By definition, a sentinel animal is used as an early warning system for hazards or disease, with a canary in a coal mine being the most famous example. Down in Charlotte County, Florida, it's chickens that are stepping up for the community in what can only be described as the ideal sentinel chicken program.

This program is a vital link between public works and public health, acting as an early warning system for mosquito-borne diseases before they reach the human population (without harming the chickens).

While chickens save the day in Charlotte County, it's the goats in Greenville, South Carolina that are promoting environmental sustainability and safety. Not to mention they've become quite a popular attraction around town and on social media as well. Goats are showing up in Greenville as a true win-win when it comes to promoting sustainability, safety, and cutting down on noise pollution and emissions.

“Goatscaping” is a hit in Greenville, where goats with tons of personality are hired to tackle overgrown areas in difficult spots that would be a safety concern for humans.

We’re joined by three public workers to discuss how animals are being utilized in their communities to benefit just about everyone:

Beth Kovach is a Biological Specialist with Charlotte County, Florida.

Jeff Proffitt serves as Operations Supervisor for the Mosquito and Aquatic Weed Control Division with Charlotte County, Florida.

Staci Schafer is a Parks and Grounds Administrator with the City of Greenville, South Carolina.

Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone—from the general public and elected officials to industry peers and the media. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, rate and review the show, forward it to a friend, and drop us a note at podcast@apwa.org so we can hear your feedback directly!

More Show Notes and Resources

Charlotte County Mosquito & Aquatic Weed Control: https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/public-works/mosquito-aquatic-weed/

“Charlotte County Sentinel Chicken Program” YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cPwHUOuUZA

Greenville Public Works: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/272/Public-Works

“Goat Herds Return to Eat Invasive Plants in Greenville Parks” YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FZbF_g7XwE

“Herd at work: Goats are grazing Greenville park as the city's latest landscapers” article: https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2024/03/08/goats-are-grazing-greenville-as-the-citys-latest-landscapers/72879011007/