“Goats are basically living lawnmowers. They are quiet, efficient, and don’t produce any plastic or industrial waste,” said Rob Andrejewski, director of sustainability. “They are also simply fun to have around. Our campus community loves to see them at work, and it provides an opportunity for us to further educate our students about a variety of environmental practices.”

This year, goats from RVA Goats and Honey and more than a dozen sheep helped out in the Eco-Corridor, clearing space for a forthcoming Orchard & Food Forest – an edible plant demonstration site consisting of fruit trees, shrubs, herbs, and perennial pollinators. The goats then moved to the western part of campus behind the Westhampton College Tennis Courts.

Goats have been visiting campus since 2018 to assist with plant removal, including the first phase of clearing the Eco-Corridor.

“The goats happily eat the porcelain berry, English ivy, and other non-natives that are so hard for us to control, and when they eat these plants, it allows the native flowers, shrubs, and grasses to get much-needed sunlight and airflow,” Andrejewski said.

Food Forest Grant

The Office for Sustainability recently received $25,000 from the Oak Foundation to help establish the Eco-Corridor Orchard & Food Forest. A class participating in the sustainability curriculum will help with plant selection, and staff, faculty, and student volunteers will be invited to assist with planting.

The Orchard & Food Forest will enhance biodiversity, increase tree canopy coverage, and provide opportunities for experiential education at UR. The new site is expected to be established close to the main entrance of the Eco-Corridor by Fall 2025.