Natural Invasive Species Control in Northeast Iowa

Ready to get rid of invasives?

Diversity Landworks has deep roots in Iowa. Company founder Kyle Johnson grew up in central Iowa, where his family worked to restore native prairie on their land—giving him a foundation in ecological restoration that predates the founding of the company.

Now, Diversity Landworks is bringing the same prescribed grazing approach that has transformed landscapes in Minnesota and Wisconsin to northeast Iowa—and the results are just as compelling. Our herds of specially selected goats are bred and trained for targeted invasive species control, with refined conservation genetics that make them effective, manageable, and highly adapted to working in diverse terrain.

The typical restoration process for a northeast Iowa property looks like this:

• Prescribed goat grazing: Our animals are specially bred and selected for targeted grazing work. They thrive on steep terrain, love to eat buckthorn and other invasive shrubs, and methodically deplete invasive root reserves over multiple seasons—eliminating them rather than just setting them back. Learn more about prescribed goat grazing.

• Prescribed fire: Fire is one of the most powerful restoration tools for the Driftless’s oak savannas and prairies. We conduct controlled burns when ecological conditions are right, clearing accumulated brush and stimulating native plant regeneration. Learn more about our prescribed fire practices.

• Forestry mowing and mechanical clearing: When brush density is too high for goats alone, our heavy equipment can open up the canopy fast, creating conditions for accelerated grazing follow-through. Learn more about forestry mowing and mechanical clearing.

• Ecological assessment and long-term planning: We don’t show up with animals and hope for the best. Every project begins with a thorough site assessment, and we develop a custom multi-year management plan tailored to your land’s specific conditions and goals. Learn more about ecological assessment and long-term planning.

Projects that combine these methods consistently achieve the fastest and most lasting results. Goats alone make a huge difference; goats followed by a well-timed burn can transform a woodland in just a few seasons.