Goats Run Wild in Riverside Park
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, alongside other elected officials, joined in the festivities, declaring that Manhattan just got a lot more interesting with the arrival of the goats. This marks the second year that goats have been deployed in Riverside Park to maintain its health. The initiative was originally introduced in 2019 but was disrupted last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From mid-July until the end of summer, five goats selected from a larger herd of 24 will reside in Riverside Park between West 119th Street and West 123rd Street. Their main task will be to control invasive plant species by eating them away. In order to decide which goats will be part of the herd, park-goers can vote using a ranked-choice system, similar to the one recently employed in citywide elections. This ensures a clear and uncontroversial outcome by the end of the summer.
Riverside Park Conservancy President and CEO Dan Garodnick affectionately refers to the goats as “natural weed whackers.” Following the success of the first “Running of the Goats” in 2019, over 20 goats remained in the park to tackle unwanted vegetation. Garodnick explains that putting the goats to work in Riverside Park is like treating them to an all-you-can-eat buffet. The goats, originally from Green Goats farm in Rhinebeck, New York, have had past careers as dairy goats.
The unique abilities of the goats have proven to be incredibly effective in maintaining the park. However, due to their efficiency, some of the goats had to be sent back to the farm to better pace their grazing efforts. The goats have now returned after a hiatus during the pandemic to continue their essential role in eradicating invasive plant species.
The chosen plot of land in Riverside Park poses challenges in terms of maintenance. It takes several years to fully eradicate invasive plants such as multiflora rose, porcelain berry, and mugwort. These plants can inhibit healthy tree growth and prevent the absorption of stormwater, leading to issues such as flooding in city subway stops. In addition to these invasive species, the goats also help control poison ivy, making the area safer for humans and other animals.
Congressman Jerrold Nadler expressed his support for using goats as a natural and eco-friendly solution to combating invasive plant species. The goats’ presence ensures that healthy tree growth is facilitated, which in turn helps keep the city cool and manages stormwater. The success of natural areas in the park is closely linked to the overall health of the city.
Garodnick further explains that the Riverside Park Conservancy aims to eventually plant a diversity of species in the absence of invasive plants. The goats play a crucial role in preparing the land for this future initiative, creating the ideal conditions for a variety of plant life to flourish.
The introduction of goats in Riverside Park has garnered excitement and enthusiasm from both park-goers and officials alike. This initiative not only serves as an effective solution to invasive plant control but also offers a unique and educational experience for visitors. The opportunity to interact with goats and witness their natural weed-whacking abilities adds a charming and delightful facet to the park.
As the summer progresses, the goats will continue their important work in Riverside Park, showcasing their remarkable abilities in vegetation management. The presence of the goats serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving natural spaces in urban environments and finding sustainable solutions to ecological challenges. By employing these eco-friendly “interns,” Riverside Park is setting an example for other parks and green spaces to follow, demonstrating the benefits of utilizing goats in invasive plant control and environmental conservation.