We couldn’t have been more excited to welcome some ‘new kids’ on the block this Fall to our Motherhouse grounds.
A spirited “chew crew” from Capricious Goats, a farm in Beaver County, arrived on September 10 to begin working to clear invasive plants and overgrowth in several areas of our campus.
Goat-loads of fun ensued as Sisters, staff, and our campus neighbors stopped to visit the herd at work.
🐐 Goats vs. Weeds 🐐
10 Fun Facts About Using Goats to Clear Invasive Vegetation
1. Goats Love Invasives! Goats naturally prefer woody and broadleaf plants like buckthorn, multiflora rose, and bittersweet—many of which are invasive. Their browsing helps native plants get sunlight and space to thrive.
Source: Ecological Landscape Alliance
2. They Don’t Spread Seeds: Goats digest seeds so thoroughly that invasive plants like buckthorn don’t survive the trip through their gut—no accidental spreading!
Source: Natural Areas Journal, 2020
3. Goats Improve Biodiversity: In long-term studies, goat grazing increased plant species richness and diversity in abandoned fields.
Source: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2020
4. Goats Help Heal the Soil: Goat grazing, when managed properly, enhances soil health by increasing organic carbon, improving water infiltration, and reducing erosion.
Source: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2020
5. Goats Are Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Herbicides: Unlike chemicals, goats don’t pollute soil or water. They’re a sustainable solution for sensitive ecosystems.
Source: Journal of Dairy Science, 2001
6. They Help Native Plants Bounce Back: Goat grazing reduces invasive cover and allows native species like spicebush and little bluestem to flourish.
Source: Restoration Ecology, 2021
7. Goats Are Great in Tough Terrain: Steep slopes? Dense thickets? No problem! Goats go where machines and humans struggle.
Source: Michigan Tech CFRES, 2024
8. They’re Selective Eaters: Goats often choose invasive plants over natives. In one study, they nibbled bittersweet vines without disturbing goldenrod flowers!
Source: Ecological Landscape Alliance
9. They Can Be Part of a Business Model: Goat grazing services (“rent-a-herd”) are popping up across the U.S., offering eco-friendly vegetation control and income for farmers.
Source: Environmental ScienceBites, Ohio State
10. They Boost Soil Health: Goat droppings act as natural fertilizer, improving soil structure and microbial activity. Their hooves even help press seeds into the ground!
Source: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2020
🐐 Bonus: Goats Are Cute! They’re not just effective—they’re adorable ambassadors for ecological restoration. Visitors love them, and they make learning about land stewardship fun!