The University of Mary Washington has partnered with The Good Steward Farm to enlist a herd of goats to clear overgrown areas in the woods along the Sunken Road boundary of the Fredericksburg Campus. About a dozen goats are working to assist with the removal of invasive plant species and ready the grounds for winter, so that native plants can grow in the spring.
The goats are skilled at reaching hard-to-landscape areas such as hillsides, offering an environmentally friendly landscape management practice that reduces the need for herbicide and gas-powered equipment.
“Goats eat invasive plants like English ivy, poison ivy and brush, leaving behind healthier soil for native plants and our urban forest. It’s a fun, eco-friendly alternative to land management,” said UMW Director of Landscape and Grounds Holly Chichester-Morby. “‘Goatscaping’ – a real term – is a sustainable approach that allows us to clear overgrowth and invasive species in a large, difficult area without chemicals or crew labor. This allows our UMW landscape crew to focus on other autumn grounds tasks while providing a nice, healthy buffet for the goats. Plus, they are really cute.” Read more.