State Park Rents Goats, Sheep To Eat Invasive Plants

A state park in Green Bay has rented a herd of sheep and goats that will spend the holiday weekend eating unwanted plants to make way for native vegetation.

Dan Katers, who manages the farms and gardens at Heritage Hill, an historical interpretive park, said the 75 rented goats and 15 sheep are hard at work eating invasive plants like honeysuckle, sumac, wild rose and more.

He said goats are an historically accurate form of weed control.

“People raised goats because they were easy — they ate everything,” said Katers. “You could get milk from them and meat. The goats would help keep brush back, and clear the brush around a farmstead.”

These goats work for Vegetation Solutions out of Richland County. Owner Ben Robel rents them out for between $150 to $250 per day, depending on contract stipulations.

“We have nature centers we do, we have private customers, we do subdivisions,” said Robel. “Anybody with too much land, with hills and stuff they can’t get tractors and equipment into.”

This is the first time Heritage Hill has hired goats. Dan Katers said the animals are a hit with visitors.

“So far people have been having a ball with this,” said Katers. “We keep thinking, ‘Oh we’re going to have a 10 to 15 minute tour,’ and they end up being an hour long.”

The goats are on a limited engagement: They’re expected to finish eating up by Monday.