The western prairie city of Calgary Alberta has concerns about invasive plants in its parklands. The city wants to reduce invasive plants to ensure native species are overrun thereby maintaining the natural wildlife habitat and species survival.
Rather than have noisy and polluting machines and toxic pesticides to control weeds and other problem plants, they’re trying something old.
Some 106 goats begin their new job of weed control in Confluence Park in a two-to three-week pilot project to study the feasibility of herd animals to manage natural areas. The goats will be working a 35 hectare area within the park.
Costs for spot spraying of weeds can be up to $1,500 an acre, and it’s thought the goats will do the job more effectively and be less expensive.
The idea is that the goats will eat the several types of invasive weeds, while their droppings in turn help fertilize the soil.
Chris Manderson, urban conservation lead for Calgary Parks, quoted by CTV says, “The goats are an environmentally-friendly way that helps us manage weeds in tricky areas, such as along water-ways or on steep slopes, where traditional methods are not appropriate” .
The city contracted the job to Baaah’d Plant Management and Reclamation, which advertises itself as “organic weed control”
Owner and goat-herd, Jeanette Hall, quoted in the CBC says the goats “will make a heck of a difference”, adding, “They work pretty quick”.
Ms Hall will be on site 24 hours a day, along with a couple of horses, a herd dog, and three “guard dogs” to chase away potential predators like coyotes.
additional information-sources
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.