Goats to Tackle Invasive Plants at White Rock Lake | Dallas News

Goats Deployed to Combat Invasive Plant Species in Dallas Parks

DALLAS — The City of Dallas is utilizing an unconventional, yet effective, method to tackle an invasive plant problem: goats. Over 260 goats from a Fort Worth-based operation have been brought in to graze on invasive privet in the prairie area adjacent to the Bath House and Cultural Center at White Rock Lake, officials say.

The initiative, which began this week, aims to control the spread of privet, a flowering plant that disrupts ecosystems and reduces biodiversity. The goats will work across an 11.5-acre grazing space. According to the city, removing the invasive species will help stabilize the soil, prevent erosion, improve visibility, and reduce wildfire risk.

Each day, an electric fence will be moved to create a new 1- to 1.5-acre section for the goats to graze, ensuring effective vegetation management. The goats will remain at White Rock Lake for approximately one week.

“Using goats is an environmentally friendly way to control invasive plants,” the city stated in a release. This method reduces the need for fuel-powered equipment and lowers carbon emissions, aligning with the city’s sustainability goals.

The goats will be monitored around the clock by a shepherd to ensure their safety and well-being. This isn’t the first time Dallas has employed this “goatscaping” technique. Similar projects have been undertaken at Valley View Park and the Bachman Greenbelt, demonstrating the city’s commitment to innovative and eco-friendly park maintenance.

In September 2025, over 450 goats were deployed to The Woods at Valley View Park in North Dallas to clear thick overgrowth along a neighborhood hiking trail, a project spearheaded by The Loop Dallas, Open Space Texas, and the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. That effort, dubbed a “Bleat and Greet,” allowed visitors to meet the herder and learn more about the initiative.

The Bachman Greenbelt also saw approximately 280 goats working to remove invasive privet plants across 16 acres in April 2025. That project lasted 11 days, with the goats guided by an electric fence and a shepherd.

Beyond White Rock Lake, the city utilized goats in April 2025 to clear invasive species from a greenbelt near Love Field, as reported by NBCDFW. The city of Dallas first began using goats for vegetation management in 2023, implementing a targeted approach at White Rock Lake to control vegetation and reduce wildfire risks.

Once the invasive plants are removed, the parks team plans to plant native species to support pollinators and birds, further enhancing the local ecosystem. This holistic approach to park maintenance reflects a growing trend toward environmentally conscious land management practices in Dallas.