For Immediate Release
April 28, 2016
Contact: Kristina Jones
Volunteer & Community Programs CoordinatorParks & Recreation
479-444-3467parksvolunteer@fayetteville-ar.gov
Invasive Plant Eating Goats to Return to Wilson Park
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Goats are returning to Wilson Park to continue clearing invasive plants on the south side of the park near Louise Avenue. In 2015, Adopt-A-Park volunteers Greedy Goats of Northwest Arkansas, began clearing invasive plants from an area in the southeast corner of the park, munching away at a thick blanket of privet, honeysuckle, grapevine and other aggressive plants covering the hillside. Their efforts opened the space up, allowing volunteers to further the efforts of invasive removal. Monitoring and removing new growth will continue throughout the summer in preparation for planting with native groundcovers, shrubs, and trees in the fall.
The hooved volunteers will be at Wilson Park Tuesday, May 3 through Saturday, May 7 from mid-morning to mid-afternoon each day, unless it is raining. The goats will be clearing the area immediately to the west of last year’s site, and returning again in July and October to continue the effort.
A temporary electric fence will be erected to help safely contain the goats and their owners will be onsite while the goats are present. The fence will display cautionary signage and be surrounded by a secondary orange construction fence as an additional safety buffer. The community is invited to come and see the goats at work, clearing away the unwanted vegetation.
To find out more about how you can volunteer in City parks and trails and help in the City’s efforts to combat invasive species, please contact Kristina Jones, parksvolunteer@fayetteville-ar.gov. The City has created an educational packet about invasive plant species with recommendations of alternatives. The packet can be viewed online here.
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