For the next eight to 12 weeks, park-goers can see over 50 goats fenced in around parts of the walking trails.
Their job, said Parks & Facilities Director Lanie Marcotte, is to clear invasive plants and harmful species like poison oak, ivy and thistle from the area.
"These plants are like little treats to the goats; they are not harmful to them in any way," Marcotte said.
The reason
"Instead of finding the man power to go in there and use gasoline-powered tools to clear it, this is a more cost effective, environmentally-friendly way to get the job done," Marcotte said.
What residents should know
Marcotte said residents are welcome to visit the goats, and recommended coming in the morning or evening—when temperatures are cooler—to see them at work.
Operations Manager Brian Williams said some visitors may even be lucky enough to spot the newest baby goat in the group.
Electric fencing surrounds the goats, so visitors should avoid feeding or touching them, Williams said. Throughout the process, this fencing will move as the goats take on new areas of the park.
What's next
Marcotte said this is the first time Bee Cave has used the Goats on the Go service, which is available throughout the Austin metro.
The clearing process is just one small part of the Central Park Master Plan, which will establish a Monarch Waystation pollinator garden.
If the service proves to be successful, the city may begin inviting the goats back on an annual basis, Marcotte said.
