Grazing goats to clean Capitol Hill cemetery

WASHINGTON -- More than 100 goats are taking over Washington's Historic Congressional Cemetery to help clean up the landmark.

The cemetery welcomed the grazing herd Wednesday. The goats will graze 24 hours a day for six days to eliminate vines, poison ivy and weeds, while also "fertilizing the ground."

The livestock will be penned outside of the burial areas. The cemetery is open from dawn to dusk.

The cemetery says the use of goats will eliminate the need for harmful herbicides and will keep invasive species from killing large trees.

The Congressional Cemetery was founded in the early 1800s and covers 35 acres on Capitol Hill. Thousands of people are buried at the cemetery, including former senators and House members.

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