Dec. 5, 2022 - Goats will clear brush from the solar field near the University Drive entrance to campus.
Duke Energy manages and maintains the site, which provides about 68% of the University's electricity, as part of a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement. Within this agreement, Duke Energy is responsible for managing the vegetation that grows within the site. In honor of CSUCI's commitment to sustainability, Duke Energy has contracted with Ventura Brush Goats for brush clearance. Goats are a proven way to manage vegetation without the use of toxic chemicals or fuel-intensive equipment. The goats can eat about 4% of their body weight each day, fertilizing the soil as they move across the landscape. Dogs will accompany the goats to protect them from predators.
People should not enter the solar site or disturb the goats.
The goats will work only within the fence of the solar yard for now, but the University plans to bring them back in spring for additional vegetation management. When the goats return, there will be opportunities for people to learn about them and observe herding dog demonstrations.
For more information, contact Roxane Beigel-Coryell in Facilities Services at roxane.bc@csuci.edu or 805-437-3232.