It’s Goat Time in Issaquah Highlands

“Nature’s low-carbon lawnmowers” recruited
to mow grass in Issaquah

Issaquah, Wash. (July 7, 2009) — More than 350 goats will begin to arrive in Issaquah Highlands today with a single mission: to munch their way across hillsides. The Seattle-area master-planned community is choosing goats over machines to minimize the environmental impact of weed and brush control. During their three-week Issaquah Highlands tenure, the goats will make a feast of more than twelve acres of open space. The public can view their four-legged mowing work from three locations:

South Pond – Goats will be mowing the hillside between the pond and homes on 24th Avenue NE. South Pond is adjacent to Central Park.

Overlook at 1499 24th Avenue NE – Watch the goats from a small overlook where a trailhead meets the edge of the homes located above South Pond.

Overlook Trails – Two steep trails cross a large tract where goats will be busy from July 11 onwards. Access points are on 30th Avenue NE at the west end of Harrison Street or from 28th Avenue NE at Julep Street.

“Issaquah Highlands has long practiced sustainable gardening and landscaping methods, but when it comes to mowing steep tracts, you can’t beat the agility and appetite of goats,” said Russ Ayers, landscape manager, Issaquah Highlands Community Association. “Recruiting goats to clear slopes, versus cutting grass with gas-powered equipment and trucking it away, significantly reduces the environmental impact.”

Goats eat a large variety of vegetation including morning glory, holly, nuisance trees and saplings, thistle, grasses, and horsetail, as well as invasive species such as blackberries, ivy, Scotch broom and knot weed. Only a few of these species has a presence in Issaquah Highlands and the goats will play a preventative role in stopping them from taking hold.

“Goats are the perfect addition to Issaquah Highlands’ people- and planet-friendly landscape maintenance programs,” continued Ayers. “They are the original weed eaters.”

Located 20 minutes east of Seattle along the I-90 corridor and developed by Port Blakely Communities, Issaquah Highlands is an urban village that blends homes, shopping and businesses. Restaurants include Caffe Ladro, Sip Wine Bar & Restaurant, Zeeks Pizza, Agave Cocina & Tequila, Subway and Ricenroll. For more information, visit www.issaquahhighlands.com.

About Port Blakely Communities
A division of Port Blakely Companies, Port Blakely Communities applies its family values of integrity, quality, innovation and stewardship to the business of real estate. Port Blakely Communities creates residential and mixed-use urban villages that embrace the principles of smart growth. The company builds communities that are known for their quality construction, innovative design, small-town feel and respect for the environment. Founded in the 1990s, Port Blakely Communities’ largest effort is the award-winning Issaquah Highlands community. For more information, visit www.portblakely.com.

Contact:
Suzanne Lee
MWW Group for Port Blakely Communities
206.505.8390
slee@mww.com