Public is welcome to come and view the activity
The goats from Rent-a-Ruminant® Texas return to the Houston Arboretum May 3 – 10 to “mow” the overgrown vegetation in the 2.3 acre area encircled by the 610 Parking Loop. The popular animals made appearances in October and November of 2020 when they worked on the vegetation and invasive species around the Woodway Loop ponds and 7-acre savanna areas respectively, while in March 2021, they “landscaped” the 2.6-acre Meadow area.
The public is welcome to view the goats at work during the week they are here, although the Arboretum staff asks that guests do not touch, engage with, or feed the animals, for the safety of the animals and people. The area where the goats will congregate is easily accessible from the 610 Entrance to the Arboretum, at 120 West Loop North, just south of Woodway Drive. Approximately 150 goats will do their thing under the direction of Rent-a-Ruminant® owners Kyle and Carolyn Carr.
“We have been really happy with how these goats have performed in previous stints,” says Debbie Markey, Executive Director. “This eco-friendly alternative to commercial mowing and herbicides is working. We’re looking forward to their help with clearing thorny dewberry and small saplings from this more wooded area.”
Markey notes that the goats are a big attraction for families with children. “It’s a great educational opportunity for youngsters,” she says. “This dovetails with our mission of education. We are making nature fun and accessible to urban dwellers. Plus, they are really adorable.”
Rent-A-Ruminant Texas provides a workable alternative to traditional land clearing, chemicals or commercial mowing. The goats are effective at reducing brush overgrowth, green briars, poison ivy, ragweed and other unwanted or undesirable plant species. The Carrs operate out of a ranch in Brownwood, Tex. and have nearly 250 goats in their herd, about half of which travel with them throughout the state to provide natural mowing services. The goats even have names.
The Houston Arboretum is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. For best access to view the goats, park in the 610 Parking Loop. Parking is $5, and it is free on Thursdays and free every day for Arboretum Members.
To learn more about the Arboretum, please visit https://houstonarboretum.org/. You can also get more information by calling the Houston Arboretum at 713-681-8433.
