goats on guard

IN SEA GIRT, there is a fascinating environmental project making waves and clearing land near Wreck Pond. The borough recently launched a program that uses goats to help manage invasive plant growth.

An invasive species is a non-native species that has been introduced to an area where it does not naturally grow. It causes harm to the environment, economy and sometimes even human health. These species can outpopulate native species for resources, alter habitats that disrupt ecosystems and cause significant damage. Some of the invasive plants most difficult to control and eliminate in this area are Japanese knotweed, Japanese honeysuckle, mugwort, Smilex, English ivy and tree of heaven.

PROMOTING RESTORATION

The idea of turning to goats for help with ecological restoration started when Sea Girt council member Diane Anthony was made chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee in 2017. Soon after joining the council, she became worried about the rapid spread of invasive plants in local parks. “I was shocked by by how much damage these species had caused,” she says. “They were choking out native vegetation and damaging ecosystems.”

With this concern in mind, Anthony began researching cost-effective, eco-friendly ways to address the issue. During her search, she discovered targeted goat grazing—a natural solution already being used successfully in places such as New York City’s Central Park and Sandy Hook.

Targeted goat grazing has been utilized as an alternative to heavy mechanical equipment. Further exploration led the borough to Green Goats, a farm in Rhinebeck, New York, known for its environmentally responsible grazing practices and use of nonelectric fencing. It wasn’t long before a partnership was formed.

CAREFUL CONSIDERATION

In July, the council gave its approval for the program, designating a one-acre parcel of land along the Terrace near Wreck Pond for the goats to graze over eight weeks. Before the goats’ arrival, borough engineers conducted a thorough site inspection, and community considerations were carefully taken into account.

Interest in the initiative quickly grew, thanks in large part to the Sea Girt Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of parks and open spaces. The conservancy played a key role in both funding the project and contributing scientific expertise to help guide its success.

After the goats have completed their task, the area will be evaluated for plans to enhance terrain for environmental, habitat and stormwater management benefits.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Anthony is grateful for the success of the project, but even more so for the overwhelming support from the Sea Girt community that made it all possible. “We are very, very fortunate on so many levels, and we have an amazing administrator,” she says. “Our fire and police departments are wonderful. Even our residents have come out and assisted with so many different things.”

The community clearly has embraced this environmental effort. Local adults and children have assisted in watering the goats, and a local graphic designer even created a logo to help promote the program.

To respect Sea Girt residents who live along the Terrace, the public is encouraged to walk between the fourth and fifth blocks to watch the goats.

The animals should not be touched or fed, as they consume the vegetation, get exercise and assist the borough in completing the task of invasive species management. There is also a chance that they can carry oils from the poison ivy plant.

“This isn’t just about goats, it’s about stewardship,” Anthony says. “We are a small town, but we’re showing what’s possible when research, creativity and community come together.”

Between active community involvement, cute four-legged friends and passion for a cause, it’s no wonder the Borough of Sea Girt continues to be the GOAT (Greatest of all Towns). For more information about this project and how you can get involved, visit www.seagirtboro.org and follow @seagirtboro on Instagram.

BY AMANDA SKUNAKIS