Landscaping goats don’t kid around

They were brought in to clear away invasive plants at Renzie Park.

A team of workers with a very special set of skills is hard at work in the wooded sections of McKeesport’s Renziehausen Park.

Two herds of goats have been deployed in the park to eat the invasive plants that are choking out the beneficial native flora. The goats are owned by Allegheny Goatscape, a nonprofit organization that provides the vegetation clearing service for public spaces. Their team erects temporary electric fences around overgrown areas and releases the goats into the enclosure. The goats then do what goats do — they happily munch every weed in sight. Once an area is cleared, the fences and the goats are moved to the next area needing their attention.

Judith Koch, who works with Allegheny Goatscape, said the goats offer many advantages over other methods of controlling the unwanted vegetation. The goats eliminate the need to use potentially harmful chemicals and do not disturb the peace of the park or give off fumes like gasoline- powered equipment.

The goats eat many troublesome and invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed, honeysuckle and poison ivy.

Koch said that power trimmers only offer a temporary solution as they spread the seeds of problem plants, which allows them to regenerate.

The goats’ digestive system destroys the viability of the weed seed. The only byproduct produced by the goat herd are little piles of organic fertilizers in the enclosures. The goats also become an attraction for park visitors.

On Monday morning, a group of fitness walkers, folks walking their dogs and families with children gathered to watch the goats on the job.

There are two herds of goats working in Renziehausen Park. Each herd is accompanied by a donkey, which serves to protect them from free-running dogs and coyotes. “Team Hobo” is a herd of 12 goats accompanied by Hobo the donkey.

In addition to providing security, the donkeys also help clear the weeds. “The Golden Goats” consist of 14 older goats and their protector, Charlie the donkey.

Koch said the senior goats are placed in areas where the terrain isn’t so steep. Like most seniors, some of the Golden Goats need regular medication, which Koch serves to them in a saltine cracker sandwich.

Visitors should use caution when visiting the goats, as their enclosure includes an electric fence.

The goats are scheduled to work in the park through the end of the week. To learn more about the goatscaping program, go to www.AlleghenyGoatScape. org.