Dr. Eric MacDonald of the College of Environment & Design at UGA is shepherding this student-run initiative that uses prescribed grazing to control invasive species, reclaim forgotten natural areas on campus, and foster environmental stewardship in students. The goats, or the “Chew Crew”, were first introduced to a degraded section of Tanyard Creek (Athens, GA) in Spring 2012 and we have since continued to monitor species presence and density with the help of student and community volunteers. Our project is expanding and the Chew Crew will now also be munching on some tasty invasives in Driftmier Woods (Athens, GA) this upcoming Fall 2015. Lizzie has gotten involved to help monitor the ecological effects of goats, and is collaborating with Eric to study and develop linkages between ecological restoration and students’ growth toward environmental stewardship.
