During 2016 a herd of goats was used to control weeds in a portion of Confluence Park as part of a pilot program to look at the practice of targeted grazing. The goats helped to encourage biodiversity, the growth of native vegetation and enhanced health in this natural area. This pilot was part of an integrated approach to managing invasive species. This work reflects how natural areas area managed as living systems, using a combination of tools to support long-term ecological health.

Specific successes of the pilot program included:

• The goats grazed on the majority of the target invasive species.
• Goats were able to safely access hard to reach areas (e.g. unstable steep slopes, bluffs, dense vegetation, rock piles and riparian areas).
• The shepherd was able to mobilize, over-night the goats and gain access to drinking water in the park with no issues.
• The shepherd was able to keep control of the goats and herd them using dogs and horses.
• Responses from the public and interactions with parks users were generally positive.
• While these early results are encouraging, grazing is part of a longer-term approach, where broader ecosystem changes are monitored over many years.

Following the pilot, targeted grazing has continued as part of an ongoing, multi-year approach to natural area management. Council approved an amendment to the Parks and Pathways bylaw in 2016 to allow for alternative land management tools, such as livestock, to manage vegetation within City lands. Other city parks using goats for weed control and vegetation management include:

• McHugh Bluff as part of a Naturalization Project.
• Ralph Klein Park in coordination with Water Services.
• Fish Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant in coordination with Water Services.

The City used sheep grazing in a special area of Weaselhead called the “rescue the fescue” grassland for approximately two weeks in November 2019. This grassland is a patch of rough fescue habitat, a native grass species that has declined across the prairie region over the last 100 years. Rough fescue is used to being disturbed periodically by fire or grazing animals. In the absence of fire and grazing, the rough fescue chokes out its habitat over the years by filling in the open ground with dead material (litter). Sheep grazing was intended to boost the health and longevity of this habitat. This reflects how grazing is used to mimic natural disturbance processes that many prairie ecosystems rely on to remain healthy. 

Targeted grazing is one of several tools used to care for Calgary’s natural areas as living systems. In prairie ecosystems, grazing plays an important role in maintaining balance. It helps manage plan growth, cycle nutrients back into the soil and create space for native species to establish and thrive. 

Grazing has proven to be an effective land management tool in other municipalities. It is cost effective, and offers numerous benefits, including:

• An environmentally friendly and effective method to manage invasive plant species
• A feasible solution for controlling weeds near water bodies and on slopes.

Grazing also creates both short-term and long-term benefits. In the short term, residents may see reduced weeds and built-up vegetation. Over time, repeated and well-managed grazing can support stronger native plant communities, reduce invasive species and improve overall ecosystem function.

The City has developed Targeted Grazing Project Guidelines to allow us to accomplish specific invasive plant species and management goals.

As part of this work, The City ensures grazing activities are carefully planned and managed to align with existing bylaws and safe park use. It is important that Calgary Parks and park users comply with The City of Calgary Land Use Bylaw and The Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw​. We are able to use targeted grazing because of a specific exemption for The City of Calgary that permits livestock grazing on City-owned land.

Caring for natural areas is shared work. By following signage and giving space to grazing animals, visitors help support the long-term health of Calgary’s parks.