If you’ve ever gone past a San Francisco reservoir and spotted a herd of goats happily munching away on the hillsides, you’ve seen one of the city’s most unexpected (and beloved) work crews in action. These four-legged landscapers aren’t just adorable; they’re helping keep our communities safe by reducing wildfire risks and restoring natural landscapes, one bite at a time.

Bringing Joy and Curiosity to the Workplace
Jimmy Murray, Landscape Supervisor for the San Francisco Water Division at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), says bringing in goats to help clear vegetation and reduce fire risk has been a game-changer. “What we enjoy most about having the goats on our worksites is how effective and efficient they are at clearing vegetation in areas that are often difficult or unsafe for crews to reach,” he explains. “They provide a natural, sustainable form of fuel reduction that helps lower wildfire risk without the need for heavy equipment or chemicals.”
But beyond their hard work, the goats bring a sense of joy and curiosity wherever they go. “One of our favorite parts of working with the goats is seeing how the community reacts when they arrive,” Jimmy says. “People stop to take photos, kids love to watch them work, and they spark a lot of conversations about fire safety and land stewardship.”
He recalls one memorable day near Summit Reservoir, when a preschool class came upon the goats during a field trip. “The teachers had no idea and were so excited,” he says with a smile. “I gave the class a short lesson on where they were and where their water comes from. I then surprised them with an up-close experience with the goats, just inches away through the fence.”

Reducing Fire Risk, One Bite at a Time
For Jimmy and his team, the goats do more than help with vegetation management; they lift spirits, too. “Seeing the goats at work always brings a smile to our faces,” he says. “You can’t help but feel relaxed when you see a herd of goats happily munching away nearby. They add a sense of calm and joy to the job site, and it’s really rewarding to know their grazing brings happiness to our communities and families as well.”

With their steady grazing and friendly charm, these four-legged landscapers are helping keep San Francisco’s hillsides stay safe, all while putting smiles on faces along the way.