HOUSTON – If you’re looking for a uniquely Houston way to spend a summer morning, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is bringing back a fan-favorite sight: a working herd of goats.
From Aug. 4–11, the Arboretum will host 300 to 400 goats from GoatScaping LLC to graze a seven-acre stretch near the Ravine, the 610 Parking Loop, and the Event Lawn in the northwest corner of the 155-acre nature sanctuary.
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The goal: knock back thick understory growth and some of the plants that tend to take over when left unchecked—without relying on heavy equipment or chemical treatments.
The goats’ menu includes everything from brushy overgrowth to plants that can make trails and natural areas harder to manage, including green briars, poison ivy, and ragweed, along with a mix of aggressive and invasive species.
Conservation Director Stephen Benigno said the herd will focus on dense vegetation ranging from overgrown native plants to invasives, adding that the steep terrain is part of what makes the Ravine a perfect candidate for goat-powered clearing.
“The Ravine actually has topography, making it an ideal location to implement goat browsing since the steep slopes present challenges for mechanical and manual removal of these species,” Benigno said.
Arboretum Executive Director Debbie Markey said the goats have become a reliable (and crowd-pleasing) tool for land management.
“Since 2020, the goats have been a tremendous asset in helping us manage unwanted vegetation while reducing the need for more labor-intensive methods,” Markey said. “They also provide a fun and educational experience for visitors, especially families with children.”
Want to see them?
The public is welcome to stop by and watch the herd at work and take photos. Arboretum staff asks visitors to not touch, approach, or feed the goats for everyone’s safety.
More details and updates are posted here.
Hours, parking, and entry
- Open daily: 7 a.m.–7:30 p.m. (March–October) and 7 a.m.–6 p.m. (November–February)
- Parking: $6.50; free on Thursdays and every Second Sunday for the general public; free daily for Arboretum Members
- Entrances: 4501 Woodway Dr. or 120 West Loop North (off I-610)