Willowsford Farm’s Deb Dramby to Give Talk on Goats

Willowsford Farm’s Education Coordinator, Deb Dramby, will give a talk at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve (21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, Va. 20175) at 10 a.m. at the Education Annex on Saturday, June 18. Light refreshments will be provided and there is no cost to attend.

The talk will focus on the use of goats as a natural resource management tool. The Willowsford Farm goats are currently on assignment at Banshee Reeks where they are cleaning out underbrush and invasive plant species on the 725-acre property. Invasive plant species at Banshee Reeks include autumn olive and Japanese honeysuckle. If left alone, the plants could impact habitat for birds and other wildlife. The goats crush what they eat so that the seeds are not viable. An electric fence is used to keep the goats contained in the areas where they should be eating. Their climbing ability allows them to get to hard-to-reach areas that might be dangerous for people to access.

Following the talk, attendees will be able to meet and greet the goats and see them in action.

Dramby explained why goats are so useful, “Goats are gentler than machinery and chemical free. Their climbing ability allows them to reach vines and stems in otherwise hard-to-reach places.” She continued, “They’ll graze all day, going through very dense material at about a quarter an acre per several days per 10 to 20 goats.”

In addition to working at Willowsford and hanging out at the farm, the Willowsford Farm goats have had numerous jobs throughout Loudoun County and have been hired out by residents as well as government entities and non-profits including historic sites. For more information, visit www.Willowsford.com/farm.

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About Willowsford and the Willowsford Farm
Willowsford is a unique community in Loudoun County, Virginia which is inspired by Virginia’s strong agricultural heritage. The 4,000 acre community includes 2,000 acres of conservancy-managed natural open space, with forests and parklands connected by more than 40 miles of nature trails. A portion of the open space includes agricultural production by Willowsford Farm. The Farm provides products for Willowsford’s Farm Market, CSA and the community’s culinary programs. For more information, visit www.willowsford.com or call 571-252-3975.