By Elise Shire
Oxford Leader Staff Writer
A herd of 12 goats took to the Polly Ann Trail Saturday, April 8 to help nibble away at excess brush and invasive plant species. Many trail users paused to watch as the goats grazed away at brush between Burdick St. and Drahner Rd.
“It feels fabulous to get these goats out here,” said Polly Ann Trail Manager Linda Moran. “The skies have cleared and it’s a gorgeous day! We brought the goats out here to officially open the trails this season and we’re just really excited to get this going. It’s amazing how fast and how much they’re clearing in such a short amount of time.”
The service is being provided by Pontiac-based City Girls Farm. After putting up a temporary electric fence, the goats roamed the area, munching away at local invasive plant species, such as oriental bittersweet and buckthorn.
The goats are expected to continue grazing along the trail, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, for the next two weeks.
So far, Moran has raised just over $2,600 towards her goal of $10,000, which will be used as matching funds to qualify for grants at the local, state, and national levels— allowing the goats to continue grazing along the length of the trail. Donations may be made towards the project at gofundme.com/polly-ann-trail-fundraiser.