Goats Take the Plunge in Riverside Park
New York’s Riverside Park Conservancy has turned a botanical battle into a goat‑powered garden party.
24 agile goats are munching away overgrown brush, leaving behind a cleaner, greener space for native trees and plants.
Why Bring in the Goats?
- Eco‑friendly clearing – No chemicals, no pesticides. Just natural grazing.
- Natural weed control – Goats love invasive species, including the notorious poison ivy.
- All‑you‑can‑eat buffet – They’re dining on about a quarter of their body weight daily.
- Cost‑effective – No need to spend on herbicides or labor‑intensive removal.
The Goat Lineup
These four‑legged gardeners hail from Green Goats Farm in Rhinebeck. They’ll be on the job from May 21 until August 30, turning invasive thickets into lush, native-friendly lawns.
Quotes from the Con‑Head
“We decided to invite in a group of 24 goats to help us clear this area to give more life to our native trees and plants,” said Dan Garodnick, president of the Riverside Park Conservancy.
“What’s great about the goats is that they’re an environmentally friendly way of clearing out invasive plants.”
“For them, it’s like an all‑you‑can‑eat buffet. It’s the ultimate farm‑to‑table experience.”
Why This Matters
Traditional weed removal often relies on harsh chemicals that can harm the ecosystem. By using goats, Riverside Park Conservancy is cutting the chemical load, preserving biodiversity, and keeping wildlife safe—all while having a few furry friends at the camp.
