As summer approaches, many Los Angeles residents are seeking effective methods to manage the invasive vegetation that poses significant fire hazards on the city’s steep urban slopes.
Traditional methods such as using weed whackers to cut down highly flammable plants like black mustard and oats are not only labor-intensive but also noisy and expensive.
However, a growing number of landowners are looking to a more natural solution: using goats and sheep for grazing.
These nimble animals are capable of eating invasive plants, simultaneously enriching the soil with their manure to promote the regrowth of native flora.
The picturesque scene of a herd of goats navigating the hills and even frolicking lambs creating a lively atmosphere has captivated local residents.
This spring, a group of landowners in Mount Washington collaborated to engage the services of Brittany “Cole” Bush, the owner of Shepherdess Land & Livestock.
Bush brought 100 goats and dorper sheep from her farm in Ojai for a trial grazing project.
Unfortunately, the undertaking proved to be economically challenging, as the gathered small landowners were unable to cover the substantial costs associated with transporting and properly managing the herd.
Bush pointed out that without a firm partnership between multiple landowners, the model is simply unsustainable for small parcels, as her operation requires a minimum of $10,000 for clearing at least 10 acres.
The logistical challenges included the need to use a smaller trailer to navigate narrow roads, leading to significant transportation costs.
It also involved setting up extensive electric fencing, which must be regularly adjusted as the herd grazes, not to mention the round-the-clock attention required to ensure the animals’ safety from predators.
For many small parcel owners who desire grazing services at minimal costs, the expectation to only pay around $500 falls drastically short of covering Bush’s expenses, which may vary dramatically based on the size and condition of the lot.
This has brought to light the need for more structured partnerships involving small landowners, local nonprofits, and various public entities.
By seeking state funding through new legislation, these partnerships may be able to subsidize the costs of prescribed grazing, making it more economically feasible for small plots of land.
There are other local enterprises like Party Goats LA, which has been reshaping its business model to include grazing as a service, but even they face financial pressures at similar price points for smaller parcels.
Scout Raskin, the owner of Party Goats LA, recounts how she turned her side project into a full-time venture after losing her job as a television animation producer in 2023, seeing the burgeoning demand for effective grazing.
Raskin raised her herd to 36 animals, incorporating their grazing as a service for land clearing alongside traditional rental for events.
The tangible benefits of goat grazing are numerous, both in maintaining vegetation levels for fire safety and absent herbicides.
Landowner Michael Tessler experienced this first-hand as he aimed to develop more natural habitats on his parcel while noting the unforeseen social benefits that emerged from the grazing project.
He reflected on how the sight of grazing animals encouraged interaction and a newfound sense of community among neighbors.
In light of these interactions and the positive effects on the community, Tessler called for more projects to introduce grazing animals to urban areas, encapsulating his sentiment beautifully: “Put joy in the world where you can.”
The broader implications of using grazing as a vegetation management tool extend beyond just fire safety.
There’s an increasing focus on community involvement and ecological restoration through collaborations, with callouts for volunteers in related initiatives, such as the Project Phoenix study on wildfire smoke’s effects on birds in the West.
The urgency in maintaining healthy ecosystems is amplified as urban areas expand and face climate change challenges.
Additionally, there have been heartbreaking recent events at community gardens, such as the early morning fire at Arlington Garden in Pasadena, which left tools and equipment destroyed.
While fundraising efforts surge to restore burned gardens, volunteers are engaged in several community-focused activities, furthering the importance of connection to the land.
This connection is bolstered through a series of horticultural events scheduled throughout the summer, such as soil testing programs to ensure safety and health in urban gardening locations.
The vibrant community calendar offers opportunities for active participation in nature restoration projects while fostering statewide awareness through various workshops, especially those oriented around native species and ecological health.
For example, hands-on classes at local foundations stress the importance of maintaining the ecological balance—creating workshops focusing on propagating native plants from cuttings or seeds, ensuring gardeners have the tools they need to cultivate resilient landscapes.
Events such as the Southern California Carnivorous Plant Show bring together enthusiasts and the community, sparking interest in diverse plant species while engaging families and nature lovers alike.
As partnership-driven community efforts continue to materialize, the path toward a more sustainable and interconnected urban landscape in Los Angeles seems promising.
While the challenges of land management persist, they press the need for collaborative strategies that not only focus on environmental issues but also emphasize social connections and community health.
As the dry season approaches, the inclusion of grazing animals stands out as a viable option to address both ecological and social issues in urban suburbs around L.A.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/newsletter/2025-06-01/los-angeles-neighbors-band-together-to-get-goats-to-clear-hillside-prevent-fires
