Burr Oak Park is a 3.3-acre neighborhood park containing a playground, benches, and an accessible asphalt walk connection between Burr Oak and Atterberry.
Click here to view a printable map of Burr Oak Park (pdf)
Invasive species management and goats at Burr Oak Park
The City of Ann Arbor is looking to partner with Twin Willow Ranch to have a herd of 10 goats visit Burr Oak Park for 1-3 weeks in August 2021. The goats' job would be to eat some of the non-native invasive and overgrown shrubs like honeysuckle and buckthorn, along with poison ivy that is encroaching on the swingset. While the goats would help clear some of this overgrowth, they are just the first step. After the buckthorn and honeysuckle leaves within reach are eaten, the shrubs still need to be cut down to prevent them from growing back. After the trunks are cut, the stumps are covered with black plastic to decrease the amount of resprouting. We expect some of the plants to grow back overtime and it could take a few visits from the goats to create a long-term impact.
Our hope is to preserve the wooded area in the park but to create a space that is more open, especially around the perimeter, so that it feels safer and more inviting. After the goats visit, the area would be assessed see the extent of the follow up work that will be needed. Staff will also be assessing the area to decide if and what native shrubs and other plants should be added to fill in open spots and preserve the wooded area. We anticipate this project being ongoing and could take several years to make the desired improvements.
Please note: The swingset and a small portion of the paved path would be closed while the goats are at work.
Please complete our survey to share your thoughts on upcoming changes to this area. The survey will be open until Wednesday, August 4 2021.
Email [email protected] or call 734.794.6445 for more information about the project in Burr Oak Park. For more information about goats working in your local parks visit the Goats at Work page.
