Van Cortlandt Park using goats to eat weeds, clear grounds

Sun, grass and goats are three things visitors can now plan on seeing at Van Cortlandt Park during their next visit.

News 12 Staff

Jul 9, 2020, 10:44 PM

Updated 1,614 days ago

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Sun, grass and goats are three things visitors can now plan on seeing at Van Cortlandt Park during their next visit. 
The goats aren’t just eating, they’re working. It is a solution to eliminate weeds and clear grounds for grass. 
“What we’re hoping to have happen with these goats here is to sort of reclaim our lawn and also help the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance to show how valuable goats can be used for landscaping and reducing invasive species of weeds,” said Laura Carpenter.  
After arriving from a farm in Rhinebeck on June 30, the mother and son duo began their work on the eastern half of the Van Cortlandt Park Museum Grounds. 
Christine Taylor, director of programs and operations, tells News 12 new goats will continue to rotate in 30-day shifts until the middle of September.
“Where in New York City can you say besides a zoo that you can go see goats? And that they’re actually helping the park by eating the weeds. Like where?” said visitor Nina Sanchez. 
The goats will stay at the park for two summers and if they are successful at eating the weeds, visitors can look forward to seeing them more frequently.