Over the next few weeks visitors to the Hominy Creek Greenway, the
14- acre park between Sandhill and Shelbourne Roads in West Asheville, will see
goats along the walking path. The goats are part of a partnership between
the
Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway, FOHCG, and the City
of Asheville to remove invasive plant material from the park. Asheville Greenworks and RiverLink
are also partners to maintain the 14-acre park. This is the first phase
of goat herbivory, with a second phase happening later in the year.
Through a grant from Buncombe County, the FOHCG hired KD
Ecological Services, to supply and manage the goats on the property, and
ensure care and safety of the goats and visitors to the park. Goats will
be monitored on a daily basis and will be on the property for approximately
four to six weeks beginning this week through June. Goats are contained
within electric wire fencing, along with an additional plastic fence along
areas directly adjacent to the trail. Please be aware of the fencing when
using the park with children and dogs. We ask that you do not feed or pet
the goats.
Non-native plants are a growing threat in the Carolinas. They
displace native plants and animals, decrease property values and hinder access
to land resources. Using goats in particular is a very effective way
to control non-native invasive plants by ecologically friendly
technique. No machinery needs to be used, and little to no herbicide is
needed to control large monocultures of non-natives.
FOHCG and the City of Asheville joined forces in 2013 to maintain
and make improvements to the Hominy Creek Greenway. FOHCG and the city share
recurring maintenance, while FOHCG takes the lead on special projects such as
invasive plant control, trail maintenance and trail amenities.
For information about the
invasive species removal project at the Hominy Creek Greenway, contact Jack
Igelman at jack@igelman.com or Debbie Ivester at divester@ashevillnc.gov.
For information about the
goats and the herbivory services, contact KD Ecological Services at
828-290-9380.
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