How do you normally cut your grass? Take care of those pesky weeds? Thin out your blackberry bramble?
Of all the options these days for cutting back large swaths of grasses: mowers, weed whackers, scythes, etc.–down at our local wetland Neary Lagoon a more ecological method is being used. Every year around May or June the City of Santa Cruz brings in a flock of 40 or more goats to ‘mow’ down all the tall grasses that persist between Blackburn and Chestnut St. entrances.
Well I am here to announce that the goats have landed and are fast at work mowing down all of the grasses. As of today they are all corralled right near the Blackburn St. Over the course of this next week the goats will graze their way to Chestnut St then hop over to the other side of the boardwalk and munch their way back. For 40+ goats, it won’t take too long to go through all the grasses–so go see landscaping at work. There are even some baby goats (kids) to see.
Setting up shop-let the feast begin
Even for the sophisticated palates...
Even the babes are helping eat the grass
Be sure to stop by and have a look. Goats help cut down the grass, reducing the fire hazard, recycling nutrients, and fertilize the soil. Not a bad deal! If you are curious about these services, or if you have some space you need ‘mowed’ check out Living Systems –a local group specializing in ecological and sustainable land management.
I was there with my grandchildren and one of them yelled out “Look at the bird on top of one of the goats!” I could have sworn it was an African Oxpecker. But it’s a female Brewer’s Blackbird that has somehow imprinted with the goats. She hangs out with them and drinks out of their water trough, and yes, pecks at the insects off their backs.