When will the pilot program take place?

• This pilot program will begin September 8 (assuming the weather is clear) and is expected to take approximately 5 – 10 days to complete. Since these are animals and not machines, there is no precise time.

Where will the pilot program take place? Why there?

• All Veteran’s Park slopeside, next to Holmes Run, was selected for the pilot targeted grazing for two key reasons: 1) this slope is heavily covered with leafy invasive plants, including the particularly aggressive (and tasty) kudzu and 2) the steep slope and heavy plant coverage makes it difficult and hazardous for human crews to use.

How will we know that this project was successful?

• This is a pilot program – as such, we’re looking for two key metrics of success in this project: does the site have less invasive species after goat grazing, and does it offer additional benefits traditional invasive management cannot – such as community awareness and limited chemical usage? At the end of this first site, we’ll determine if it was a good enough fit for our needs before we make a decision about incorporating into our broader invasive plant management strategy.

 Can I have goats come to my park? Or my backyard?

• Currently, city code has specific requirements for livestock – if they are brought in and out within 24 hours, or if your site meets the size and distance from other properties requirements, goat grazing may work for you! 

Who should I contact if I have more questions about this project?

• Please reach out to our natural resources team in RPCA at katrina.napora@alexandriava.gov if you have any additional questions or want to learn more about this pilot program.

How many goats will there be? 

• There will be 35-40 goats (and sheep!) put on the job. This will allow for the vegetation to be cleared in a timely manner and limit the duration to minimize disturbance.

Do goats eat the native vegetation too?

• Goats will eat just about any and all leafy vegetation, with some preferences. That’s why grazing locations should be chosen to be almost entirely invasive, and no rare native species should be accessible to the goats. In All Veteran’s park, the predominate vegetation present is kudzu, garlic mustard, and multiflora rose, which are all invasive species.

Will they overgraze the land and leave behind bare dirt?

• Nope! The goats are monitored daily and moved before they consume too much. The goal is to manage overgrowth and invasives while leaving behind a natural, healthy landscape.

What happens after the goats leave?

• A separate, human cleanup crew will be put in place to clean up the remaining woody debris and to spread native seed to help assist regeneration. 

Are the goats noisy?

• Surprisingly, no. Aside from the gentle munching and an occasional bleat, goats are very quiet, much quieter than machinery or landscaping crews. The only time you might hear a bit more activity is during watering or when they’re being moved. As long as goats have food to eat, they aren’t enticed by treats and are focused on the job at hand – clearing out the vegetation!

What about erosion? Won’t the goats compact the soil?

• Their hooves naturally aerate the soil, improving water absorption and reducing erosion and dust.

What about all the poop? Won’t that impact the water quality of Holmes Run?

• Goat manure returns nutrients to the soil in a natural, slow-release form, fostering healthier plant growth without the chemical runoff associated with fertilizers.

Won’t the goats poop out invasive seeds, just starting the invasion all over again?

• While seeds can potentially pass through the digestive system of goats, there is low survival and viability of those seeds. Even so, timing of when goat grazing occurs is critical. Choosing to have goat grazers in late summer, before plants set seed, can help tackle the invasion without seeding the next generation.

But goat poop smells, right?

• Goats are pretty clean animals. They don’t have a strong natural odor like some other farm animals. Their droppings are dry and pellet-like, kind of like little beans, compared to cow manure.

How do the goats get water when on the job?

• The goats’ handler ensures that they have fresh water daily, and checks in to make sure they’re doing well.

Will the livestock be brought in and out each day?

• No. These goats will be taking a foodie vacation to Alexandria and will rest on site. 

How do the goats stay where they’re supposed to? What about predators?

• The goat grazing operator will install a temporary electric fence for the duration of the time the goats are present. They will check daily to ensure the fence’s stability, that the goats are in the fencing and safe from harm, and the battery on the electric fencing.

Will the livestock be brought in and out each day?

• No. These goats will be taking a foodie vacation to Alexandria and will rest on site. 

Can we pet the goats?

• These goats are at work! Rather than distract them, it’s better to watch the goats in action as they help to remove invasive plants in our park. The goats will be behind the electric fence throughout their time in the City and will not be accessible.

Can I bring my dog?

• If your dog is particularly reactive to livestock, we ask that you keep your dog home for their comfort and the goats’.

What should I tell my kids to make sure they can watch the goats in action safely?

• Tell them to look and not try to touch – these goats aren’t meant to be fed treats (that would slow down their work on the invasives) but rather to inspire us all to think about the invasive plants that are all around us, and rather the native plants we are missing. 

• Livestock grazing such as goats and sheep is a form of biological control for removing invasive kudzu. Biological controls are those that make use of another species, such as a natural predator or a parasite, to manage an invasive species.
• Goats are voracious: they eat the green leafy vegetation of all present plant species (including native plants!), which means goat grazing is best suited for sites dominated by invasive species.
• Because goats only consume the leafy greens, goat grazing needs to be paired with an additional removal service to clear out the woody remains (such as stems and roots).
• A 2021 meta-analysis published in Restoration Ecology found that goat grazing can improve biodiversity, decrease invasive plant communities and increase native vegetation types.
• Goats can work as a great option in areas that are difficult for people to access like steep slopes or uneven terrain, or sensitive areas with a desire to limit chemical intervention.
• As in most cases for environmental work, there is no ‘silver bullet’ – only tools in our tool kit. A multi-method approach to invasive vegetation management is our best shot for healthy native ecosystems!