and watch the goats!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are the goats? Along Ivey Terrace Road between the entrance to the park and Ridgewood Terrace Road. (34.301552, -83.834825)
- How long will they be in the park? Approximately 2 weeks, beginning August 17th, depending on the speed of their munching. If the project is successful, they may move further down the greenway.
- What are they doing? To put it simply; they’re ‘goatscaping’! Instead of using City staff or subcontracting a large scale invasive species removal the goats will eat their way through the kudzu, ivy, knotweed, and privet that is taking over the area.
- Why use goats? It’s economical and environmentally friendly! It would require massive manpower to hand pull the invasive plants or use chemicals to stop the spreading, whereas goats can do this naturally.
- Are the goats okay? Yes! The plants do not harm the goats. When they are taking a break from grazing they have a covered area to shelter, and access to water. Staff checks on them daily and monitor via the Goat Cam!
Safety Reminders:
- Keep pets away from goats.
- Do not feed or pet the goats.
- Do not approach the electric fence.