Mission and History
Allegheny GoatScape’s mission is to reduce invasive and unwanted vegetation in public spaces and vacant lots, utilizing goats for browsing. Working in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Allegheny GoatScape accomplishes this mission by partnering with organizations, land owners, and businesses, allowing our animals to eat vegetation on the overgrown properties. Giving goats access to intentional properties removes vegetation in an ecologically-friendly and efficient manner, setting the stage for additional land management and restoration. Allegheny GoatScape also promotes goat husbandry and resources access for those interested in raising goats in the Pittsburgh region, and invasive species education for those seeking to improve their local ecology.
Allegheny GoatScape transitioned from an organization called Steel City Grazers, becoming a 501c3 nonprofit organization in the beginning of 2017. Steel City Grazers paved the way to encourage goat herd use as a viable means to mitigate unwanted vegetation in the region.
By clearing unwanted vegetation with goats rather than using management products like herbicides, communities gain a number of benefits. Goats can traverse terrain that is difficult or impossible for people and machinery. They work long hours, and the only fuel they require is the plants they'll eat. Goats clearing an overgrown neighborhood space can create good community conversation, provide volunteer opportunities to increase community engagement, and pave the way to new opportunities in shared spaces!
Allegheny GoatScape Staff
Gavin Deming, Executive Director
In 2017 Gavin established Allegheny GoatScape as a 501c3 non-profit organization to be able to use goats to work with partners, land managers and municipalities to mitigate invasive and unwanted plants throughout Allegheny County in a more ecologically friendly way. Gavin’s desire to properly manage knotweed and other invasives was planted when a friend suggested using a small nomadic herd to eat overgrown vacant lots throughout their neighborhood in Pittsburgh's North Side many years ago. Participating in agriculture policy meetings to make Pittsburgh more “goat-friendly”, followed by working on a project with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to bring goats to a public space with immediate positive effects on the landscape, he knew he had to get more involved, and a few years later, Allegheny GoatScape became a reality.
Hillary Steffes, Field Coordinator
Hillary initially came to Allegheny GoatScape through the Student Conservation Association as an "urban goatherd intern." Already fluent in donkey-speak and hard work, she immediately fit in with the intent and ethos of the organization. She has a knack for keeping more gregarious animals occupied when others need to be tended to, and a super-human ability to keep cool while untangling tedious fencing in brushy areas. A lifelong learner and adventurer who creates value out of each moment, Hillary has a penchant for understanding and caring for the aesthetic and long-term health of her immediate community as well as our broader Earth home; Allegheny GoatScape is lucky to have her.
Erin Gaughan, Community Engagement Coordinator
Erin first became involved with Allegheny Goatscape as a volunteer in 2020. She quickly realized how much she loved the organization as it lies at the intersection of her two interests: environmental stewardship and animal care. Her background in environmental education and volunteer coordination (with previous professional experience with some of our favorite organizations: Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Grow Pittsburgh and Tree Pittsburgh), as well as her first hand experience volunteering with Allegheny Goatscape made her a natural fit for this role. She has quickly fallen in love with each herd and is thrilled to share that love with the rest of us.
Team Hobo: The original Allegheny GoatScape herd that began in 2017; they got their start in Pittsburgh with Steel City Grazers in 2015. Hobo, Angel, Cowboy, Kama, Ozark and Butter Bailey were all part of this initial crew.
Butter Bailey - Butter is the senior female on Team Hobo, and makes sure her female tribemates know it. She rejoined Allegheny GoatScape in June 2017 after spending the winter and spring away from her team. She is smaller than her male Nubian counterparts, but can eat knotweed and honeysuckle with the best of them! Butter is sponsored in 2024 by Adrienne Walnoha.
Cinnamon-Sugar - aka C-S, is Mae’s counterpart. They are nearly identical in just about every way. The key distinguishing feature is that though both Nubians have white coats, C-S looks like she has a light dusting of cinnamon in addition to her sugary coat. C-S is sponsored by Anna Wierenga in honor of Asher and Isaiah.
Cowboy - By far the most devious of Team Hobo- Cowboy’s breeder has called him too smart for his own good. Though large for a Nigerian dwarf, he is still more than willing to push the larger goats around to get what he wants. And those sky blue eyes are something else... Cowboy is sponsored in 2024 by Jessica Bellas.
Diana - A large Nubian and former dairy goat, she and her buddy Excite immediately fit in with their new herd. She has the friendly demeanor of many of our other Nubians. Diana is sponsored in 2024 by Carmen Bray.
Excite - Similar in stature and friendliness to Diana, Excite can be distinguished with a slightly larger frame and a more bulbous snout. We are happy to have her eating skills! Excite is sponsored in 2024 by Jaime Jarvis “in honor of” the English ivy she is working on removing from her backyard.
Jelly - The lone Alpine in Team Hobo, Jelly tends to keep to herself but never strays too far from the rest of her herd. She is fond of humans and is more than willing to shoo her herdmates away to get attention. Jelly is sponsored in 2024 by Heidi Nagle.
Kama - Kama may be the oddest of all our goats, but his aloofness might actually be genius. He never appears to have to fight for treats in the winter, and he has been found in places that seem impossible for any normal goat to get. His white goat coat is highly unusual, and he is as photogenic as they come. Kama is sponsored in 2024 in loving memory of George Bellas.
Mae - Nubian that can be hard to differentiate from her pal C-S because of their all-white bodies and similar faces. She lacks the cinnamon sprinkled in but is just as sweet. She, C-S and Roxane all came to us from Goat Rodeo Dairy. Mae is sponsored by Anna Wierenga in honor of Asher and Isaiah.
Ozark - Ozark is always right there with his much larger counterparts when visitors arrive, often talking up a storm. Ozark is a Nigerian dwarf and always seems to know when it is time for hoof-trimming time, becoming very hard to find. Ozark is sponsored in 2024 in loving memory of George Bellas.
Roxane - This sweet, kind young Nubian usually hangs near her buds Mae and C-S. While she is the smallest of the four, she is often the most curious. Roxane is sponsored in 2024 by Jessica Bellas.
Rudy - This friendly, enormous, unique looking Nubian came to us in December 2023 from a loving home. Initially scared of all goats not named Rusty, has begun to warm up to his herdmates, especially Diana and Excite. Rudy is sponsored in 2024 by Kerry Quinn in honor of his wife, Susan.
Rusty - Born on Thanksgiving 2020, three days before his best buddy Rudy, this Nubian may our largest goat. He is towering, but doesn’t know it! He is gentle but is still getting the hang of being a goat with other goats not named Rudy; these two are attached at the hip! Rudy is sponsored in 2024 by Colleen Straub in honor of Erin Gaughan.
Hobo (Hobes) - As cantankerous as he can be toward his caprine counterparts, Hobo dutifully performs his task to keep the herd safe. He loves people, carrots and afternoon rolls in the dirt. Hobo is sponsored in 2023 by Nancy Terpack.
Team Diamond: Our second herd to join the fleet, Team Diamond began in 2018 along the Waterfront and Great Allegheny Passage, but is now considered the most traveled herd, taking on significant projects beyond Allegheny County in Erie National Wildlife Refuge, Johnstown Flood National Memorial, Flight 93 National Memorial and Sharon Riverfront Park.
Aimee - Amie is a young old Nubian who is difficult to differentiate from her pal, Edie. Amie is sweet and kind, and is often seen munching on her favorite plant parts, including tree and shrub bark.
Edie - Nearly impossible to tell apart from Aimee, the two stick together as good buds. Edie is cheerful, eager and puts a smile on all of the Allegheny Goatscape herders’ faces when she comes for a head scratch. Edie is sponsored in 2024 by Heather Eng in honor of Robin Eng.
Holly - One of our newest additions in 2023, Holly is a six year old with a friendly demeanor. She’s warming up to her new tribe and they are doing the same. She was a well-cared for pet but missing goat companionship. When her previous owners moved, they wanted to make sure Holly went to a good home; we are happy to have her as part of Team Diamond. Holly has the most unique feature of all of our goats - a single curved horn on the left side of her head! Holly is sponsored in 2024 by Dana Spiardi.
Jewel - Similar in demeanor to Elsa, Jewel is a sweet La Mancha doe from Goat Rodeo Dairy that has a similar look to Elsa but her sleek coat distinguishes her. Jewel is sponsored by Sandy McNair.
Jill - A two-year-old Nubian who came to us from Goat Rodeo together with Aimee, Edie and Lilly, she loves being part of the group, and can be identified by her dark stripe down her back. Jill is sponsored in 2024 by Kasey Dunham.
Kalkaska (Kal) - Kal is a cute small calico Nigerian dwarf. He's a friend of Petoskey and they both enjoy jumping into open laps, bent over backs and onto any higher platform when they get a chance. He has the most distinct voice of all of Allegheny GoatScape’s goats. Kalkaska is sponsored in 2024 by Stephanie Lonsinger.
Kohlrabi - A handsome Alpine doe, Kohlrabi comes to us from Goat Rodeo. She joined Team Diamond in late winter 2022 and fit in right away. As far as our goats go, she is quite the talker! Kohlrabi is sponsored by Mary lee Stenson in 2024 in memory of Bernadette, the incredible pet therapy toy poodle.
Lilly - This leader among the younger Nubians in Team Diamond, Lilly has a striking white coat that makes her easy to identify. She also is quite vocal when she sleeps and chews.
Lucky Lou (L2) - This is one sassy goat. A young La Mancha, Lucky Lou has been known to test your hand or your hair for its edibility, though not in a mean way, as she does enjoy a little affection, too. Lucky Lou is sponsored in 2024 by Doug and Yvonne VanHaitsma.
Oreo - Named by some youngsters for his coloration, Oreo is one friendly Nigerian dwarf. He is a runt of sorts and has a large overbite but definitely eats his fair share. He never shies away from an afternoon tussle with Petoskey or Kalkaska. Oreo is sponsored in 2024 by Dana Spiardi.
Petoskey - Petoskey is a very friendly Nigerian dwarf, constantly seeking human attention; not unlike an excitable puppy. Most of our goats are not what we would consider a “lap goat;” Petoskey is an exception. He is sponsored in 2024 by Patti Bucek.
Diamond - Diamond joined Allegheny GoatScape in spring 2018 to help watch over the second herd. She has a gentle presence, but can be a little skittish, depending on her mood. When she wants a treat, she sure knows how to make a good "hee-haw"! Diamond is sponsored in 2024 by tyna and Gretel Kaltenbaugh.
Team Sunshine: Sunshine and her crew began work with Allegheny GoatScape in 2019 along the Waterfront and Great Allegheny Passage in Homestead. Since 2022, they moved on to different projects for the first time, and are now one of our most traveled herds.
Dale - Dale is a friendly, but reserved Nigerian Dwarf. He is one of those rare goats that will rarely eat treats out of your hand. Dale came to AGS in fall 2019 with his best buddy Chip, who sadly passed away in 2023.
Fauna - This large nubian was a favorite of Goat Rodeo Farm & Dairy. Fauna is a very friendly, very large nubian who has integrated well into her new herd, making fast friends in Team Sunshine.
Legs - Getting his name from his comically lanky limbs and lean body, Legs is a spring 2021 addition to Team Sunshine. He predominantly is seen following his best bud, Peanut, and has quickly figured out how to make an impact, eating well with his new herd. Legs is sponsored by Maureen Olinzock.
Lynette is a four year-old La Mancha doe who came to us from Goat Rodeo. She is a very sweet, rather reserved goat, especially when Peanut and Legs get pushy. Lynette is sponsored in 2024 by Emily Bell in honor of Archie Bell.
Mango is a young Nubian doe who came to us from Goat Rodeo in 2022. She and her best friend Miso have integrated well with the rest of their Team. She has a pronounced bump on her forehead that is a key physical indicator.
Miso, like Mango, is a two year old Nubian with a white coat with a little bit of orange sprinkled in. She has managed to get along with the other goats of Team Sunshine in spite of the occasional pushiness of Peanut and Legs. She is sponsored in 2024 by Diana Lawry.
Nadine - The youngest goat of Allegheny GoatScape, born in March 2022, Nadine is a sweet Nubian who likes to stick with her buddy Fauna, whom she arrived with from Goat Rodeo Farm & Dairy. She has done well to make new friends, though, especially with her fellow white Nubians, Mango and Miso.
Peanut - Peanut and Legs came as a bonded pair, and of the two, Peanut’s golden-red coloring, stout physique and puppy-like face, as well as aloof personality set him apart! We believe he is a Nubian - Boer cross based on his physical features.
Ryobi - This friendly Alpine wether arrived in February 2024 along with his good friend Toro. His curly scur on top of his head, and, in Gavin’s opinion, reindeer-like color and physique, give him a very unique appearance.
Shrimpy - Our youngest member of Allegheny GoatScape’s herds, Shrimpy is a very friendly Nigerian Dwarf whose demure stature and dark shaggy coat make him hard to spot in the dense brush. He seems to have no concept that he is the smallest Allegheny GoatScape goat. Shrimpy is sponsored in 2024 by Dana Spiardi.
Toro - Dear companion to Ryobi, the two are already adept at clearing away brush and unwanted vegetation. The two were beloved pets who also served to keep their former owner’s landscape cleared. We are grateful to have this gentle beast join our team! Toro is sponsored in 2024 by Emily Bell.
Sunshine - The youngest mini donkey of Allegheny GoatScape (born May 2017), Sunshine was raised at Blose Acres Farm in Indiana County to be able to serve as a companion to children on the Autism spectrum. She is a real sweet girl, though she can be quite stingy with the goats in her team! Sunshine is sponsored in 2024 by Terra Brozowski.
House Balthazar: This group of goats does not have a donkey leader namesake; instead it was named in a contest for the former father to four of the La Manchas of this tribe, Balthazar. The herd came to us in 2021 from our friends at the former HaveUHerd goatscaping and goat yoga company so they were already well versed in the ways of goatscaping.
Aspen - A wether born in March 2018, Aspen’s parents are Cypress and Balthazar. While smaller than his brother Rook, he is just as sweet and curious. He has a similar, though lighter coloration of his mother, but the ears (or lack-there-of) of his father! Aspen is sponsored in 2024 by Rob Zeglin in honor of Always Boardshop.
Athena - Athena is one of the herd’s LaMancha and Boer mixes; her parents are Princess Layla and Balthazar. This doe was born on February 28, 2018 and features the short, stout ears unique to the LaMancha breed. It’s taking us a little bit of time and patience to get used to her skittish nature. Athena is sponsored in 2024 by Emily Wolff in memory of Juno Augustus.
Cypress - This handsome nanny (mother goat) of the herd, having birthed Rook and Aspen, is friendly to goats and her human caretakers alike. Born in March 2014, her rotund middle and deep brown noggin are her signature looks. Cypress is sponsored in 2024 by Gretel Kaltenbaugh.
Mildred - Her certificate says she is a Nigerian Dwarf - Nubian mix, but we find it hard to believe given her size. Mildred is feisty and independent, and willing to sass whenever she feels it is necessary, though she likes to be around people. Mildred is sponsored by Matthew Lincoln in honor of Cheryl Williams and Scott Michaud.
Nashville - Nashville is a LaMancha mix wether, born in 2018; his parents are Savannah and Balthazar. The more he gets to know us, the friendlier he becomes. Nashville is sponsored by Sandy McNair.
Princess Layla - Princess Layla is a Boer goat born in spring 2014. Her white luscious beard give her a kind and wise appearance. Layla is sponsored in 2024 by Julie Futeles, in honor of The Futules Family & Zelda.
Randy - This beautiful Nigerian Dwarf wether comes to us from the Farm School in Pittsburgh along with his counterpart Russell. Of the two, Randy is all about food, whereas Russell tends to gravitate toward human attention. He is sponsored in 2024 by Jenn Layman and her family.
Rook - Rook is a sweet wether born in 2015 to mother Cypress whose familial resemblance resides in his short ears that look like shields over his eyes. and his distinct wide Boer nose. Rook is sponsored in 2024 by Joseph Faraci.
Russell - As charming as a Nigerian goat can be, Russell and Randy were unaware that other goats existed in the world until they joined House Balthazar in late winter 2022. The two are inseparable, and slowly learning that it is ok to be around other goats. Russell is sponsored in 2024 by Margaret McDonald in honor of Russell Schuh.
Savannah - Savannah is a sweet but leery La Mancha doe, born in May 2015. She is another mother of the group, having birthed Sugar and Nashville. Savannah is sponsored in 2024 by Colleen Straub in honor of Erin Gaughan.
Sugar - Like Athena, Sugar was born on February 28, 2018; her parents are Savannah and Balthazar, making her a mix of mixes, primarily La Mancha and Boer. Her elf ears are particularly cute and another indication of her LaMancha breed. Sugar is sponsored in 2024 by Richard Cramer in memory of Sarah M. Cramer.
Pete and the Golden Goats: Welcome the newest/oldest Allegheny GoatScape herd! This team includes some of our elder goats from other herds, as well as sisters Betty and Ezie, and their longtime miniature donkey protector, Pete. They work on projects that are a little less topographically challenging to accommodate for any physical ailments they may be dealing with. Pete and his pals also spend time helping our staff with presentations and educational events.
Angel Face - Angel is named for his adorable face when he was a kid. This Nubian is still a handsome fellow, but his name name now applies to his gentle nature. Fun fact: a rarity amongst his peers - he will not eat out of your hand, as good as the treat may be! Angel is sponsored in 2024 by Jenn Layman and her family.
Betty - Betty is a young, diminuitive Boer who came to us along with her twin Ezie and Pete, who had watched over her since birth. She has quickly become one of the most vocal goats amongst the Allegheny GoatScape ranks. Betty is sponsored by Lauren Kane.
Dice - A beautiful Alpine, Dice came to us from Goat Rodeo Dairy. She joined the Golden Goats in early fall 2023 given her old age, but she and her Alpine mates remain some of our best eaters and most feisty goats. Sparring with Dot is a daily occurrence for Dice. Dice is in 2024 by sponsored by Peter and Jodi Humphrey.
Dot - One of the more feisty goats of Allegheny GoatScape, this Alpine is keen on stirring things up just before rest time, and sees herself as a matriarch, even as a new addition to her “new” herd, the Golden Goats. Dot is a hard worker though, and eats with the best of them. Dot is sponsored by Robin Eng in memory of Conrad Seaman.
Ezie - Twin sister of Betty, the two Boer does came from a loving home where they were well cared for and well protected by Pete. Ezie is very social but those who try to give her treats should be aware that she is not a very accurate eater and it known to (accidentally?) nibble on a finger instead of a carrot. Ezie is sponsored by Lauren Kane.
Flash - Flash, a handsome Alpine, is often seen on her own, a common behavior that we see with our Alpines, though she does tend to appreciate the companionship of her fellow Alpines. She is also happy to greet volunteers. Flash is sponsored in 2024 by tyna Kaltenbaugh.
(Princess) Leia - Leia is a friendly Nubian who stands apart with her wavy black coat and wide-set eyes. Like some of her coworkers, she came to work with us from Goat Rodeo Dairy, thanks to a grant from the Shadyside Hospital Foundation. Leia is very good at opening doors and has taught other tribe mates how to do the same, much to the chagrin of humans. Leia is sponsored in 2024 by Ephraim Zimmerman.
Love Song - Love Song came to us in Spring 2022. She lost her companions at her previous home and her owners, the previous owners of Team Hobo and Steel City Grazers, wanted to make sure she would have a good community to live in. Born on Valentine’s Day 20212, she is the mother of Ozark, an original member or Team Hobo! Love Song is sponsored in 2024 by Gretel Kaltenbaugh.
Onyx - Onyx is a friendly wether and a LaMancha - Boer mix. Many of us think he looks a little like a pig (in a good way)! Previously part of House Balthazar, Onyx joined the Golden Goats due to ongoing health issues.
Pete - An extremely gentle and loving gelding, Pete has been on goat duty for at least six years prior to joining Allegheny GoatScape. He was originally supposed to help protect horses, but enjoyed eating their tails too much. Goat protector suits him very well and we are so happy to incorporate him into our tribe. Pete is sponsored by Leslie Woods.
Allegheny GoatScape Board of Directors:
Martina Battistone, Board Vice President | Senior Environmental Planner, City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning
Carmen Bray | Director of Communications, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Gavin Deming | Executive Director, Ex Officio
Robin Eng | Ecological Program Specialist, Ecological Program Specialist, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Lauren Kane, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACZM | Veterinarian, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Jennifer Layman | National Director of Emerging Professionals in Conservation, American Conservation Experience
Nadine Lehrer, PhD | Associate Professor, Food Studies, Chatham University
Kendall Pelling | Executive Director, Rising Tide Partners
Doug Van Haitsma, Board Secretary | Partner, Shape Development Group
Damen Taylor, Board Treasurer | Controller, August Wilson African American Cultural Center
Leslie Woods, Board President | Attorney Underwriter, Attorney, Chicago Title Insurance Company