Goats grazing at the Houston Arboretum and Discovery Center. Are you ready for 120 Arbogoats? From October 4 – 10, visit Houston’s Arboretum & Nature center to see first hand the huge herd offering an eco-friendly solution to conservation management while freeing up 1.5 acres of overgrowth around two Woodway ponds.
The innovative pilot project is in collaboration with Rent-A-Ruminant Texas, which has acquired most of its 200-plus goats through animal rescues and private adoptions. Because goats are natural climbers and adept at scaling hills and mountains, you can expect to see them all over the slopes around the Arboretum’s ponds. They can go places where it is unsafe or unsuitable for humans and heavy machinery. Some goats in the herd come from animal rescue or private adoptions and includes several breeds of goats.
Unfortunately, visitors cannot pet the goats, they will be protected by electric fencing and a goat wrangler will manage the animals while they’re busy grazing.
If the project is a success, the goats will be back in the spring to do more helpful grazing in the meadow and savanna ecosystems.   How cool is this landscaping idea?
Parking is easy on the southwest corner of Memorial Park, at 4501 Woodway Drive. The new 610 Entrance is located at 120 West Loop North on the 610 West northbound feeder road just south of Woodway Drive. Check out goats grazing at the Arboretum.
Head to houstonarboretum.org for more information. While you’re there, try out the Habitat Hike or the Forest Detective Scavenger hunt.