FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | RELEASE DATE: August 19, 2026 | CONTACT: Dalilah Davaloz (562) 692-0921
(Whittier, Calif.) — Río Hondo College is taking a nature-based approach to fire prevention, bringing goats to campus to help manage vegetation and reduce potential fire hazards while creating a safer environment for students, employees and community members. To give the community an opportunity to learn more about the effort and meet the goats, the College will host a free Goat Grazing Meet & Greet on Friday, Aug., 21 from 4 to 5 p.m., near the campus library. Parking is available in Lot C or J. Please see attached campus map for reference.
The goats, managed by Fire Grazers, are grazing targeted areas of the College campus to naturally clear grass, weeds and other vegetation that can become fuel for wildfires.
“Creating a safe and welcoming campus environment for our students is fundamental to everything we do,” said Superintendent/President Don Moya-Miller, Ph.D. “Using goats to manage vegetation gives us an effective, nature-based approach to fire prevention while also creating an opportunity for our students and community to learn more about how we care for our campus.”
Attendees will be able to enter a designated fenced area to pet and interact with the goats, and there will also be a Fire Grazers representative available to share information about the goats. Alfalfa will be provided, so guests can safely feed the goats.
The grazing effort is part of the College’s broader commitment to maintaining a safe campus and proactively reducing fire risks, especially during the hotter months.
“Protecting our students, employees and community is always a priority for the Board of Trustees,” said Board of Trustees President Rosaelva Lomeli. “Proactive efforts like goat grazing help reduce fire risks while demonstrating how the College can use creative and environmentally conscious approaches to keep our campus safe.”
Children and families are welcome to attend the free event. For safety of the goats and guests, attendees are asked not to bring dogs or other animals to the event. Please see the attached flyer for more safety information.
To learn more about the College, please visit www.RioHondo.edu
