Goats at Eagle Park!

In October 2025 we had the opportunity to bring our herd of goats to Eagle Park in Rexburg, where 15 acres of campground and park space were ready for some much-needed attention. What looked at first glance like a sea of green was actually a mix of dense, overgrown vegetation—bur-laden plants, expanding willow stands, and broadleaf weeds that were steadily crowding out usable space and desirable plant life.

Enter the goats.

From the moment their hooves hit the ground, they got to work with the focus and enthusiasm only a goat can muster. Plants covered in sticky burs that cling to socks, shoelaces, and pet fur? A delicacy. Thick patches of broadleaf weeds competing with grasses? No problem. Young willows pushing into open areas and creating dense thickets? The herd methodically stripped leaves and tender bark, naturally slowing their spread and opening sightlines throughout the park.

What makes targeted grazing so effective is the way goats feed. They are natural browsers rather than simple grazers, meaning they prefer shrubs, woody plants, and broadleaf species over grasses. That preference makes them especially well-suited for tackling exactly the kind of vegetation we encountered at Eagle Park. Instead of flattening everything in their path, they selectively consume problem plants, reducing competition and allowing more desirable groundcover to recover.

There’s also an important land management benefit at play. Dense vegetation—particularly woody growth and tall broadleaf weeds—can increase fire fuel loads, restrict airflow, and limit visibility in public spaces. By thinning these areas, the goats help reduce combustible material and create a safer, more open environment for campers and visitors. And unlike heavy equipment, they navigate uneven terrain without soil compaction or disturbance to the root systems of beneficial plants.

An added bonus? They naturally fertilize as they work, returning nutrients to the soil in a slow, organic cycle. It’s a closed-loop system powered entirely by plants, sunlight, and an impressive number of chewing cycles per minute.

Beyond the practical benefits, the herd quickly became a point of interest for park visitors. Families stopped to watch. Kids asked questions. Conversations about noxious weeds, land stewardship, and sustainable vegetation management sprang up organically along the fence line. It was education in motion—proof that land care doesn’t always have to involve engines and chemicals; sometimes it just takes a herd with healthy appetites.

By the time their work was complete, the transformation was clear. Thick, tangled growth had been opened up. Bur-producing plants were significantly reduced. Willows were trimmed back to manageable levels. Broadleaf weeds had lost their dominance. Eagle Park looked cleaner, more accessible, and better balanced.

All in all, it was a job well done—leaving the park healthier, the landscape more manageable, and the goats extremely satisfied with their 15-acre buffet.