A unique strategy has taken root to safeguard Albuquerque’s Bosque from the threat of fires – goat grazing. Described as both cost-efficient and effective, these four-legged landscapers are actively contributing to the prevention of potential wildfires while simultaneously restoring the natural landscape with every bite.From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., a dedicated team of 215 goats and 15 sheep start their work in the open space. “This is their job, you know, they get up in the morning and they live to eat,” says Max Wade, the owner of Galloping Goat. “They never stop, they really don’t. They just eat and they eat.”The goats will eat almost any vegetation, from ground level to reaching high on their hind legs. This adaptability becomes a crucial asset in the mission to clean up and restore the Bosque after the 2022 fire season. “We’re trying to clean up and restore after a fire and what we’re trying to keep from having a fire happen again,” says Wade.The herd works its way through three acres of weeds, remnants of the previous fire season. The cleanup process, beyond its immediate benefits, plays a vital role in restoring the natural balance of the ecosystem.“Clearing out the invasive species can make space for our native plants to come back,” explains Dustin Chavez-Davis, the open space project coordinator for the City of Albuquerque. “All those plants provide good forage for wildlife, as well as habitat and cover for three different species, including birds and small mammals and reptiles.”Beyond weed clearance, the goats also leave behind something special – their deposits of fertilizer, manure, and urine. These natural byproducts play a crucial role in enhancing the soil, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. “We’re utilizing animals in a natural ecosystem, just like it’s been done since the dawn of time,” explained Wade. “It’s not noisy, we’re not consuming a ton of fossil fuels. We’re not putting harmful chemicals into the ground. That’s the beauty of this. It’s very natural and sustainable.”
A unique strategy has taken root to safeguard Albuquerque’s Bosque from the threat of fires – goat grazing. Described as both cost-efficient and effective, these four-legged landscapers are actively contributing to the prevention of potential wildfires while simultaneously restoring the natural landscape with every bite.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., a dedicated team of 215 goats and 15 sheep start their work in the open space.
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“This is their job, you know, they get up in the morning and they live to eat,” says Max Wade, the owner of Galloping Goat. “They never stop, they really don’t. They just eat and they eat.”
The goats will eat almost any vegetation, from ground level to reaching high on their hind legs. This adaptability becomes a crucial asset in the mission to clean up and restore the Bosque after the 2022 fire season.
“We’re trying to clean up and restore after a fire and what we’re trying to keep from having a fire happen again,” says Wade.
The herd works its way through three acres of weeds, remnants of the previous fire season. The cleanup process, beyond its immediate benefits, plays a vital role in restoring the natural balance of the ecosystem.
“Clearing out the invasive species can make space for our native plants to come back,” explains Dustin Chavez-Davis, the open space project coordinator for the City of Albuquerque. “All those plants provide good forage for wildlife, as well as habitat and cover for three different species, including birds and small mammals and reptiles.”
Beyond weed clearance, the goats also leave behind something special – their deposits of fertilizer, manure, and urine. These natural byproducts play a crucial role in enhancing the soil, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.
“We’re utilizing animals in a natural ecosystem, just like it’s been done since the dawn of time,” explained Wade. “It’s not noisy, we’re not consuming a ton of fossil fuels. We’re not putting harmful chemicals into the ground. That’s the beauty of this. It’s very natural and sustainable.”
