Hunger Task Force brings in goats to clean up Franklin farm

FRANKLIN (WITI) -- They're low maintenance, hard workers and don't complain about overtime.  For the next month, the Hunger Task Force has a new herd of volunteers to clean up its farm in Franklin.  They’re called “green goats."

“They go for the best tasting stuff.  They love broad leaves.  There won't be one green thing in here,” said Parks and Natural Areas Manager Adam Romanak.

30 Spanish male goats have a new place to graze, the Hidden Oaks Savannah, located at the Hunger Task Force Farm.  They're clearing brush to control those pesky weeds.

“The goats eat anything that's green.  They really specialize in invasive species like honeysuckle, buckthorn and garlic mustard,” said Romanak.

The goats arrived on Friday from a company called Green Goats, located just south of Monroe, Wis.  They’ll be here clearing about 10 acres of land for the next month.  They're loaned out as a cheaper, more sustainable alternative to harsh chemicals.

“The goats are a very small impact in the environment.  They have very small hooves.  Their waste is real small, and they're very efficient and cute,” said Romanak.

Over time, trees in the Oaks Savannah were overtaken by weeds.  The landscape was neglected, until now.

“These 30 goats, they'll be able to clear an acre every two days,” said Romanak.

In a few years, the Hunger Task Force hopes to turn the space into a public park, with walking trails and educational kiosks.  But in the meantime, the goats will be doing all the work in a safe, natural way.

The Hunger Task Force says with the goats, it'll be able to save over $2,500 in landscape and restoration costs.