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Herd of goats help remove invasive vine from Belmont fields

BELMONT, N.C. — A herd of about 50 goats has been tasked with eradicating the invasive vine, kudzu, from the Catawba Lands Conservancy’s Seven Oaks Preserve.

The preserve, which provides a natural filter for Lake Wylie, is in Belmont and features a popular portion of the Carolina Thread Trail.

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Kudzu has nearly taken over the property and goats are one of the most effective methods to remove it.

So far, the goats have cleared three of the four kudzu-infested fields, which is nearly 10 acres of land.

The preserve is trying to protect a garden on the property from kudzu because it is the home to rare flowers and plants.

Once the goats' task is complete, the harmful plant will be almost completely removed from the property.

The project was funded by a Catawba-Wateree Habitat Enhancement Program grant from Duke Energy.

The Catwaba Lands Conservancy has invited the community to see the goats in action at the Seven Oaks Preserve Trailhead near 6900 S. New Hope Road in Belmont.

The goats are contained by an electric fence. Guests are asked to stay away from the fence and to keep all pets leashed to keep the goats from being distracted.

For more information on the project, click here.

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