looking for suggestions

i live in zone 5b NH, there are microclimates in the yard that go to zone 7 apparently (i have a lovely southern species magnolia, for example), but the area that needs help is most likely a zone 5. it is slightly boggy (a real PITA to mow because it's so soggy), shaded until mid afternoon & at the bottom of a hill. currently it grows Joe Pye weed, boneset, water hemlock, grapes, Chinese bittersweet, wild black raspberries & lots of jewelweed (touch-me-not). i rip out purple loosestrife every time i see it. there is a willow tree & 2 pines that need to come down. cutting the pines *may* allow more light in the morning. the area is along the road at the front of the property & there is a stone wall somewhere in the weeds. i need suggestions for shrubs & low maintainance, preferrably perennial, non-invasive plants to put in there so we don't have to mow. it would help if they plants were also non-toxic to goats, as we sometimes put the goats into the wooded area next to this area to eat the poison ivy & underbrush. also, our dug well is on one edge of the area so i don't think ornamental willow is a great idea... unless the ornimental or basket willows don't suck up as much water as the weeping willows? oh, the area is about 30' x 150'. i can do a pH test, but i'm guessing it's pretty acidic. TIA lee