Goats help control invasive plants on Walkway Over the Hudson

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- As the weather begins to resemble summer and locals start getting outside more, anyone who goes for a walk at the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie may witness the New York State Bridge Authority's (NYSBA) project of keeping invasive plant species at bay.

For a decade now, Green Goats in Rhinebeck has been helping the NYSBA by maintaining invasive plants under the pedestrian walking trail. Officials with the NYSBA said someone half-jokingly suggested employing a herd of goats to take care of the problem, and with some reasearch the bridge authority realized it could be a potential solution.

The goat-grazing program was started to address overgrowth around the land piers, as the area is steep, rocky, and covered in poison ivy and other invasive plants, according to the NYSBA. The goats are hard at work at the walking trail until June 10, and will return in mid September.

"They eat a whole range of invasive plants, including plants that would cause rashes in humans," NYSBA Officials said. "Our crews are probably most appreciative of the poison ivy that they eat, as well as the sumac tree shoots and the vines that grow on the tower legs."

The goats digestive system can break down seeds from the invasive plants, which midigates species from spreading. The program also is envionmetally friendly since it cuts back on the use of gas-powered equipment.

"The goats have been a big hit on social media and in the community," Officials said. "People love to stop and see the goats in action."

The NYSBA asks any pedestrians using the walking trail to avoid petting or touching the goats as they carry the oil of poison ivy and other plants on their fur.