PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The holidays are over, Santa has come and gone, but the giving spirit remains—especially for organizations like the Philly Goat Project. Their tree-cycling initiative feeds more than a dozen inner-city goats at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum.
“They’re amazing and appreciate the tree. It’s tasty,” said 8-year-old Harry, who was with his mom feeding their old Christmas tree to the hungry goats.
The project is mutually beneficial: people can get rid of their old trees and those donated trees help to feed the goats through May.
The project was founded to provide accessible wellness activities in nature with animals within the city of Philadelphia. Each tree that nourishes the goats contributes to community programs provided by the organization at no cost. These programs include job training for teens, animal-assisted therapy for individuals with varying abilities, environmental education, and year-round literacy initiatives in natural settings.
“It’s nice to see the community coming together to feed the goats,” said Harry’s mom.
The organization's motto is "Goats for the Greater Good." It believes goats are among the most sustainable and environmentally friendly animals, as they are vegetarians and often eat things that other animals ignore.
“Yes, they just love the trees—they go right for them,” said Marney Fogleson with the project.
Whether you do or don’t have a tree to donate, Fogleson encourages everyone to join the community and meet the goats.
The third and final Christmas tree-eating event will be held Saturday, Jan. 18, from noon to 3 p.m., at Laurel Hill West Cemetery, 215 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd. The event is free and open to the public.