Goats “trimming up” Ivey Terrace Park.
Nature working in tandem for beautification: Bring on the Goats!
More than 40 years ago, then-Operations Project Manager at Lake Lanier the late Erwin Topper initiated a new way to keep the grass cut along the saddle dike embankments of Buford Dam. He brought in goats – yes, goats – to feed on the tall grasses and alleviate the need for power mowers and human labor to keep the area groomed.
About 15 months ago, the City of Gainesville adopted the practice in and around Ivey Terrace Park on the Rock Creek Greenway. For several weeks, a 22-goat herd from Kinder Family Farm – which offers goat-rentals – cleared the area of the park of invasive plants and overgrowth.
The goats returned in August to tidy up and remove kudzu, ivy, knotweed, privet and other invasive plants.
Why use goats? “It’s economical and environmentally friendly,” said Mattison. “It would require massive manpower to hand pull the invasive plants or use chemicals to stop the spreading, whereas goats can do this naturally.”
When the goats are on duty, the city maintains a Goat-cam and temporary fence to keep an eye on them. The goats also have a covered area to stay cool and plenty of water.
Photo: courtesy Gainesville Park & Recreation
