DNR enlists help of goats to clear invasive plants at Outdoor Classroom

(Above) Three goats are helping to clear heavy brush and unwanted trees from the Outdoor Classroom on South 14th Street near Clear Creek School. The goat-grazing project is an experimental alternative to applying chemical treatment to the area.-Reporter photo by Chris Barragy.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is getting some help in land management from an unusual source.  Goats.

A trio of goats provided by Charles City farmer Wendy Johnson have taken up residence at the Outdoor Classroom located adjacent to Clear Creek Elementary School.  According to Vince Evelsizer, furbearer and wetland biologist for the DNR, the animals are a “grazing experiment” around the classroom pond, which has become overgrown with unwanted vegetation.

“Hopefully the goats are a good alternative to minimize treating the area with herbicide to control unwanted growth,” said Evelsizer.

Godfrey, Willie and Zee, as they are named by their owner, have been on the job since Aug. 1, munching down low value trees and weeds which have grown to jungle proportions between the pond’s edge and the fence.

“Some of the trees have grown large enough that we’ll need to physically cut them later this summer, but our hope is that the goats can get a good start on the jungle,” said Evelsizer.

The Outdoor Classroom pond was initially created to provide habitat for Trumpeter Swans.  Today, the swans are still there, but they can hardly be seen through the brush.

Evelsizer said he visited with city and school officials about giving goat grazing a try at the site and received a thumbs up from both.

“Goats actually eat weeds, tree leaves and branches, including stinging nettles and thistles,” he explained.  “Hopefully they are low impact since they are smaller/lighter animals on the hoof than something like cows, so they shouldn’t damage the pond edge or fence.”

An added benefit to the experiment could be the arrival of students in just a few weeks.

“It may be a very good demonstration to kids and teachers alike of an alternative management practice in action,” said Evelsizer.