400 goats to clear invasive plant species in 10 days at Arlington park
ARLINGTON, Texas - More than 400 goats have been released at a park in Arlington this week to clear the invasive species Chinese Privet, free waterways, and reduce fire danger through an environmentally friendly method without the use of heavy equipment, harsh chemicals, or costly crews.
What we know
The City of Arlington has contracted with Open Space Development, a Lewisville, TX-based land and park development firm, to clear acres of thick underbrush using a professionally managed goat herd.
The goats started Monday in the area north of Randol Mill Park in Arlington. They will be able to graze the area for 10 days.
Based on Open Space Development’s work to date, a typical herd of 100 goats can generally clear a moderately vegetated acre in 3 days. The herd clears by ‘mob grazing’ or competitive eating.
An onsite manager tends to the perimeter fencing and uses herding dogs to direct and protect the goats. These herds are professionally and humanely managed.
Timeline
The process will last about 10 days in the City of Arlington’s Randol Mill Park, located at 1901 W. Randol Mill Road in North Arlington.
The goats will then move to Crystal Canyon Natural Area later this month, which is near I-30 and N. Collins St. in Arlington, northwest of Hurricane Harbor Arlington.
Parts of Crystal Canyon Natural Area will be closed to the public during the process.
Arlington goat escape: Dozens of goats escape enclosure, wander through neighborhoods
Arlington police were called to round up dozens of goats who escaped their enclosure on Tuesday morning.
What they're saying
"Bringing in goats is an unconventional method, but that is what we liked about it," James Orloski, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Arlington. "The goats are an excellent solution to clearing land in a natural preserve within the city."
"We have found cities becoming more progressive and seeking out creative solutions to land management that is also extremely cost-effective," said Quincy Crow, owner of Open Space Development.
Why you should care
The goats eat the plant leaves, stressing the plant, and rendering the plants unable to grow through photosynthesis. The goats will need to be used over several seasons to fully kill off the invasive plants.
This is the second time the city will be utilizing goats to clear vegetation as part of a grant-funded project.
Funding for the "goatscaping" initiative, part of a five-year program launched in 2024 to combat the invasive species Chinese Privet, is provided by an Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the USDA and the U.S. Forest Service. Authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act, this grant seeks to enhance equitable access to trees and natural spaces, acknowledging the valuable benefits they provide to urban communities.