A large herd of goats that has simultaneously charmed and helped the Pasadena community with its unmatched brush-munching abilities has finished the job sooner than anticipated.
About 600 goats were unleashed in the Arroyo Seco last month to clear dry brush on 100 acres of land. The goal was to get the goats to graze in order to reduce fire risk. Their appetites have been so great that the herd completed their objective before their deadline.
“They originally planned for six weeks, but they’ve been such efficient eaters that they’ve covered the 100 acres in less time than expected,” said Candy Renick of the One Arroyo Foundation.
One Arroyo Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Arroyo Seco. Renick said the organization worked in partnership with the city of Pasadena to execute the pilot program with the goats.
“There is a herder who brings the goats out,” Renick said. “They set up fencing and the goats are put in the fenced-in area to graze over a certain period of time and once that area is cleared, they move on to the next spot. Over the last four weeks, it’s been 100 acres that they’ve covered.”
With the goats done with their job, they’re slated to leave the Arroyo Seco on Wednesday, Renick said.