CHARLEVOIX — In a unique and environmentally-friendly initiative, the City of Charlevoix has enlisted a herd of goats to manage overgrowth at Michigan Beach Park.
The hooved landscapers will be hard at work all week, expected to finish up their duties by Friday, Aug. 9. They offer an innovative approach to park maintenance, aiming to control unwanted plant species and vegetation without harmful chemicals or heavy machinery, while also delighting many Park Street pedestrians.
Why goats?
Goats are known for their ability to consume a wide variety of vegetation, making them perfect candidates for natural lawn mowers. They can access steep or rocky areas where traditional equipment might struggle, and their grazing helps to naturally fertilize the soil.
“The goats are an ecologically friendly way to clean up the undergrowth at Michigan Beach Park without the effects of chemicals or heavy equipment,” said Charlevoix City Manager Mark Heydlauff. “Since this area is a sand dune, the soil is more sensitive to erosion and the goats naturally aerate the soil while trimming up the growth. They also eat poison ivy and some other invasive species with the added benefit that the digestive system of the goats kills the seeds that would otherwise cause further propagation of these plants.”
The process
Since 2017, the city has partnered with a local goat rental service, Munchers on Hooves, to bring a small herd of goats to Michigan Beach Park.
For approximately one week each summer, the goats graze in designated areas, managed by temporary electric fencing to ensure they stay within the targeted zones.
Community response
The introduction of goats is always met with enthusiasm by local residents and visitors, as evident by the Facebook posts about the hooved visitors. Many see it as a charming and innovative way to manage parkland.
“Aside from the environmental benefits, the goats are a nice treat — especially for families to enjoy farm animals up close. I get a surprising number of calls each year wanting to confirm that the goats will be back or to find out when so that people can enjoy them,” said Heydlauff.
Cost and sustainability
With an annual cost around $2,000, the city plans to continue the use of goats into the future.
In terms of cost savings compared to traditional maintenance methods, Heydlauff said, “It’s hard to compare this to normal maintenance methods given the environmental factors but I think it’s roughly comparable or less given the kind of maintenance we do there.”
“Taken all together, I think this equates to a very successful program,” he added.
For more information about the goat grazing project and other sustainable initiatives in Charlevoix, visit charlevoixmi.gov.
— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 and adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Goats tame overgrowth at Michigan Beach Park in Charlevoix
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