During 2016 and 2017 a herd of goats were 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.
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.
Now that we know it can work, we’re looking for organizations who can help us implement this program.
Next steps
Council approved an amendment to the Parks and Pathways bylaw to allow for alternative land management tools, such as livestock, to manage vegetation within City lands. We are exploring continuation of the grazing program and are looking for organizations who can provide target grazing weed control or vegetation management using livestock. This may include goats, sheep, etc.
If you’re interested in taking part in this program please visit www.merx.com where you can set up an account and express your interest.
Why we used targeted grazing
Targeted 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; and
- a feasible solution for controlling weeds near water bodies and on slopes.
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 target grazing because of a specific exemption for The City of Calgary that permits livestock grazing on City-owned land.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The City of Calgary is committed to controlling weeds in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Targeted grazing is a weed control and land management practice that has been successful in several North American cities, and we have determined this tool is a good fit for The City of Calgary’s parks and open spaces. - Research and best practices indicate that it is an environmentally friendly and cost effective method to manage weeds.
- It is a chemical-free way to control weeds.
- Goat droppings fertilize the soil and their hooves work the earth helping to till, aerate and condition the ground.
Goats prefer broad leaf weeds and can target the particular species of weeds that we want to control. In Confluence Park, the primary target is Canada thistle; however, other weeds such as yellow clematis and nodding thistle are also delectable to goats.
Goats’ stomachs are very acidic and their digestive system destroys the seeds entirely, so the seeds are not redistributed via goat droppings back to the earth, and cannot grow as new weeds. Goat waste fertilizes the soil, adding valuable nutrients and contributing to a healthy environment. Goat droppings are small, dry, and will easily work into the ground. The shepherd monitors the trails and pathways, sweeping the droppings off high traffic areas.
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