The City of Arlington has contracted with Open Space Development, a Lewisville, TX-based land and park development firm, to clear acres of thick underbrush using a professionally managed goat herd, beginning on Monday, January 6 in the area north of Randol Mill Park in Arlington. More than four hundred goats will be released on a mission to clear invasive species, free waterways, and reduce fire danger through an environmentally friendly method without the use of heavy equipment, harsh chemicals, or costly crews.
The process will last about 10 days in the City of Arlington’s Randol Mill Park located at 1901 W. Randol Mill Road in North Arlington. The goats will then move to Crystal Canyon Natural Area later this month. This is the second time the city will be utilizing goats to clear vegetation as a part of a grant-funded project. Parts of Crystal Canyon Natural Area will be closed to the public during the process.
“Bringing in goats is an unconventional method but that is what we liked about it,” James Orloski, Director of Parks and Recreation of the City of Arlington. “The goats are an excellent solution to clearing land in a natural preserve within the city.”
The goats are being utilized to eradicate the invasive privet species of plant that is taking over the area and are uniquely suited to this because they eat the plant leaves, stressing the plant, and rendering the plants unable to grow through photosynthesis. The goats will need to be used over several seasons to fully kill off the invasive plants.
“We have found cities becoming more progressive and seeking out creative solutions to land management that is also extremely cost effective,” said Quincy Crow, owner of Open Space Development.
Funding for the "goatscaping" initiative, part of a five-year program launched in 2024 to combat the invasive species Chinese Privet, is provided by an Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the USDA and the U.S. Forest Service. Authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act, this grant seeks to enhance equitable access to trees and natural spaces, acknowledging the valuable benefits they provide to urban communities.
About Goatscaping
Based on Open Space Development’s work to date, a typical herd of 100 goats can generally clear a moderately vegetated acre in 3 days. The herd clears by ‘mob grazing’ or competitive eating. Goats have voracious appetites and when a herd is professionally managed, they can clear an immense amount of vegetation in a short time. An onsite manager tends to the perimeter fencing and utilizes herding dogs to direct and protect the goats. These herds are professionally and humanely managed by a dedicated team.
Randol Mill Park, Crystal Canyon Natural Area, Parks
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