The City of Mishawaka is welcoming Goats On The Go to help maintain its parks, greenways, and natural areas.
“When most people hear that the City has hired a herd of goats, they smile—and that’s okay. The goats certainly get people’s attention. But once you understand what they’re doing, you realize they’re some of the hardest-working employees we’ve got.” says City of Mishawaka’s Executive Director of Development and Governmental Affairs, Matthew Lentsch.
The City of Mishawaka is always looking for efficient and environmentally responsible ways to care for its outdoor spaces. Goats are natural landscapers and can eat invasive plants that would be dangerous for City crews and require expensive machinery to remove.
The goats will target honeysuckle, multiflora rose, poison ivy, English ivy, buckthorn, briars, small saplings, dense underbrush, and kudzu. Their work will help protect sensitive habitats, encourage native vegetation, improve biodiversity, and reduce emissions associated with the use of machinery.
Goats are especially helpful in areas that can be challenging for City crews to safely maintain. Difficult slopes, areas covered in poison ivy, and locations with extremely dense vegetation can create obstacles for traditional maintenance. The goats, however, are well suited for the job.
Their work represents the City’s continued effort to find creative solutions that are both effective and responsible with public resources.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to observe the goats from a safe distance and learn more about this sustainable approach to land management while enjoying improved views along the river.
For more information about Goats on the Go, please visit Goats On The Go®
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