Grazing for glory: the great goat cleanup has resumed!

Everyone’s favourite weed eaters are back in the Lethbridge River Valley!

The Great Grazin’ Goats (not their official title…) are eating their way through leafy spurge, wormwood and thistle. It’s their seventh annual tour of duty in Lethbridge, that sees them tackle three areas:

• Indian Battle/Botterill Bottom Parks: June 9 – 23
• Alexander Wilderness Park: June 23 - July 7
• Pavan Park: July 7 – July 21

The hungry herd returns around August 6 for another seven-day stint in each location, to clean up any regrowth. The goats’ efficiency means their grazing area could even be expanded again this year.

“After six years, spurge in their typical grazing areas is coming up very sparse,” says Jackie Cardinal, Parks Natural Resource Coordinator. “So, we might be able to move their buffet into the Nature Reserve, north of the train bridge, for a few days, like we did last year.”

Over six years of service, the goats have removed approximately 90 per cent of leafy spurge in Indian Battle Park alone.

The goats are looked after by a skilled herder and a team of well-trained dogs, who help guide them and keep them safe from predators. While these hardworking pups are friendly, residents are kindly asked to keep their own dogs on leash and away from the herd to let the herd dog and goats focus on their job.

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