MetroParks of Butler County and the Hamilton Parks Conservancy are partnering to control invasive plants at Miami Woods in Hamilton using hungry goats.
"They are our sustainable landscapers for the next six weeks," jokes Katie Ely-Wood, communications manager with MetroParks. "The goats are going to help us remove invasive species like honeysuckle and multiflora rose over the next few weeks and get a good handle on invasive plant control at this park."
The 22 goats range in age and type. They're on loan from Treeyo Permaculture in Petersburg, Kentucky, to chow down in a fenced off section of the park. MetroParks Director Jackie O'Connell first used goats to help control invasives when she was with the parks department in Colerain Township. She brought the idea with her when she transitioned to MetroParks.
"They're not ground browsers," Ely-Wood says of the goats. "They like to eat things that are a little bit higher up. But once they've removed a bunch of the woody stems and the leaves, we can come in and remove the rest of the plant."
The goats are in a large area sectioned off with electrified fencing. Ely-Woods says the public is welcome to come out and watch the grazers in action — just don't try to pet them or feed them.
"We want the goats to eat all of the invasive species out here, like honeysuckle and multiflora rose, so it's really important to let the goats do their job when you're out visiting."
There will be a community meet and greet with the goats. That's set for Wednesday, May 21, from 6-8 p.m at Miami Woods.
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