Colerain Township using goats to help clear out invasive plants

COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WXIX) - For the third and final year, Colerain Township will use about a dozen goats to eat invasive plants at Colerain Park.

Goats are herbivores and are perfect for eating away at honeysuckle, according to Colerain Township’s partners at TreeYo Permaculture who specialize in regenerative landscape development with a holistic approach.

The goats have successfully eaten so much honeysuckle over the past three years that the invasive plant will not grow back, leaving the area open for native plants, a township spokesperson says.

It’s also a much more eco-friendly alternative in comparison to using herbicides and helps improve soil structure and fertilization, Colerain Township Communications Specialist Helen Tracey-Noren said.

Officials want to remind the public of a few things when it comes to the animals:

• Do not try petting the goats. They have an electrified fence to keep them inside their designated area.
• Keep dogs on a leash, especially around the fence, for their safety.
• Do not feed the goats. Their diet will be supplemented by their handlers with the appropriate feed.

The goats will be in residence at the park for two to four weeks starting May 23.

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