WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – The Wausau and Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department is reintroducing goats on Barker-Stewart Island this Monday to help manage invasive plant species.
Since 2021, the parks department has collaborated with Liberation Farmers from Almond, using their goats to clear invasive plants and create space for native vegetation to thrive.
“Barker-Stewart is heavily infested with various invasive species, making it one of the worst areas in the city. We have buckthorn, honeysuckle, tansies, and other unwanted plants, including some nettles,” stated Wausau city forester John Kahon.
The city aims to use goats as a natural alternative to chemical treatments, thereby reducing harm to native species and preserving the park’s overall plant life.
“We’re reducing the invasive foliage, stressing these plants so they lose energy. By repeating this process annually, the invasive plants eventually die off. This method avoids chemicals and retains the root system, maintaining the island’s integrity and allowing new plants to grow,” Kahon explained.
The goats will be placed in two fenced-off areas on the island. While they have become a popular summer attraction, the parks department advises against interacting with them.
Kahon mentioned the possibility of future events where Liberation Farmers might visit Wausau, allowing visitors to interact with the goats in the paddocks.