Beginning the week of May 12^th, a team of four-legged landscapers will begin restoring natural habitat at Miami Woods, thanks to a partnership between the Hamilton Parks Conservancy and MetroParks of Butler County. Goats from Treeyo Permaculture will be deployed to graze on invasive plant species, such as honeysuckle, throughout the next six weeks.

This eco-conscious method of land management helps restore balance to the park’s ecosystem by targeting non-native plants like honeysuckle. These invasive species outcompete native vegetation for sunlight, water and nutrients, leading to a decline in biodiversity. By clearing them out, the goats help create space for native trees, plants and wildflowers to thrive once again.

“Goats can be an extremely effective way to help restore the natural landscape by consuming invasive plants. As they eat, they make room for native seeds lying dormant in the soil to begin growing,” said Suzanne Roth, MetroParks of Butler County’s Director of Programming. “The goats can reach spaces that are difficult for people and even machinery to get to, making them very efficient land managers,” she adds.  

Adam Cornette, Director of the Hamilton Parks Conservancy, added: “Bringing goats into Miami Woods is a fantastic opportunity for the Hamilton Parks Conservancy to collaborate with our partners at MetroParks of Butler County. As shared caretakers of the park, we are excited to continue our invasive vegetation remediation with grazing goats. The presence of goats within the park will offer opportunities for the public to learn about sustainable permaculture, while also providing interactions with the goats and educational opportunities to those who come to Miami Woods.”

To celebrate the goat’s arrival, MetroParks and the Hamilton Parks Conservancy will host a “Meet the Goats Night” at the park in the coming weeks. Community members are encouraged to come see the goats in action and learn more about invasive species management throughout Butler County’s parks. For more information about the Meet the Goats Night, follow MetroParks and the Hamilton Parks Conservancy on Facebook at: @metroparks and @hamiltonparksconservancy.  

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