The goats have left the trail. We repeat, the goats have left the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
Last month, the Trail Conservancy released 150 goats onto the trail to help control invasive vegetation overgrowth, especially poison ivy. After two-and-a-half weeks of ‘round-the-clock munching, the goats were able to clear more than six acres of the trail.
Next, the Trail Conservancy will clear the areas of trash and debris, then mulch the soil to prevent regrowth. When the weather cools down, the team will plant native species in the area.
This probably won’t be the last you see of the Rent-a-Ruminant family — the Trail Conservancy hopes to bring the goats back in the fall via its donation-based “Adopt a Goat” program.