Support Us Button Widget

Madisonian goats are now being deployed

Locals will find the ungulates at several city parks this summer.

A closeup of a white goat in some sparse shrubbery.jpeg

Goats are effective in land management, eating invasive species. | Photo via Madison Parks Division

Who let the goats out? (Who, who, who, who, who?) The City of Madison Parks Division, that’s who. Back for their sixth season this summer, goats are being utilized for prescribed grazing in several of Madison’s city parks.

Why goats?

They’re effective at controlling invasive plant species like honeysuckle, buckthorn, and other brush that shades out native grasses and wildflowers. They also allow the city to cut back on mowing and herbicides.

When and where?

Though there is no set schedule for the goats, they typically graze in one- or two-week stints. This summer, the flocks will be at the following parks:

  • Acewood
  • Cherokee Marsh
  • Door Creek
  • Edna Taylor
  • Elver
  • Prairie Ridge
  • Turville Point

View the map for specific targeted grazing locations.

Care to help?

Volunteers check on the goats, refill their drinking water, and inspect the fencing. Call 608-267-4918 to learn more.

More from 608today
Happy Lunar New Year, 608. Ring in the Year of the Snake with local performances, family-friendly activities, and food.
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or just love mustard, these 12 museums in Madison have it all.
Enjoy the upside to all of this cold and snow by getting outside for skiing, tubing, and sledding.
These gifts are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
Prepare for winter in Madison, Wisconsin with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
Madison is made up of so many wonderful small businesses, here are a few our readers love in honor of Small Business Saturday.
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 11 places to play golf around Madison are sure to make for a good round.
Check out these 14 yoga opportunities around Madison which offer beginner classes, memberships, hot yoga, and more.
Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.