Alexandria, Va. – In a creative effort to restore native plant life and reduce maintenance costs, the city has enlisted a herd of goats and sheep to graze invasive species at James Marx All Veterans Park. The animals belong to Mary Bowen, owner of Prosperity Acres Browsing Green Goats, and were brought in after the city’s Natural Resources department cleared the site for safe grazing.
Why Goats and Sheep?
Bowen explained that goats excel at eating taller, woody plants while sheep focus on low‑lying vegetation. “Because the goats eat high, the sheep eat low,” she said, noting that the two species complement each other rather than compete for the same food sources.
Safety Measures
Before the herd arrived, city staff inspected the area to ensure no toxic plants would harm the animals. “When someone says, ‘Oh, but goats can eat a tin can,’ no, they can’t,” Bowen laughed, calling the notion a cartoon. The work site is surrounded by multiple layers of fencing, including orange webbing with signage warning visitors and their dogs to stay back. Electrified interior fences add an extra layer of protection, and Bowen warned, “It will shock your dog, it will shock you. And if you touch it, you’re on your own.”
Community Reaction
Local residents have turned out to watch the herd in action. Melissa Deak, a park visitor, praised the eco‑friendly approach, saying, “They’re adorable and there are a lot of them. They’re doing their job right away. They’re hungry.” The public’s curiosity underscores a growing interest in sustainable land‑management practices.
Next Steps
According to Katrina Napora, Alexandria’s Natural Resources manager, once the goats and sheep have cleared the invasive growth, a human crew will return to remove any remaining woody debris. “Once we can see the ground, we’ll have a human crew come in and help remove that woody debris,” Napora said.
The herd is expected to remain at the park for roughly one to ten days, depending on how quickly they consume the targeted vegetation. City officials hope the trial will demonstrate a cost‑effective, low‑impact method that can be replicated in other parks throughout the district.
Broader Implications
Using livestock for vegetation management aligns with Alexandria’s broader sustainability goals, reducing reliance on heavy machinery, lowering emissions, and providing a natural solution that engages the community. If successful, the program could become a model for other municipalities seeking greener alternatives to traditional park maintenance.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
