Goats Put to Work as ‘Natural Lawn Mowers’ at SE Portland Golf Course

PORTLAND, Ore. — Visitors to Eastmoreland Golf Course may notice some unusual groundskeepers this month: a herd of goats and one llama have been brought in to help clear overgrown vegetation near the course’s 13th hole.

Natural Solution to Overgrowth

According to Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), the goats were hired to eat through invasive weeds and brush that had become difficult to manage with machinery. By relying on the animals, the department avoids heavy equipment use while maintaining the natural environment of the course.

To make it happen, PP&R partnered with golf management firm KemperSports and contacted GoGoatOregon, a local company specializing in using goats for vegetation control. Ten goats and their guardian llama, named Rain, began their work on Monday.

Goats at Work

The animals have been tasked with eating down invasive clematis, blackberry bushes, English ivy, and other vegetation considered a nuisance. Officials expect the herd to remain on site for two to three weeks, depending on how quickly the goats get through their meals.

For John Ball, PP&R’s Interim Director of Golf, the method has been both practical and entertaining.

“Last year we saw the llama deter a curious coyote,” Ball said. “He and the goats exceeded my expectations. They are having a great time eating all the leaves and they are super cute. It’s awesome watching them work.”

Why Goats?

Using goats for land management has grown in popularity across Oregon and beyond. The animals are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and capable of reaching steep or uneven terrain that machinery cannot easily access. Unlike mowing equipment, goats leave behind natural fertilizer, reduce noise pollution, and minimize the need for chemical herbicides.

The addition of a llama is also deliberate. Llamas are known for their protective instincts, making them natural guardians for herds of smaller animals. In this case, Rain ensures the goats can graze safely, even when coyotes or other wildlife approach.

Community Appeal

Beyond their usefulness, the goats have quickly become a source of delight for golfers and neighbors. Visitors often stop to watch the herd at work, snapping photos and enjoying the unusual sight of farm animals on a golf course.

Officials say the program is part of a broader effort to balance recreational spaces with sustainability. “We want our golf courses to be welcoming and well-kept while also respecting the environment,” Ball said.

Looking Ahead

If the project continues to prove successful, PP&R may consider using goats at other city properties facing similar overgrowth issues. For now, the Eastmoreland goats will remain on duty for the next several weeks, munching their way through some of Portland’s toughest weeds.

As Ball put it: “It’s a win for the course, a win for the environment, and honestly, a win for anyone who enjoys watching goats at work.”