Landmark on the Sound in Des Moines hired some unusual new temporary employees last week to help clear overgrowth from the 1.7 miles of walking paths and trails on the perimeter of the 27-acre campus.

The employees ate and even slept on the job, yet they performed their work perfectly.

The new workers were goats.

Goats prefer a diet of nutrient-dense, broadleaf plants and brush, and so Landmark on the Sound, the former Masonic Home retirement community, contracted with Goat Trimmers, a family-owned and operated business in Tacoma to bring 90 of these happy munchers to Landmark.

Goat Trimmers owns and operates a herd of nearly 200 goats, available for weed control and brush clearing projects of any size.

Because goats can go where machines can't-including wetlands, hillsides, retention ponds and waterfront-they are an economical and environmentally friendly solution to brush clearing needs, according to Landmark officials.