The fence is up and waiting for the arrival of the goats.

Starting on the 17th of this month, the goats will be having “dinner” in The Highlands courtesy of the Cotton Hill Park invasive plants, especially the blackberry vines. 

In honor of Earth Day, on Saturday, April 19th from 9 AM to noon,  the city has called all two and these four legged critters to clean out the rest of the invasive blackberry vines in Cotton Hill Park. Access to the park will be best at the lower entrance on 110th AVE and NE 98th.

Two legged critters are welcome to join in and help the goats get rid off all the invasive species on the 19th.   Be prepared for wet, muddy conditions. Wear comfortable work clothes, boots, and gloves.  Don’t forget to bring your garden equipment (labeled with your name).  All pruning shears, shovels, and clippers are welcome.

Goats have been munching on invasive plantings in the Northwest for some time as municipalities become aware of the benefits of using goats. The goats offer an inexpensive means to eradicate invasive plants.  They’re a cost effective alternative to renting heavy machinery. 

 The PI reported on the goats clearing some land last year in Bellevue.   The Eastside Business Journal.com also had a story about this weeks’ goat and Earth Day events. The city of Kirkland is a major sponsor of the event. For additional information about going green and improving parks in the city of Kirkland, you can check out theKirklandGreen website.

 For photos of the park before the goats arrive for dinner, you can check out my previous blog posting.  Photos will be posted to show the “after” when people and the goats are finished.

Parking will be provided at Peter Kirk Elementary and people can access the park through the school’s back gate, across the railroad tracks, and north on 110th Ave NE.  Snacks will be provided.

Don’t forget, Saturday, July 12th, 2 legged critters will be called to finish the rest of the park cleanup.