Mission and History

Allegheny GoatScape’s mission is to reduce invasive and unwanted vegetation in public spaces and vacant lots, utilizing goats for browsing. Working in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Allegheny GoatScape accomplishes this mission by partnering with organizations, land owners, and businesses, allowing our animals to eat vegetation on the overgrown properties. Giving goats access to intentional properties removes vegetation in an ecologically-friendly and efficient manner, setting the stage for additional land management and restoration. Allegheny GoatScape also promotes goat husbandry and resources access for those interested in raising goats in the Pittsburgh region, and invasive species education for those seeking to improve their local ecology.

Allegheny GoatScape transitioned from an organization called Steel City Grazers, becoming a 501c3 nonprofit organization in the beginning of 2017. Steel City Grazers paved the way to encourage goat herd use as a viable means to mitigate unwanted vegetation in the region.

By clearing unwanted vegetation with goats rather than using management products like herbicides, communities gain a number of benefits. Goats can traverse terrain that is difficult or impossible for people and machinery. They work long hours, and the only fuel they require is the plants they'll eat. Goats clearing an overgrown neighborhood space can create good community conversation, provide volunteer opportunities to increase community engagement, and pave the way to new opportunities in shared spaces!