TULSA, Okla. – The animals, provided by Green Collar Goats inTulsa, are being used to clear invasive plant species as part of a larger effort to restore the natural ecosystem across hundreds of acres.
A Natural Solution to Invasive Plants
River Parks officials say, using goats for habitat restoration isn’t a new concept, but it’s a new approach for Tulsa. Turkey Mountain spans about 750 acres, and officials say the goal is to return the land to what it looked like nearly a century ago.
“We’ve seen goats used for invasive species management and habitat restoration work in other places,” said Ryan Howell with River Parks Authority.
How the Goats Help the Ecosystem
The goats selectively eat invasive plants while leaving grass untouched, which is a key benefit for rebuilding the ecosystem naturally. Officials say the method is also far less labor-intensive and more cost-effective than traditional brush clearing.
“Having people do it, it’s very labor intensive,” Howell said. “A group of 10 people can clear out maybe an acre in two or three days, depending on the density.”
Technology Guides the Herd
The goats are provided by Green Collar Goats, a local company that uses technology to control where the animals graze. They allow the herd to safely tackle steep or difficult terrain that would be challenging for crews to reach…