Here’s How Hundreds of Goats are Helping at a Colorado Open Space

Rather than hiring extra sets of human hands to help with a major landscaping project this summer, a town in Colorado is using hundreds of hoofed animals instead.

Last year was the first time the town of Castle Rock opted to incorporate goat grazing into its summer maintenance. Enlisting the help of goats is an efficient and environmentally friendly way for the town to manage overgrown portions of its open spaces. While grazing in an area, these hungry animals help to control noxious weeds, undergrowth of invasive species, dead brush, and leaves, allowing the natural grasses to recover. Having them onsite also aids in reducing vegetative fuels for wildfire mitigation.

This summer, Castle Rock has once again contracted with Goat Green LLC to provide several hundred goats to help with landscaping. In addition to the goats, the company supplied two guard dogs, temporary electric fencing, and water for the livestock.

The goats will graze in Castle Rock for approximately 30 days, first at a fenced-in area at Metzler Family Open Space, and then at Woodlands Bowl.

Goats are eating machines and can mow down about one acre of grass daily. They can also access hard-to-reach places, such as steep hillsides. Not only do the goats assist in efficiently eliminating unwanted vegetation, but they also take away the need for the use of herbicides. Having them on-site can help aerate and fertilize the soil too.

The goats are kept inside the boundaries of electric fencing, however, these areas change almost daily and may cross over trails. People walking or biking on these properties should be aware that sections of the trail may not be accessible where the goats are feeding. For the goats’ safety, and yours, do not touch the electrified fencing around the goats, and keep dogs leashed and under control at all times when visiting.