This summer, a herd of goats will begin clearing overgrown invasive brush, specifically Buckthorn, from several vacant lots located next to Ramona Park in Flint’s historic Metawanenee Hills neighborhood. This project is an innovative and environmentally friendly way to create access to this neighborhood green space for everyone.
In partnership with the community, we are transforming Stone Street into a vibrant, active, park-like haven for the neighborhood, together!
Why Goats?
Goats are natural lawnmowers and--in this case--they are tackling a big problem: extremely overgrown Buckthorn. Buckthorn is an invasive shrub has taken over forests and vacant land all over Michigan. This thorny plant quickly becomes totally overgrown and turns into both a neighborhood eyesore and a nuisance. Plus, it chokes out Native trees and prevents healthy, shade-providing trees from maturing.
Scientists have found that goats are the only animal on the planet that can consume and digest Buckthorn. Therefore, goats were born to tackle this problem! Starting this spring, the GCLBA will be focusing the power of goats on vacant lots next to Ramona Park. 
By devouring overgrown Buckthorn, the goats will clear blocked lines of site – this eliminates safety concerns and illegal dumping issues that become hidden in the overgrowth. Clearing the invasive Buckthorn provides neighbors and residents with better and safer access to Ramona Park and its community green space.
Goats love Buckthorn! And goats are the only way to get rid of a Buckthorn shrub for good without using dangerous chemical herbicides. Goats consuming and clearing the land leads to healthy ecosystem restoration. By letting goats do this work, the people and pets in the neighborhood are being protected from dangerous chemicals, in addition to keeping our rivers and creeks clean and healthy!
A Greener, Safer Park
The lots the goats will be grazing on are owned by the Genesee County Land Bank. Over the past several years, invasive plant overgrowth in these spaces has made it difficult for neighbors to access and enjoy Ramona Park. By clearing these areas, we’re working to:
• Improve visibility and safety by clearing lines of sight
• Reduce illegal dumping
• Make green spaces more inviting and accessible for neighbors
• Encourage the return of pollinators and wildlife by planting Native trees and flowers 
Community-Powered Change
This effort is more than just goats doing their thing—it’s about coming together to take care of our neighborhood. Ahead of the goats’ arrival, community members helped prepare the lots by picking up litter and protecting native tree saplings that are growing amidst the Buckthorn infestation.
Each grazing session will incorporate Meet the Goats events where residents have an opportunity to meet the Goat Grazier and ask questions about Urban Herding and raising goats. These events will also include opportunities for residents to share their ideas and dreams for the future of Ramona Park and its greenspace. Resident input will be gathered and synthesized into future design plans.
Throughout the project, interactive signage will be on-site to keep neighbors informed about the project and upcoming events.
Partners and Sponsors
This project is made possible with generous support from the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (SBWIN) and their 12 funding partners. Their grant helps fund the goat grazing, supplies, community events, and more.
This work is being done in partnership with:
- Keep Genesee County Beautiful
- The City of Flint
- Genesee Conservation District
- The Conservation Fund
- Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network
- Ruth Mott Foundation
- Metawanenee Hills Neighborhood Association
- Mt. Tabor Clean & Green group
- Neighborhood Engagement Hub
We’re proud to be part of a broader movement to bring sustainable land stewardship and ecological restoration to Flint.
Follow Along
We’ll be documenting the goats' progress, community events, and park improvements all summer long. Watch for updates on social media and our website for volunteer opportunities and “Meet the Goats” events!
Together, we’re restoring nature in the heart of the city—one bite of Buckthorn at a time.
View our in-depth presentation on this project here:
PDF of Goats! Presentation
PDF of Goats! Presentation (Spanish translation)
Media Coverage
48 Goats clearing invasive plants in Flint
6/23/2025
FLINT, Mich. (WNEM)
Genesee County Land Back brings In 48 goats to clear invasive plants
6/23/2025
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT)
Herd of goats eat their way through Flint's invasive plant problem
6/23/2025
FLINT, Mich.
