‘Chew Crew’ Stays Busy at Cazenovia Park

The Lets Goat Buffalo “Chew Crew” – a goat herding team helping to curb the spread of invasive species throughout Western New York – is currently stationed at Cazenovia Park throughout the weekend.

“Park users are asked to respect the goats and employees of Lets Goat Buffalo. For safety, there are two layers of fencing – one in bright orange to mark the overall area where the goats graze, and an interior fence which is an electric fence where the goats are confined. Do not try to cross a fence. Dog owners are reminded that their pets must be on a leash and maintain a safe distance from the goats. – Let’s Go Buffalo Goat

Goat landscaping not only works extremely well, eradicating invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, buckthorn and phragmites, but it is also a much quieter and more peaceful solution, compared to weed killers and mowers. noisy and smelly lawns. Goats are also able to access places that machines cannot reach. Using the power of the goat is akin to return to the fundamentals of environmental balance.

Other Special Invasive Month activities include:

• Throughout the month of June, Cocktails for a cause, on the terrace of Delaware Park, with the FLOmingo Dancer. $4 from every cocktail sold benefits BOPC throughout the month of June.
• Sunday July 2110:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at MLK Jr. Park: Floral Papermaking Workshop with artist Janna Willoughby-Lohr of PaperCraft Miracles, in partnership with East Side Garden Walk (FREE).
• Saturdays June 29, August 31 and September 28, 10:00 a.m. – noon, walks and talks about invasive species with Kristie Munson, Workforce Development and Education Manager (FREE). Brought to you by M&T Bank.
• All year round, volunteer to be part of the Invasive Species Eradication Working Group!

This latest goat farm effort comes in tandem with Invasive Species Month, presented by Moog. Invasive species walking tours are supported by M&T Bank and goat safety is provided by National Fuel.

“Managing invasive species is a long-term, sustained effort that requires consistent work,” said Catie Stephenson, Executive Director of Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. “Many hands make this initiative possible, including our passionate staff and volunteers, as well as a dedicated invasive species coordinator funded by The Service Collaborative’s Environmental Justice Corps AmeriCorps program. The support of partners like Moog, M&T, and National Fuel greatly enhances our progress in invasive species management!”

“Moog is excited to support Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s Invasive Species Month; We understand the impact of global climate change on the natural world and biodiversity, with invasive species being of particular concern,” said Hamish Ferguson, director of environment, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability at Moog. “Moog has set goals to reduce our environmental impact by reducing our carbon emissions and we are pleased to support Buffalo Olmsted Park Conservancy in this important work through funding and volunteerism.”

To learn more about programs and updates, visit the BOPC website at www.bfloparks.org/june.