In an effort to combat the invasive Chinese Privet, more than 400 goats have been released in the Arlington area around Randol Mill Park.
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400+ goats have been released near Randol Mill Park in Arlington to help eradicate the invasive species Chinese Privet.
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The goats eat the plant leaves, stressing the plant, and rendering the plants unable to grow through photosynthesis.
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This is a unique way to free waterways and reduce fire danger through an environmentally friendly method without the use of heavy equipment, harsh chemicals, or costly crews.
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400+ goats have been released near Randol Mill Park in Arlington to help eradicate the invasive species Chinese Privet.
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The goats eat the plant leaves, stressing the plant, and rendering the plants unable to grow through photosynthesis.
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This is a unique way to free waterways and reduce fire danger through an environmentally friendly method without the use of heavy equipment, harsh chemicals, or costly crews.
Texas’ ArlingtonThis week, more than 400 goats were released into an Arlington park to remove the invasive Chinese Privet, clear waterways, and lower the risk of fire in an eco-friendly approach without the need for expensive staff, heavy machinery, or harsh chemicals.
What we know
Open Space Development, a property and park development company based in Lewisville, Texas, has been hired by the City of Arlington to use a professionally managed goat herd to clear acres of dense underbrush.
The goats began their journey on Monday in the Arlington neighborhood north of Randol Mill Park. They will have ten days to graze the land.
A normal herd of 100 goats can typically clear a moderately vegetated acre in three days, according to Open Space Development’s work to date. Through competitive eating or mob grazing, the herd is cleared.
The goats are led and protected by herding dogs, and the perimeter fencing is maintained by an on-site manager. These herds are handled gently and professionally.
Timeline
The procedure, which will take place in Randol Mill Park in the City of Arlington, 1901 W. Randol Mill Road, North Arlington, will take roughly ten days.
Later this month, the goats will go to Crystal Canyon Natural Area, located northwest of Hurricane Harbor Arlington in Arlington, close to I-30 and N. Collins St.
Throughout the operation, some areas of Crystal Canyon Natural Area will be off-limits to the public.
Arlington goat escape: Dozens of goats escape enclosure, wander through neighborhoods
On Tuesday morning, dozens of goats broke out of their fence and were rounded up by Arlington police.
What they’re saying
According to James Orloski, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Arlington, “bringing in goats is an unconventional method, but that is what we liked about it.” “The goats are an excellent solution to clearing land in a natural preserve within the city.”
According to Quincy Crow, owner of Open Space Development, “We have observed that cities are becoming more forward-thinking and looking for innovative land management solutions that are also very cost-effective.”
Why you should care
Because of the stress caused by the goats’ consumption of the plant leaves, the plants are unable to grow through photosynthesis. To completely eradicate the invasive plants, the goats will need to be deployed over a number more seasons.
As part of a grant-funded effort, the city will be using goats to remove vegetation for the second time.
An Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the USDA and U.S. Forest Service is funding the “goatscaping” project, which is a component of a five-year program that was started in 2024 to fight the invasive species Chinese Privet. This fund, which was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to improve fair access to trees and green areas in recognition of the significant advantages that these resources offer to urban areas.
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Open Space Development and the City of Arlington provided the information for this article.
Open Space Development and the City of Arlington provided the information for this article.
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