FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2023
Invasive Plant Management and Control Measures Using Goats to Begin at Fry’s Spring Park
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Department of Parks and Recreation will continue its Invasive Plant Management program on October 11th at Fry’s Spring Park, a wooded area located near Jefferson Park Circle. These efforts are designed to help control the damaging effects of invasive plant species in the City.
Goat Busters, based out of Afton, VA has been contracted to do the work and will bring approximately 40 goats to consume the unwanted vines and foliage. The area will be cordoned off with an electrified fence, capable of delivering a small shock if touched. Citizens are cautioned not to touch the fence and advised to be mindful of machinery and workers in that area. The work is scheduled to last for 10 days.
Through a process of containment, removal, restoration, and ongoing management, outside contractors and City Parks and Recreation staff will renovate natural areas by removing non-native shrubs, vines, and trees and, where appropriate, re-plant with native species. As the City’s green spaces become fragmented through land development, the remaining undeveloped areas become more and more valuable for natural resource benefits such as tree canopy coverage, recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and mitigating damaging effects of climate change.
For questions, please contact Steve Gaines at gainess@charlottesville.gov or (434) 970-3587
Media Contact
Steve Gaines
Urban Forrester
City of Charlottesville
(434) 970-3587
gainess@charlottesville.gov
