Let’s Goat Buffalo to Bring Goats to the National Historic Landmark to Remove Japanese Knotweed
BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Richardson Olmsted Campus today announced a new partnership with Let’s Goat Buffalo to ‘goatscape’ invasive Japanese knotweed at the National Historic Landmark during the week of August 18.
‘Goatscaping’ is a new, eco-friendly method of plant control that brings goats to a specific site to clear invasive species. It is one of the most rapidly growing and well-respected landscaping innovations to spread in recent years.
“We are very excited to bring goatscaping to the Richardson Olmsted Campus,” said Christine Krolewicz, Manager of Planning and Operations at the Richardson. “This is an ecologically and economically smart way to manage invasive species in a historic landscape like ours – plus, we have the added bonus of returning livestock to spaces that historically served as a farm! We couldn’t be more pleased to partner with Let’s Goat Buffalo on this very special project.”
Originally built as the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane in the nineteenth century, the site once featured a 100-acre farm where patients could choose to work and harvest food for the asylum. The return of goats to the property will be the first time in nearly 100 years livestock are working on-site.
“The Richardson Olmsted Campus is a jewel of Buffalo, and the efforts over recent decades to save and restore this landmark have been incredible. Many people don’t realize how much damage the root systems of invasive plants like Japanese Knotweed can do to longstanding structures. Grazing by goats will directly support current stabilization efforts. In this case, our goats will get into tough-to-reach places and naturally remove problematic growth without the use of harmful chemicals. Let’s Goat Buffalo is honored to play a small role in ongoing history of this beautiful campus,” said Jennifer Zeitler, owner of Let’s Goat Buffalo.
The pilot program at the Richardson Olmsted Campus will feature seven goats provided by Let’s Goat Buffalo on-campus during the week of August 18. These goats will be clearing a targeted area infested with invasive Japanese knotweed on the north side of the campus.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by to see the goats at work. The Richardson and Let’s Goat Buffalo will also host an educational program the evening of Wednesday, August 21 so the public can learn more about goatscaping and meet the goats involved.
For more information on the Richardson Olmsted Campus and upcoming programming, please visit www.richardson-olmsted.com.
About the Richardson Olmsted Campus
One of Buffalo’s most iconic buildings and a National Historic Landmark, the 145-year-old Richardson Olmsted Campus is being renewed after years of neglect.
Designed by great American architect Henry Hobson Richardson and the famed landscape team of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the building incorporated a system of enlightened treatment for people with mental illness developed by Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride.
Today, the Richardson Olmsted Campus is home to one of the largest historic preservation projects in the nation. Comprised of 13 buildings on 42 acres, the central Towers Building and one wing building on either side have been redeveloped as Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center and the future Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo. Ten buildings and 25 acres are pending redevelopment. More information available at www.richardson-olmsted.com.
About Let’s Goat Buffalo
The term “goatscaping” defines the use of grazing goats to manage vegetation growth in an environmentally sound manner. Let’s Goat Buffalo offers clearing services within suburban and urban environments. Whether it’s a small plot that needs to be cleared of troublesome poison ivy, a commercial property that has become overgrown and high-risk, or a park that has become less accessible to the public, our herd is prepared to help. More information is available at www.goatbuffalo.com.
