Goats brought in to clear invasive kudzu at Huntersville park

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (WBTV) - A herd of goats is chewing through invasive kudzu at North Mecklenburg Park, giving Huntersville park leaders an alternative to using chemicals or machinery to control the vine.

The town hired the roughly 40-member herd from North Carolina-based Eco-Grazers, which also provides targeted grazing for homes and businesses.

After the goats’ first full day on the job in Huntersville, park leaders say the goats are clearing the unwanted vegetation even faster than anticipated.

Michael Jaycocks, director of the Huntersville Parks and Recreation Department, learned about the idea at a conference in Raleigh. He said he and his team are always open to innovative ideas that serve the environment.

“We like to hear other ideas, we don’t see it as criticism,” Jaycocks said. “We see it as a way of growing, understanding ways to protect our environment.”

Park visitor Sean Garcia, who was walking with his wife and daughter, welcomed the approach as an alternative to chemicals.

“How many goats do we have in the world? Let’s start using them,” Garcia said. “I mean this is great, stay away from those chemicals. We got kids, we got dogs, we got animals, let’s go the natural route.”

For Samantha Starnes and her son, Dalton, the herd also provided entertainment during their walk.

“It doesn’t disturb the park, which is super nice. And it’s free entertainment for kids, which is super cool,” Starnes said.

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