Okay, so they don’t technically eat fire, but they do eat its fuel–and that is sorta the same thing, right?! Yummm...
After a wildfire nearly destroyed Lick Observatory in 2020, systematic and creative solutions to reduce future risks are being implemented.
Research demonstrates that goat herds successfully reduce the spread of wildfires by quickly and effectively clearing fire-fueling vegetation. Your gift today funds exploratory invasive plant species removal and remote/rugged location work with herds on Mt. Hamilton, protecting Lick Observatory from future wildfires. If successful, this initiative will support future permanent funding proposals!
Goal 1 UNLOCKED--THANK YOU!: $3,000 Cell Tower Protection
If we raise at least $3,000, we will be able to bring goat herds to the cell tower that supports critical communication infrastructure at Lick Observatory, the neighboring community, and the Mt. Hamilton volunteer fire station.
Goal 2 UNLOCKED--THANK YOU!: $10,000 Helipad Perimeter
An additional $7,000 in support brings goats to the Mt. Hamilton helipad below the observatory. This potentially life-saving investment protects Lick Observatory staff, firefighters, and neighbors in the event that road access becomes blocked.
Goal 3: $20,000 5-acre buffer
A total of $20,000 would ensure goat herds can clear the cell tower, the helipad, and add five acres of strategic buffers around several Lick Observatory buildings. In 2020, the wildfire came within 10 yards of the main historic building!
Want to do even more by supporting this project with a matching gift challenge of $1K+? Thank you! Contact npedroza@ucolick.org.
Goat photo by Nati Melnychuck via Unsplash. Smoke-covered Lick Observatory photo by Dr. Robert Minchin via Twitter.
