The City of Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation Department has hired a crew of four-legged seasonal employees to help clear unwanted vegetation along the riverfront.
On Monday, May 16, 2022, 55 goats reported to Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park for their first day of work and immediately began grazing on weeds and brush.
“Bringing in a herd of goats is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to clear the brush from the area,” said Vincent Martorello, City of Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation Department Director. “Goats eat approximately 4% of their body weight per day and take care of noxious weeds such as nettles and poison ivy.”
The goats also eliminate the need for spraying poisonous herbicides and mowing, thus reducing fossil fuels and CO2 emissions.
The herd of goats is working on a four-acre section along the access road at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, under the Interstate 480 bridge. Goats on the Go owners, Matt and Jocelyn Vermeersch, monitor the goats to ensure the availability of drinking water and access to minerals. The goats will need 15-20 days to complete the area.
Anyone interested in seeing the goats in action is welcome to check them out, but please don’t approach the fenced area.
