Project Overview
A closer look at this project
Dense buckthorn required repeated vegetation management in a highly visible municipal park. The Eco-Herd selectively browsed leaves, stems, and bark, reducing vegetation pressure while avoiding chemical herbicides in a space shared daily with dogs and families.
The Challenge
Buckthorn can form dense edges and thickets that crowd out other vegetation and change the structure of natural areas. At Totoredaca Dog Park, repeated management was needed to place pressure on the woody growth while working carefully within a public municipal site.
- Dense, mature buckthorn thickets
- Public-facing site with dogs, families, and pedestrians nearby
- Rapid regrowth after mechanical cutting
- Need for repeat visits to sustain results
The Grazing Approach
The Eco-Herd naturally selected buckthorn leaves and branches as preferred browse. Carefully managed fenced grazing areas allowed the goats to work along the buckthorn edge while the Eco-Shepherd monitored herd behaviour, vegetation pressure, fencing, and site conditions.
- Secure portable fenced grazing areas separated from off-leash areas
- Foliage browsing plus bark stripping to weaken stems
- Repeat visits across two seasons
- Public signage and on-site Eco-Shepherd
Bark Stripping
In addition to eating the leaves and smaller branches, goats may strip bark from buckthorn stems. This can further weaken the plant and demonstrates why repeated prescribed grazing can be a valuable part of a longer-term management strategy.
Results
The grazing placed immediate browsing pressure on the buckthorn and removed accessible leaves and smaller growth. Because buckthorn management is an ongoing process, repeated grazing and continued monitoring can help reduce its ability to recover and dominate the site over time.
Chemical-free vegetation reduction
Reduced fuel and equipment emissions
Weakened regrowth through bark stripping
Public engagement opportunity for the municipality
Animal Care
Planned rest, access to water, shelter, and continuous Eco-Shepherd oversight are part of every grazing project. The herd's wellbeing remains central to how each grazing area and work period is managed.
Project Gallery
