Goats On The Go Boulder

Have you heard the buzz on the Rio Grande Trail? It is less of a buzz and more of a bleat. That is because Carbondale’s latest—and arguably most adorable—trail maintenance crew has officially reported for duty…sorry Brett and Judd.

Forget diesel engines and metal blades. Our sustainable solution for managing invasive weeds and fire-prone underbrush comes on four hooves, with a healthy side of curiosity. We would like you to meet the heart and soul of our goat grazing project: the eco-lawnmowers themselves!

This is not just a random herd; it is a carefully selected team of professionals, each with a vital role to play in restoring the health of our beloved trail corridor. Let us meet a few of the all-stars:

Name: Ricky Boy

• Role: The Foreman
• Breed: Boer
• Bio: If the herd has a leader, it is Ricky Boy. With his tall, sturdy frame and calm, observant demeanor, he is often the first to explore a new patch of vegetation. He is not afraid to take charge and make sure the team stays on task (which, to be clear, is eating). He is the steady presence that keeps the operation running smoothly.

Name: Mean Jean

• Role: The Quality Control Specialist and Protective Mother
• Breed: Nubian
• Bio: You can recognize Mean Jean by her long, floppy ears and insatiable curiosity. While the others are busy mowing down tall grasses, Mean Jean is meticulously seeking out the specific weeds we are targeting, like Mullen and Canada thistle. Her discerning palate is key to our targeted grazing strategy!

Name: Pig Pen

• Role: The Enthusiasm Coordinator
• Breed: Boer Dapple
• Bio: Do not let his small size fool you—Pig Pen is all heart and energy. When he is not rubbing his whole face in the molasses tub and creating a sticky mess, hence the name Pig Pen, he is often spotted bouncing between his larger crewmates, adding a dose of joy and playfulness to the workday. He reminds us that important environmental work can also be full of life and fun.

Why Goats? It Is Science!

You might be wondering, why goats? Why not just mow or use herbicides?

It turns out, goats are perfectly designed for this job. They are natural browsers, preferring weedy species over tender grass. Their unique digestive systems act as a natural seed sterilizer, preventing invasive plants from re-seeding. And as they move, their hooves naturally aerate the soil and work in their nutrient-rich droppings, acting as a natural fertilizer.

Plus, they do all this without the noise of machinery, the risk of soil compaction, or the environmental concerns of chemical sprays. They are silent, solar-powered, and 100% effective restoration tools.

Meet the Rest of the Team

Of course, these goats do not work alone. They are supported by a dedicated herder and two loyal herding dogs (Fluff and Bebo), who ensure the herd goes where they need to and stays safe. This ancient partnership is what makes this modern conservation method possible.

See Them in Action!

We invite you to come and see the team in action! As you enjoy the Rio Grande Trail, please give them the space they need to do their important work. Observe from a distance, keep dogs on a leash and well away from the temporary fencing, and never feed the goats.

Follow along on Instagram (@goatforagers) for daily updates!