Jack, Charlie, and Elvis are not your average stars. These Alpine and Nubian goats have become local celebrities at Towson University. A crowd of excited fans cheered for them outside the fence, hoping to catch a glimpse or a touch. Their special role? Keeping the Glen Arboretum free from invasive plants.
For over a decade, Towson University has invited these goats from Harmony Church Farm in Harford County to help with a crucial task—eating plants that threaten the local ecosystem. Roni Casilly, the head goat herder, explains that not all greenery is beneficial. Invasive vines and weeds can take over spaces, harming native plants and the overall ecosystem.
When the goats visited the campus, they targeted problematic plants like privet hedge and honeysuckle. “If we don’t manage these invasives, the whole ecosystem can collapse,” Casilly warns.
The impact of their visits is evident. Once, the arboretum was overrun with vines, making it nearly impossible to walk through. Now, it’s a vibrant space where students can gather and learn about sustainability. Chloe Romm, a junior at the university, marveled at this transformation. “It’s great that they focus strictly on the invasive plants,” she noted.
The goats are more than just weed-eaters; they serve as educational ambassadors. President Mark Ginsberg of Towson University appreciates their contribution to campus life. He reminisced about his childhood on a farm, sharing a sense of respect for all living creatures. He finds joy in the goats’ presence and the awareness they raise about environmental issues.
As word spread, students venturing through the arboretum learned about sustainable practices while sampling plants from Romm’s table. Many, like Veronica Black, were seeing goats up close for the first time, captivated by their quirkiness and charm.
The initiative not only helps the environment but also fosters community interaction and awareness. In recent studies, about 78% of college students report feeling more connected to their campus when engaging in sustainability efforts. It seems that Jack, Charlie, and Elvis are helping to bridge the gap between ecology and community engagement, making the goats true heroes of the arboretum.
Curious? Check out this article about how goats are used for conservation in urban areas from National Geographic.
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