They’re like herbicides with hooves.
Last month, a goat stirred up Gaithersburg, Md., by disrupting traffic and evading police. Next month, the city will use goats to clear out invasive plants from two plots of land in Montgomery County.
The plants are overtaking adjoining properties at the Izaak Walton League headquarters on Muddy Branch Road, according to a press release from Gaithersburg’s Environmental Services Division.
The 16-day grazing period begins July 5. Following the grazing, an herbicide will be applied to targeted vines and stumps to inhibit re-growth.
St. Mary’s City, Anne Arundel County and the Maryland State Highway Administration are among the agencies in Maryland that have used goats for invasive species control.
Eco-Goats will provide two herds of goats and all shelter, food and water needed during the project. An electrified fence enclosing the goats will be moved incrementally to cover the entire treatment area.
Eco-Goats also will provide notices and information for curious passers-by.
