Goats Invade Hamilton Property, Devour Invasive Buckthorn Fast

UPDATE: A herd of 50 goats has made headlines after successfully clearing two acres of invasive buckthorn shrubs in rural Hamilton, Ontario, within just two days. Property owner Natalie Feisthauer reported that the goats accomplished in hours what would have taken her and her husband weeks to do by hand.

“This is a game changer for us,” Feisthauer said, praising the goats’ efficiency. “They’re an absolute delight — so cute and friendly, it’s hard to stay away from them.” The goats were brought in as part of a growing trend in southern Ontario, where eco-herds are now being utilized to tackle invasive plant species like buckthorn, phragmites, and Canada thistle.

The couple has struggled with the spread of buckthorn for nearly a decade. This invasive plant not only disrupts local ecosystems but also alters soil composition and blocks sunlight for native plants. In response to the persistent problem, Feisthauer contacted the Hamilton Conservation Authority, seeking a natural solution without the use of herbicides.

Last week, Goats in the City, a goat-rental service based in King City, Ontario, arrived at the property with a trailer full of eager goats. This was their first project in Hamilton, and according to founder Ian Matthews, the goats were thrilled to feast on their favorite snack.

“Buckthorn is like candy for them,” Matthews explained. The goats not only consume the invasive shrub but also avoid eating important native plants like milkweed, thus preserving the local flora. Their unique digestive system also damages buckthorn seeds, preventing future growth.

Matthews, who has a lifelong background in goat herding, founded Goats in the City in 2021 after rekindling his passion for these animals. He sees the use of goats in ecological management as a way to “use nature to cure nature.”

Feisthauer and her husband watched in amazement as the goats transformed their property in record time. The couple previously battled this invasive plant by hand, a method that felt futile as buckthorn would reappear elsewhere on their 10-acre land.

With the goats’ swift action, Feisthauer hopes to reduce the buckthorn’s spread significantly. “It’s been a game of whack-a-mole for us, but now we can finally see a way forward,” she stated.

As the ecological benefits of using goats for invasive species management gain traction, communities across Ontario are increasingly turning to these eco-friendly solutions. The goats not only provide an effective method for clearing unwanted plants but also bring joy and interest to the properties they visit.

NEXT STEPS: Residents and conservation groups are encouraged to consider goat rentals for their own invasive plant challenges as this innovative approach gains momentum. As the trend spreads, it could reshape how communities manage their natural landscapes, promoting biodiversity while reducing reliance on chemical interventions.

Stay tuned as more property owners begin to adopt this sustainable method, transforming the way we address invasive species in our environments.