During the last three weeks, about 100 goats have been part of a pilot project for the City of Calgary. The goats are trying out a new method of weed control for the city; one that is environmentally-friendly and cost-effective.
The pilot project is set to run until July 10, but so far it seems to be a big success both with the city and with Calgarians.
READ MORE: City of Calgary evaluating the use of goats to manage invasive weeds
“Calgarians have been very supportive of using goats as a weed management tool,” Chris Manderson, urban conservation lead for Calgary Parks, said.
“We now know that we can use goats in an active park without disrupting park visitors’ enjoyment of the park, whether on foot, on bicycle, or with a leashed dog.”
The goats are helping to control invasive weeds such as the Canada Thistle, Hound’s-tongue and Hawkweed. They are a more environmentally-friendly weed control option for the city.
When the pilot project finishes, Calgary Parks will conduct a review so that it can better assess the possibility of expanding the program to other parks in Calgary.
On Saturday, July 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the city will be holding a meet and greet. The public is welcome to come out to Confluence Park to meet the shepherd, the herd dogs and the team of goats. The public will also be allowed to pet the animals and ask any questions they may have.
People attending the meet and greet are asked to wear clean clothes and shoes and to leave dogs at home to help avoid stress for both the herd dog and the team of goats.
Parking will be available and staff and signs will provide directions on how to get to the goats.
For more information on the pilot project, visit the City of Calgary website here.