GTRLC’s goat program is a natural, low-impact approach to managing invasive species on our nature preserves. Our hardworking herds eagerly graze on stubborn invasive plants, reducing their spread while improving habitat health. Goats are particularly useful in areas where heavy equipment can’t be used, as they happily tackle challenging terrain with minimal impact. Volunteers play a key role in caring for these incredible animals—join us in supporting this unique conservation effort!
Location
Our goat herds are based at Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve and Misty Acres Farm at Misty Acres: The Borwell Preserve.
Responsibilities/Duties
Tasks include:
- Providing fresh hay, water and minerals
- Ensuring goats are present and in good health
- Moving goats from their barn to designated grazing areas
- Monitoring their grazing work
- Setting up and taking down their temporary fence
Qualifications
The following qualifications will help you be successful in caring for our goats:
- Familiarity with care requirements for livestock, particularly goats
- Ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions
- Ability to carry heavy buckets of water, hay and other materials
Time Commitment
The time you contribute to caring for our goats is invaluable, and you may volunteer as much as your schedule allows. However, because goats require consistent care and specific training, we encourage volunteers to commit to a regular schedule.
Training
All volunteers for our goat program must attend an initial training session focused on goat care, as well as at least one refresher training each year they volunteer. During these training sessions, volunteers will learn concepts necessary to care for our goat herd, which include:
- Feeding and watering
- Monitoring for health issues
- Moving the herd from one location to another
- Setting up portable fencing
If you’re excited to get involved in our goat program, sign up today to volunteer!
*Please note that GTRLC is not currently accepting new volunteers for our goat program at Mitchell Creek Meadows. If you are interested, you may contact Erica DesJardins at edesjardins@gtrlc.org to be added to our waitlist. We are currently accepting new volunteers to care for our goat herd at Misty Acres Farm!