UMW Landscape Management Project Welcomes Goats to Fredericksburg Campus

The University of Mary Washington has partnered with The Good Steward Farm to enlist a herd of goats to clear overgrown areas in the woods along the Sunken Road boundary of the Fredericksburg Campus. About a dozen goats are working to assist with the removal of invasive plant species and ready the grounds for winter, so that native plants can grow in the spring.

The goats are skilled at reaching hard-to-landscape areas such as hillsides, offering an environmentally friendly landscape management practice that reduces the need for herbicide and gas-powered equipment.

“Goats eat invasive plants like English ivy, poison ivy and brush, leaving behind healthier soil for native plants and our urban forest. It’s a fun, eco-friendly alternative to land management,” said UMW Director of Landscape and Grounds Holly Chichester-Morby. “‘Goatscaping’ – a real term – is a sustainable approach that allows us to clear overgrowth and invasive species in a large, difficult area without chemicals or crew labor. This allows our UMW landscape crew to focus on other autumn grounds tasks while providing a nice, healthy buffet for the goats. Plus, they are really cute.”

Of course, the Mary Washington campus has a special fondness for goats, given the century-honed tradition of Devil-Goat Day. Goats first became part of Mary Washington culture courtesy of the junior class in 1926, when they adopted the green goat as a class symbol. When the seniors chose a red devil as their mascot in competition, Devil-Goat Day was born. With the 100-year anniversary of Devil-Goat Day approaching in 2026, these horned animals have a new mission, clearing invasive species and providing a landscaping learning opportunity for the campus community.

Spectators are reminded to keep within viewing areas and not feed or touch the goats. Their grazing area is surrounded by solar-powered electrical netting and regularly checked by owners from The Good Steward Farm, with contact information posted. The herd cleared the Old Mill Park area in Fredericksburg this past summer, so neighbors may be familiar with their work.

The goats’ grazing area is surrounded by solar-powered electrical netting and regularly checked by owners from The Good Steward Farm.

Spectators are asked not to touch or feed the goats on UMW’s Fredericksburg campus near Sunken Road. The animals are working to remove invasive plant species and ready the grounds for winter. Photo by Lee Adams ’27.