Goats taking a bite out of invasive plants
7/30/2021
Taking a bite out of invasive plants at Crescent Beach
Meet Bernie, Pete, Wilson, Raye, Sunday, Quincy, Zepher, Star and Gertie! These hardworking goats have been taking a bite out of invasive plants in Crescent Beach Park this week. Inn by the Sea and Crescent Beach State Park are collaborating on finding a green solution to some of the exotic invasive plants that have taken over parts of the State Park.
The adorable Kennebunk Scapegoats ® are currently located off the sandy access road halfway between the Kettle Cove Park offices and the entrance to Crescent Beach State Park eating their way through a dense stand of Japanese knotweed. They are at the Park from July 30th through August 6th.
Scapegoats owner Heather Lombard of Kennebunk was invited to bring 9 goats to the Park by Inn by the Sea with permission from Crescent Beach State Park to begin a trial solution to ridding the park of Japanese knotweed, a bamboo that quickly takes over and pushes out native growth that is necessary for food and habitat for local wildlife.
Kurt Shoener, Manager at Two Lights, Kettle Cove, and Crescent Beach State Parks, part of Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has very been supportive of the program and was pleased with how well the community has responded to the goats.
Inn by the Sea has already booked the Scapegoats for a return visit in 2022 as long as this trial program for habitat restoration is successful this year and again meets with park approval again next year.
“Inn by the Sea is delighted to have this opportunity to work with Crescent Beach State Park on finding sustainable solutions for habitat restoration that preserve food sources and habitat for local wildlife,” stated Michael Briggs, Managing Director at Inn by the Sea.
FMI: Rauni Kew, PR & Green Program Manager, Inn by the Sea. 207.799.3134 rkew@innbythesea.com
Heather Lombard 207.210-4713 Scapegoats information@ecoscapegoats.com
Kurt Shoener Manager Crescent Beach State Park 207.799.5871 Kurt.Shoener@maine.gov
About Inn by the Sea:
An idyllic oceanfront escape, located on a mile of unspoiled sand beach, just 7 miles from Portland, Inn by the Sea is Maine's premier beach destination offering elegant hospitality in 61 upscale rooms and suites, with full- service SPA, cardio room, heated pool and captivating cuisine served in ocean view Sea Glass restaurant. Children and dogs are warmly welcomed to this Preferred LVX® member and Virtuoso® property.
FMI and images: Rauni Kew, PR & Green Program Manager | Inn by the Sea | 40 Bowery Beach Road | Cape Elizabeth | Maine, 04107. rkew@innbythesea.com | M: 207.602.8500 |www.innbythesea.com | 207.799.3134. Instagram @innbythesea.maine