Goatscaping | 2025 Project
Goats Are Coming to Woodcreek!
If you’ve ever wondered what it might look like to care for our church property in a way that’s both creative and sustainable—this is it. Starting May 2, a hardworking herd of goats will arrive at Woodcreek Church to help us begin clearing out overgrowth, especially poison ivy, which happens to be their favorite snack!
This isn’t just a fun idea (though it definitely is that too)—it’s part of a thoughtful, natural approach to land care called Goatscaping, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with the experts at Goatscaping LLC to make it happen.
(Fun fact- This process was featured here in a FOX 4 News article).
Why goats? And possibly sheep?
Goats are nature’s weed whackers, particularly great at tackling poison ivy, kudzu, and other aggressive plants. They’ll be the first on site since poison ivy is their specialty. Depending on the vegetation we need to clear, sheep might join the effort too—they’re excellent at grazing grass and other ground-level plants that goats leave behind.
Together, these animals offer a peaceful, chemical-free way to care for our land—and they bring a lot of joy while doing it.
Meet Paul, our herder
Watching over our goat crew is Paul, a skilled shepherd who’s worked with Goatscaping LLC for two years. Paul is originally from Peru and came to the U.S. on an H-2A visa to support his wife and two children back home. He stays on-site with the animals around the clock to keep them safe and healthy.
Though Paul primarily speaks Spanish, he’s happy to wave and smile—and apps like Google Translate make it easy to say hello if you see him nearby.
More than landscaping—this is stewardship.
This is about more than just clearing poison ivy. It’s the first visible step in our prayerful journey toward developing our property into a usable space that invites our neighbors in. We believe this is a small but meaningful beginning as we ask the Lord to guide us in being faithful stewards of what we’ve been given.
So, if you hear a “baaa” in the background or see goats hard at work—celebrate it! Let it remind you that sometimes the best solutions are the ones that bring us back to creation, to community, and to our calling as caretakers of God’s world.
Goatscaping FAQ:
Q: When will the goats arrive?
They’ll be on Woodcreek’s property starting May 2!
Q: Can I pet or feed the goats?
As cute as they are, please don’t pet or feed them. They’re on a mission—and their herder is responsible for their safety and well-being.
Q: How long will they stay?
The goats will stay until they’ve cleared the area they’re assigned to, which can take a few days or up to a week depending on the vegetation.
Q: Will there be sheep too?
Possibly! Goats and sheep graze differently. Goats are browsers—they love poison ivy, brush, and vines—while sheep are grazers and do better with grass and ground plants. We’ll bring in sheep if the land calls for it.
Q: Is this safe for the goats?
Absolutely. Goats can digest plants like poison ivy without harm. They leave behind healthy soil, avoid chemicals, and reduce the need for machinery.
Q: What about the electric fence?
An electric fence will be placed around the grazing area to safely keep the goats contained and to protect them from predators. While it’s low-voltage and not harmful, please do not touch the fence, and make sure children stay at a safe distance.
Q: Can we watch the goats?
Yes! We are working with Goatscaping LLC to set up a designated “viewing area” where you and your family can safely observe the goats at work. Signs will clearly mark this space, and we ask that all members of our congregation and community respect the boundaries and follow the posted rules. This helps keep both people and animals safe.
Q: Can I say hi to Paul?
Yes! Paul is nearby at all times. He primarily speaks Spanish but is very kind and approachable. A smile or simple “Hola” goes a long way.