Poplar couple recognized for taking a bite out of invasive species

Maria Lockwood, Superior Telegram, Wis.
·2 min read

May 25—POPLAR — The Wisconsin Invasive Species Council is recognizing a Poplar couple for their contribution to preventing, controlling and eradicating invasive species ... with goats.

Jake and Brigid Williams are among 13 individuals and groups who will receive a 2024 Invasive Species Action Award in June.

Their concept is simple: Goats get hungry. Over the last several years, the Poplar couple have turned that simple concept into a growing business, Regenerative Ruminants. They have a herd of about 50 grazing goats that are deployed in and around Douglas County to fight invasive species in an eco-friendly manner.

The goats are deployed to crunch through pervasive plant problems, eradicating buckthorn, tansy, goldenrod and other invasives on public and private land. The animals can spend weeks at a time mowing down invasive species, kept on task with solar-powered security fencing and trained guard dogs.

Regenerative Ruminants ran a

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources pilot project in the Brule River State Forest in 2022

that brought this innovative, fast-growing approach into statewide focus.

The Williams have also contributed to the community by

helping to launch a farmers market in Poplar

and opening their goat farm for public visits to educate children and adults alike.

This year marks the 20th annual awards from the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council. Previously known as the Invader Crusader Awards, they honor Wisconsin citizens and organizations for their significant contributions to preventing, controlling or eradicating invasive species that harm Wisconsin's lands, waters and wetlands.

"It gives incentive and demonstrates examples of how anyone can make a difference, if they put their mind to it," said Mackenzie Manicki, an invasive plant specialist with the Wisconsin DNR.

Last year, Jim Giffin of Douglas County received a similar award for the lasting impact he has had on Lake Minnesuing, a 432-acre lake with 6.6 miles of shoreline. He has secured 12 different grants to fund invasive species control efforts on the lake and brought together a community around the lake to promote invasive species control and monitoring, as well as native landscaping and restoration. Giffin's award was in the volunteer individual category. The Williams won under the professional group category and were nominated by Jake's father, Scott Williams.

Visit the

Wisconsin Invasive Species Council page

on the Department of Natural Resources website to learn more about the group and the award.