Over 600 goats returned to Nose Hill Park in Calgary today to support grassland health happening until July 30, 2026.
During 2016, a herd of goats were used to control weeds at the Confluence Park as a part of a pilot program.
The goats will help to encourage biodiversity, growth of native vegetation and enhance health in the natural area.
This pilot is part of an approached way to manage invasive species. This work reflects how natural areas area is managed as living systems, using a combination of tools to support long-term ecological health.
Program includes:
- The goats grazed on the majority of the target invasive species
- Goats is able to safely access hard to reach areas (e.g. unstable steep slopes, bluffs, dense vegetation, rock piles and riparian areas)
- The shepherd is 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
- Grazing is a part of a longer-term approach, where broader ecosystem changes are monitored over many years
CJWE talks with Andrew Phelps, Parks Ecologist, Natural Areas Management with the City of Calgary:
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