Eating Through A Problem
Goats offer a sustainable alternative to heavy equipment and toxic chemicals
By Mary Beth Bender
When you think of sustainability, are you thinking goats? In preparation for Pinnacle Park in Norcross, Ga., the city invited 42 distinguished members of Get Your Goat Rentals to visit. The goats were welcome to eat everything in sight, including 12 acres of delicious kudzu, privet, poison ivy, poison oak, etc. Norcross is an Atlanta Regional Commission, platinum-rated city in the metro area—only one of two. Sustainable practices are first and foremost for parks, city-owned buildings, and greenspace. The suburb—north of Atlanta—has a quaint historic district, including a railroad that runs through the center of town, and also an educated, thriving metropolitan vibe that welcomes all, including goats.
Photo: Jennifer Mottola
Meeting The Dogs
Goats have a proven track record of eating anything in their path, including sticks, twigs, kudzu, poison ivy, poison oak, and privet. They always start at the top of a hill and work their way down. Two Maremma sheepdogs—brother and sister—guard the goats from coyotes, strangers, snakes, and other predators. The dogs always work in pairs, with one patrolling the perimeter while the other stays with the herd. They sleep during the day and patrol at night. These livestock guardian dogs have special coats that keep them cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and dry in the rain and snow. Like most service dogs, they are happiest when doing the job they have been bred for and trained to do. Although they are beautiful, they are considered working dogs, with defined roles, so petting them is discouraged. On the final day, a Border Collie herds the goats back to a trailer. Although the goats are fascinating, the dogs add another fun dimension to the experience.
Photo: Get Your Goat Rentals
A Team Effort
The whole process was like a well-oiled machine, the type of team any organization would be proud to call its own. The goats work independently, as well as on a team. They work hard but occasionally stop to sun, nap, or scratch their horns on tree trunks—all reasonable requests. Although fairly industrious as they began, most goats were lulled to naps as their bellies filled. While not versed on goat labor laws, they appeared to work with minimal breaks, no, complaints, an eagerness to get the job done;, they were overall happy campers. The goats took the place of heavy equipment that would normally be required, and chemicals that sustainable practices would consider toxic. The goats also eliminated the need for contract labor, albeit temporarily, but that allowed contractors to focus on other areas. As an added benefit, goats leave behind a natural fertilizer; don’t even ask.
Setting The Table
The goats and dogs were transported in a trailer, and an electric fence was set up and water bowls were set out. When the goats were led off the trailer, they couldn’t get to the “table” fast enough. The rental company returned to the property each evening to check on the fence, the goats, and the dogs. For the 12 acres, the city paid $6,600, and the goats were there a few weeks. The plan is to bring these new friends back quarterly. Although they aren’t fussy, they do discriminate and will not eat the planted landscape materials.
The city has many things of which to be proud, and kudzu-eating goats can now be added to the list.
Mary Beth Bender is the Assistant City Manager and Director of Public Works, Utilities & Parks for the city of Norcross, Ga. Reach her at (678) 421-2000, or mbender@norcrossga.net.