Chattanooga Enlists Goats to Combat Invasive Plants and Restore Local Ecosystem

Chattanooga’s Furry Heroes: Goats Taking on Invasive Plants!

In the bustling city of Chattanooga, something delightful and unexpected is happening right in our backyard! Earlier this year, a fantastic initiative kicked off to restore the native plant and wildlife biodiversity of Maclellan Island, and guess what? This initiative enlisted some furry heroes to take on the mission! That’s right, folks, we’re talking about six adorable goats and their trusty guard dog, Beo.

Herding for a Cause

When the Chattanooga Audubon Society (CAS) had to scrap their original plans for a prescribed burn, they turned to these lovable goats for assistance. These little munchers have been tirelessly working to clear invasive plant species from the western point of Maclellan Island, all the way to the bridge where the Veterans Memorial Bridge crosses over it. It’s like a scene straight out of a fairy tale, and boy do these goats know how to get the job done!

Time for a Winter Retreat

As winter rolls in, it’s time for our roaming rangers to settle down for the season. The goats have been relocated to Audubon Acres where they’ll continue their heroic mission by tackling the pesky privet overgrowth, one acre at a time. It’s all part of a thoughtful plan put in place by CAS to keep up the momentum on their restoration efforts.

What’s Next for Maclellan Island?

While the goats are busy working at Audubon Acres, plans are in the pipeline for the next phases on Maclellan Island. During this time, CAS and a dedicated team of volunteers will spray a selective herbicide on the island, up until where the goats have cleared. This careful approach ensures that only beneficial plants stay around—think of vibrant native species and shrubs that provide food for our local birds and wildlife.

And that’s not all! Come spring, the plan is to replant all the beneficial flora, creating a welcoming habitat for all sorts of creatures. Once the planting is complete, those goats will make their grand return to Maclellan Island to finish what they started.

Meet the Goats in Person!

Excited to see the goats in action? You’re in luck! You can visit them at Audubon Acres and even catch them up close during the annual Pioneer Days festivities. It’s not every day you get to hang out with some of Chattanooga’s most beloved environmental warriors!

Shop to Support!

While you’re there, don’t forget to swing by the gift shop (or check it out online!) to grab some snazzy Maclellan Island Goats merchandise. Every purchase helps support the care of these precious goats, so you can look good while making a difference. Now, who wouldn’t want that?

So, Chattanooga, let’s put our hooves together and give it up for our four-legged friends who are making big strides in restoring our local ecosystem! From munching on invasive plants to becoming community icons, these goats have truly stolen our hearts and are paving the way for a greener future.