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Goats in the Parks
Last Content Update:
Goats in the parks help control garlic mustard and common buckthorn.
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
The goats have left the park.
- Where are the goats?
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A map of the goat's location is found on this page. You may also ask a Parks staff at a Park Office building.
- Why are they here?
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Goats graze on undesirable plants, like common buckthorn, non-native honeysuckle, and garlic mustard to set them back and make way for native species.
Goats also naturally fertilize the ground as they eat and leave their dropping
Using goats to clear land and woody areas is much more cost effective than many traditional methods. The costs of clearing land by hand, equipment rental, labor, permits, and debris disposal can add up very quickly.
- How often do you move them?
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We move the goats depending on how long it takes them to eat the vegetation of the paddock they are in. A paddock is the fenced in area where the goats are placed to target specific plants.
- Do you provide food and water?
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The goats eat the undesirable plants. No feeding by guests is allowed. Goats are next to fresh water sources or water is added when needed.
- Can we pet them?
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We ask that you please do not pet the goats.
- How long will they be here?
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Check this page for current status.
Contact Us
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Washington County Parks
A division of the Public Works Department
Email StaffBig Marine Park Reserve
Phone: 651-430-8200Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
Phone: 651-430-8226Historic Courthouse
Phone: 651-275-7075Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Phone: 651-430-8370Pine Point Regional Park
Phone: 651-430-8200Square Lake Park
Phone: 651-430-8200Point Douglas Park
Phone: 651-430-8240St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
Phone: 651-430-8240