By Gus Saltonstall
Goats will officially be baaaaaack in Riverside Park on Saturday, July 18.
For the seventh consecutive year, the Riverside Park Conservancy will welcome goats for a summer residency to help clear invasive plants from the green space. After multiple years in a Morningside Heights section of Riverside Park, and then two years near West 143rd Street, the goats will be stationed in the park in 2026 on a vegetation-covered slope at West 137th Street
The goats will spend 10 weeks “feasting on invasive species such as poison ivy, mugwort, and porcelain berry” at the location.
To celebrate the return of the goats, the Conservancy will host “The Great Goat Graze-Off” on Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the lawn north of Ten Mile Playground at West 151st Street and the West Side Highway.
Fifteen goats will face off in a plant-eating contest overseen by George Shea of Major League Eating, who is the host of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. There will also be local vendors, food and drinks, live music, arts and crafts, games, and educational activities at the event.
The rain date for the event is Sunday, July 19.
You can learn more about “The Great Goat Graze-Off” — HERE.
Of the 15 goats participating in the graze-off, three of them will take part in the 10-week residency program at West 137th Street.
- Romeo: “Returning to Riverside Park for his fourth stint, Romeo is your forever best friend. He wants your hugs and a snuggle at night. He knows he can’t solve all the world’s troubles, but he’ll be by your side through it all.”
- Mallomar: “Mallomar, a staple in the Riverside Park herd year after year, is unwavering in his loyalty and courage. He might not be the loudest of the bunch, but his calm, steadfast nature provides security for those surrounding him who know he will always have their back. He’s returning to the Graze-Off to defend his champion title.”
- Big Buddy: “Specially selected by the volunteers at Riverside Park’s Jenny’s Garden, Big Buddy is an alpine goat who hails from Red Hook, NY. Though he might be new, he’s ready to vie for the CHOMP-ion title with his hoof-tastic grazing skills. Incredibly tall in stature and spirit, Big Buddy is convinced he may actually be part giraffe.”
More information on Riverside Park’s goat program is available — HERE.
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