In a developed city like Alexandria, residents may soon be surprised to find four-legged landscapers wandering a West End park.
Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is launching a pilot program to bring 35 to 40 goats to All Veterans Park (4725 Duke Street). Starting Sept. 8, the herd of goats will be brought to graze on invasive plants on the slopes of the park. The invasive plants being targeted in the pilot program are kudzu, garlic mustard and multiflora rose.
The goats will work behind a temporary electric fence and remain there for five to 10 days, depending on how quickly they can eat the plants. The goats will remain on site throughout the pilot, and a handler will be present to provide water and check on the goats. City staff plan to check the fencing daily and clean up debris in the area one to two weeks after the goat grazing.
Goat grazing has become one sustainable strategy for managing invasive plants, especially in areas difficult to reach with challenging equipment. Goats can typically access steep, rocky terrain like the slopes they will be working on in Veterans Park. According to the city, livestock grazing has previously been used in Alexandria on private property.
“By naturally grazing on invasive vegetation, the goats will help create conditions that support native plants and support a healthier habitat,” the city said in a release. “This pilot is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to science-based natural resource management and exploring innovative approaches to caring for Alexandria’s parks and green spaces.”
The city says the goat grazing will not impact residents directly but asks residents not to enter the fenced grazing area and not pet the animals. Dog owners are asked to keep dogs leashed and give goats space in All Veterans Park.
The pilot program’s success will determine if it is added to the city’s invasive plant management strategy going forward. After the pilot program, city staff will assess if the site has fewer invasive plants after goat grazing and if it offers more benefits than traditional invasive plant removal methods like chemical usage.
Image via Bailey Mahon/Unsplash
