City officials in Dallas have launched an unconventional yet environmentally conscious initiative to tackle a pervasive invasive plant problem, deploying a herd of 260 grazing goats to clear overgrown vegetation. The goats have been recruited to combat the spread of privet, a non-native shrub that threatens local ecosystems at White Rock Lake, a reservoir in northeast Dallas.
Eco-Friendly Grazing Strategy
According to a press release from the city, the goats were brought in from Fort Worth and will be stationed in the prairie area adjacent to the Bath House and Cultural Center. They are set to graze on approximately 11.5 acres of land over the course of a week. To ensure the goats remain focused on their task, an electric fence will be repositioned daily to enclose new sections of vegetation, each spanning 1 to 1.5 acres.
Safety and Monitoring Measures
A shepherd will be present on site 24 hours a day to safely manage and monitor the goats throughout the project. This measure aims to prevent any disruptions and ensure the animals' well-being as they work to control the invasive privet, which can quickly spread and disrupt native plant life and soil stability.
Previous Successes and Public Enthusiasm
This is not the first time Dallas has turned to goats for vegetation management. In April 2025, a group of 250 goats spent 11 days eating privet at the Bachman Greenbelt in northern Dallas. The Dallas Parks and Recreation Department expressed excitement about the return of this popular method, posting on Facebook with the playful message, "You spoke, we herd!" alongside a video of a goat chewing. The department added, "Dallas Parks is thrilled to bring back this massively popular (and honestly the cutest) vegetation management solution and can't wait to tackle the privet!"
Environmental Benefits
Officials have highlighted the multiple benefits of using goats for this purpose. Removing privet helps stabilize soil to prevent erosion, improves visibility in the area, and lowers wildfire risks. Moreover, this eco-friendly approach reduces noise pollution, carbon emissions, and reliance on fuel-powered equipment, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
The initiative reflects a growing trend in urban environmental management, where natural solutions are prioritized to address ecological challenges while engaging the community in a unique and visually appealing way.
