Have you herd? Goats help remove invasive plants

Park Maintenance hired Goat Dispatch last summer to bring in goats for buckthorn control in Harrison Park.

Grazing goats have been shown to ease woodland takeover by invasive and exotic species such as buckthorn and garlic mustard, in an eco-friendly manner. Bloomington staff cleared a three- to five-foot-wide trail for installation of temporary fencing to hold the goats as they grazed invasive buckthorn and garlic mustard.  

Residents can also help keep these invasive species in check by participating in buckthorn bust and garlic mustard pull volunteer events held throughout the summer and autumn seasons.

For more information about ecological land stewardship in Bloomington and how you can help, visit blm.mn/eco-land-stewardship.