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Weed Warriors
Meet Danni Warburton and Gloria Montero of Weed Warriors. Under Contract with the Nevada Land Conservancy, they are out at Swan Lake Nature Study Area in Lemmon Valley with approximately 100 goats in an effort to help rid the area of White Top (Lepidium draba L.)
White Top (Lepidium draba L) is an invasive weed that grows rapidly. It is spread by both seeds and runners in its root system. (http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive-plants)
The goats were brought in to feed on the white top. Goats prefer broad leaf plants. Normally goats do not feed on grasses. The goats will be at the study area until May 31, 2007. At that time, the white top will be sprayed with an herbicide. The goats will then be brought back in July for further grazing, then more spraying.
The goats used by Danni and Gloria are free of diseases and pests. Goats can get infected with Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) that is a bacterial disease that causes abscesses. This disease can be contacted by deer, sheep and birds. So Danni and Gloria use only goats that have been proven to be free of diseases.
The goats have their own guard dog (a Great Pyrenees) to guard them against attacks by coyotes and other predators. Danni and Gloria also use herding dogs (Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix) to help move the goats from one area to another of the Study Area.
All dogs visiting the Swan Lake Nature Study area must be kept on a leash.
They can be reached via email at:
nvweeds@oasisol.com
nvgoatlady@oasisol.com
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