OKC Goats Return to Clear Invasive Vines at Lakes

The city's cloven-hooved, clover-munching helpers are back on the job.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The City of Oklahoma City has deployed a herd of goats to clear invasive kudzu vines between Lake Overholser and Lake Hefner. Kudzu is an aggressive vine that can quickly overtake and damage native plant life, and the city is utilizing the goats' natural grazing abilities to combat the problem.

Why it matters

Invasive plant species like kudzu pose a serious threat to local ecosystems, crowding out native flora and disrupting the natural balance. By employing goats to clear the kudzu, the city is taking an environmentally friendly approach to land management and preservation.

The details

The city's "cloven-hooved clover-munchers" have been deployed to the area between the two lakes to graze on and clear the kudzu vines. Kudzu is an aggressive, fast-growing vine that can quickly overtake and damage native plants if left unchecked. The goats' natural grazing habits make them well-suited for this task, as they can effectively clear the kudzu without the need for harmful chemicals or machinery.

  • The goats have been deployed to the area between Lake Overholser and Lake Hefner.

The players

City of Oklahoma City

The local government overseeing the deployment of goats to clear invasive kudzu vines.

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The takeaway

By utilizing the natural grazing abilities of goats, the City of Oklahoma City is taking an environmentally friendly approach to managing the threat of invasive plant species and preserving the local ecosystem around its lakes.