Naperville's shrub-trimming goats have eaten all they can and will leave town Thursday after helping with park improvements.
The furry workers cleared five acres of invasive shrubs at Knoch Knolls Park within two weeks and then moved across the DuPage River to do some snacking. Naperville Park District officials said the animals have done exactly what they needed to do.
"The goats have eaten every green leaf within reach, and even the bark of some of the trees,” Park Specialist Tom Lynch said. “They have done a fantastic job clearing the area, which will allow us to remove the remaining stumps and branches. We also hope to be able to conduct a prescribed burn later this fall."
The Naperville Park District "hired' the goats in September to help clear the area for a disc golf course expansion. Officials said this was a more environmentally responsible way to remove unwanted shrubs.
The goats' Thursday departure is one week ahead of when they were originally supposed to finish the project.
During their stay, the goats were extremely popular. Park visitors in Naperville frequently stopped by the grazing area to check on their progress.
