Mares Eat Oats, Does Eat Oats & Little Goats Control Weeds: Miniature Goats Used for Vegetation Control at Hempstead Nature Preserve
March 30, 2009

They show up every day to work, never complain and they are tireless in performing their job. Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilwoman Angie Cullin have unveiled nature's best weed control at the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve. Goats -that's right, Nigerian dwarf goats - are being used as an environmentally responsible method of eradicating brush, weeds and other vegetation overgrowth at the park. Murray and Cullin were joined at the unveiling by Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin and Ms. Robinson's third grade class from Norman J. Levy Lakeside Elementary School in Merrick.

"We were looking for a way to control vegetation overgrowth that was in keeping with our nature preserve's mission," said Murray. "Lawn mowers and line trimmers emit greenhouse gases, and herbicides can pollute nearby waterways. Adding these goats to the town's workforce is an effective way to control weeds and it's environmentally responsible."

The four doelings (female) and one buckling are the size of puppies now, but will grow to about 50 pounds. Although extremely gentle, the animals will not be part of a feeding or petting exhibit. Visitors who tour the park will, however, be given a presentation on all of the park's features, including the new livestock.

The control of mugwort, phragmites (bulrushes) and weeds will be accomplished in one of three methods. Goats can be tethered by line, restricting them to an area in need of weed control. They can also be contained in areas needing attention with moveable fencing. Finally, the herbivores can be tended on leashes by trained handlers.

The goats, which cost just over $1,000, complement a flock of insect eating fowl known as Guinea Hens. The birds, which are indigenous to North Africa, have been a resounding success in the control of ticks at the preserve. In fact, there has not been a single tick incident reported at the facility in the four years since the fowl were employed as a nature-friendly insecticide.

"Kate Murray and I are building a legacy at this preserve that is environmentally sound," said Cullin. "Controlling insects and weeds with friendly animals that are in harmony with the preserve is a victory for neighbors, visitors and everyone who cares about the planet."

The goats reside in miniature houses in a goat colony at the park. Named for the seven dwarfs, the diminutive "weed whackers" include Sleepy, Sneezy, Bashful, Happy and Doc.

"I encourage nature lovers, hikers, bird watchers and anyone who wants to learn about how we've converted a former landfill into a nature preserve to visit the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve," concluded Murray. "We're building a better planet for our children and future generations."