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last mo.

Calgary Deploys 800 Goats to Combat Invasive Weeds in Nose Hill Park

A managed herd will graze a 58-hectare section under constant supervision, delivering natural grazing, soil aeration, seed neutralization, fertilization, fire risk reduction through Aug. 27.

The City of Calgary's annual goat grazing program is back. About 800 goats will be grazing their way through a 58-hectare section of Nose Hill Park for the next two weeks to help control noxious weeds.
Dot, a Pyrenean Mastiff, watches over a herd of goats as they eat grass and weeds in Nose Hill park in Calgary, on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, as part of a project to help control vegetation growth. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Goats chow down on vegetation on Nose Hill in Calgary on Thursday, September 5, 2024.The approximately 800 goats, belonging to BAAH'D Plant Management & Reclamation, will graze a 58-hectare area of the Rubbing Stone Hill area of Nose Hill Park to manage the vegetation such as weeds or invasive plants on the grassland. The area the goats are grazing will be fenced off, and their keepers are asking the public to give them space and keep animals on leash when nearby. Brent Calver/Postmedia
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Overview

  • About 800 goats have been deployed to graze 58 hectares of Rubbing Stone Hill Natural Parkland until Aug. 27.
  • Shepherds, trained herding dogs, horses and 24-hour staff monitoring support temporary fencing that restricts public access to grazing zones.
  • Goats have been conditioned to consume primarily broad-leafed invasive plants, ingest weed seeds and neutralize germination while sparing native grasses.
  • Animal droppings enrich soil and hooves promote ground aeration, enhancing habitat health without chemical treatments.
  • Program ambassadors are on site to educate visitors about the city’s annual, cost-effective grazing initiative launched in 2016.