New Mexico goats used to restore nature, help reduce fire threat in Bosque
120 goats are being deployed in the Candelaria Nature Preserve to eat weeds so conservationists can plant native plants.
120 goats are being deployed in the Candelaria Nature Preserve to eat weeds so conservationists can plant native plants.
120 goats are being deployed in the Candelaria Nature Preserve to eat weeds so conservationists can plant native plants.
The Candelaria Nature Preserve in the North Valley is protected land. However, too many weeds are killing the native plants. Conservationists are deploying 120 goats to help protect the area. With every bite, goats are helping restore nature.
"They love to eat everything," Sean Ludden, with Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District, said. "Goats take care of those weeds so that we can get native plants in the ground and have them thrive."
The Candelaria Nature Preserve used to be farmland.
"Now we're going to be slowly transitioning this property to a restored habitat," Colleen McRoberts, said.
Native vegetation seeds were plants. As the goats graze, the herd pressure will fertilize and knead in the seeds for winter and spring germination.
"By doing this we don't have to use fertilizers. We also reduce the need for herbicides as well," Ludden said.
Not only will goats help bring nature back to its glory, but it also helps reduce fire threats.
"We'll be utilizing these goats also in the Bosque that will help to eat weeds that have gotten really tall and dry. They'll eat them down so that we don't have those ladder fields when it's our fire season," McRoberts said. "They'll really be an important tool in helping us to prevent forest fires."
Over the next two decades, the Candelaria Nature Preserve will be filled with "shrubland, native grasslands, and areas for migratory birds to come in and hang out for the wintertime," Ludden said. "This area is so special because it's connected to the Bosque and other areas protected areas."
The goats are from the Rio Rancho business "Galloping Goats Grazing." McRoberts said this project is funded by grant money.