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Chamblee Middle has joined other schools in metro Atlanta in using the four-legged creatures to help control areas on campus overgrown with pesky ivy.

The dozen or goats at Chamblee Middle had been grazing for nearly a week and were removed recently. They’re part of an experimental program that came from an idea brought to the school administration by a parent group at the school, according to a DeKalb schools spokeswoman.

The parent group was concerned about the amount of trash and liter thrown onto the property from people passing by in cars, school officials say.

The area in front of the school often becomes overgrown with ivy, and parents thought the goats would provide an environmentally sound way to keep the property clean and trash-free, schools officials say.

Students and surrounding neighbors have been intrigued by the goats and found it to be an interesting learning project, school officials say.

Chamblee Middle is the only school in the DeKalb school district doing this, but others in the metro area have also used the more environmentally-friendly approach, including Georgia Tech.

Sheep and goats have munched away unwanted greenery at Chastain Park. Goats have also helped the University of Georgia clear campus vegetation.

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