About 800 goats will be munching away in Calgary’s Nose Hill Park for the next two weeks.
The City of Calgary has hired the goats, which will be tended by a shepherd and herding dogs, to help control noxious weeds, reduce dead vegetation and mitigate the fire risk by grazing on a 58-hectare area in the Rubbing Stone Hill Natural Parkland zone, located on the east side of the park.
The city said the goats are an environmentally friendly, natural and chemical-free solution to manage invasive plant species in the park that allows more native plants to thrive and supports healthy wildlife habitats.
The goat droppings also serve as natural fertilizer and their hooves help till and aerate the ground, improving soil health.
Historically, the grasslands and shrubs in the park would’ve been grazed on by large animals such as bison and elk, but with these animals no longer present in the park, there have been more invasive species of plants encroaching on the park.
To ensure the safety of the goats, portions of Nose Hill Park and some pathways will be temporarily fenced off to the public and physical interaction between the animals and the public will not be permitted.
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However, there will be program ambassadors on site for several hours each day to educate the public about the goats and the grazing program.
Full details are available on the City of Calgary website.
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