Weed-munching goats are back at Blakely Harbor Park, for a week of environmental stewardship on the hoof funded by the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation.
The herd some is deployed along the park’s south trail, there to suppress ivy, blackberry and other noxious weeds as only goats can: by eating them.
The herd from Vason-based Rent-a-Ruminant is comprised of “rescue” goats always eager to do their part for park restoration. The herd has worked Blakely Harbor Park several times in recent years, most recently munching invasive understory near the park meadow last summer.
The goats are one part of a progressive ecological restoration at the signature shoreline park. Student Conservation Corps, EarthCorps and year-round volunteer programs including the Parks & Trails Foundation’s ParksCorps follow the goats with weeding, mulching and other activities.
The goats are funded by a grant from the Parks & Trails Foundation. The grant will also fund reintroduction of native plants this fall in areas cleared of invasives.
“The goats are a remarkably effective force in the fight against noxious weeds,” says Mary Meier, Parks & Trails Foundation executive director. “Once the goats are done, Student Conservation Corps can come in behind and dig out the roots and keep the area healthy and clear of vines.”
Support Blakely Harbor Park restoration with a gift here.
Visitors who come to see the goats in action are reminded to keep a safe distance from the charged pen fencing. Do not try to feed the goats, as they will have plenty to eat as is.