What’s the cutest way to get rid of some really baaaaaaaaaad weeds? Goats!
Goats visited Blakely Harbor Park this past week, charming islanders while clearing invasive blackberry, ivy and more. Thanks to a grant from the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation, Tammy Dunakin and her nearly 100 goats helped in the continued restoration of Blakely Harbor Park, once the site of the largest mill in the world.
Blakely Harbor Park is no stranger to goats. In 2018, a large herd visited to clear blackberry and other invasive weeds from areas of the park that are now replanted with thriving native vegetation. However, the work isn’t done yet. Thanks to Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation funding, the goats were able to return, working through a dense patch of over an acre of blackberry and ivy off Country Club Road.
Once above-ground vegetation is cleared, the Park District’s Student Conservation Corps, volunteers, and contractors, like Seattle-based EarthCorps, will work on digging up root balls, spreading woodchip mulch, and replanting the site with native vegetation.
“Blakely Harbor Park connects protected lands to the north and south, and acts as a keystone for restoration activity on the south end of Bainbridge Island,” says Lydia Roush, the Park District’s Natural Resource Manager. “Removing invasive species at Blakely Harbor Park has far-reaching effects and helps improve habitat, restore ecological function, and build resilience to climate change and sea level rise.”
“Blakely Harbor Park is a special place, sustained by residents joining together to preserve a historical and ecological gem,” says Mary Meier, Executive Director of the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation. “The weed-eating goats are an innovative stewardship solution, sustained through donations to the Parks & Trails Foundation. It’s exciting to see the park transform, with invasives out and native plantings taking hold and thriving.”
Traveling from their home on Vashon Island, Tammy and her goats are on a mission to help landowners clear invasive species and other brush. But their efforts don’t stop there. Tammy’s wife runs a goat rescue, where they take in goats in need of care.
Goats that enjoy the travel and interacting with the public get to join Tammy’s working herd. Tammy is passionate about her work, not just because it helps clear the land, but also because it helps the goats and the
people she works with.
Already in 2023, Park District volunteers have contributed more than 500 volunteer hours to Blakely Harbor Park, helping transform this site of the once largest wood mill in the world into a destination park Their efforts are restoring native shoreline habitat, connecting miles of island trails for hikers, and welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
Are you looking to get involved in the restoration of Blakely Harbor Park? Learn more about how to get involved and make a positive impact by visiting www.biparks.org/volunteers. Discover more about Tammy’s team and their remarkable contributions to the community by visiting
www.rentaruminant.com.
If you are passionate about the restoration of Blakely Harbor Park, consider supporting it with a gift to the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation. Every gift, no matter the size, can make a significant impact in preserving and maintaining this beautiful park. To donate, visit www.biparksfoundation.org/give.
