For several days this week, a small herd of goats took over the Glen on Towson University’s campus, grazing on whatever seemed tasty to them in the arboretum where more than 90 of Maryland’s indigenous trees stand.
The goats were brought in as an experiment in ridding the Glen of invasive species, particularly English ivy, which grows on the ground, but can climb tree trunks and kill the trees. Students had previously worked to rip out the ivy, but the ground growth was challenging, and several students had been stung by bees whose hives were hidden there. Glen Arboretum Director James Hull obtained permission from the International Animal Care and Use Committee to hire the goats for a few days to test their effectiveness, with funding from donors.
The extra benefit was two-fold: the goats are less than half as expensive as mechanical extermination of invasive species, and they prevent the university from having to use pesticides, which could kill other plants and run off and pollute a nearby stream.
The goats come from Harmony Farm in Harford County and are owned by Veronica Cassilly. She brought the animals to campus each morning and took them home in the evening. They were fenced in and closely watched, though they didn’t seem to want to stray far from their food—and their fans.
Students, faculty and staff quickly headed to the Glen to visit the goats, who seemed to have no problem getting some extra attention. The animals were friendly and enjoyed being petted and scratched. Their popularity soared on social media immediately. Within two days, the university’s official Facebook page had logged more views and “likes” of the goats than it did of former TU running back Terrance West when he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns.
The Glen Arboretum is 12 acres of woods used by students and faculty as a place of quiet repose and scientific exploration. Its rich history includes serving as a home for the Glen Players, a theatrical group in the 1960s that included President Maravene Loeschke (currently on a leave of absence). Hull now works to establish and maintain plant species native to Maryland and let the Glen serve as both an educational and community resource. It is also home to the Towson University Challenge Course.
Click here to donate to the Glen Arboretum’s operating fund.
Related links:
Glen Arboretum website
Goats give Towson University a lesson in weed control – Baltimore Sun
Video by Corey Bello ’15
