2024 marks the sixth year that the program has been held, and the City says more than 750 hectares of noxious plants have been grazed in that time. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Goats return to Lethbridge parks to eat invasive weeds

Jun 11, 2024 | 12:58 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Goats have once again been unleashed into Lethbridge parks to help control the growth of weeds.

This year, the goats will be moving between Alexander Wilderness Park, Indian Battle Park, Botterill Bottom Park and Pavan Park. 2024 marks the sixth year that the program has been held, and the City says more than 750 hectares of noxious plants have been grazed in that time.

Jackie Cardinal, Parks Natural Resources Coordinator with the City of Lethbridge spoke more on what the goats target.

Cardinal adds that the goats also help with keeping the water and local plant life healthy, since they avoid eating grass and make it so pesticides are not needed to kill the weeds.

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A herder oversees the goats while they are working. He works with trained herder dogs to move and protect the goats from predators.

While the goats are in the parks, officials from the city are asking members of the public to not go up and try to touch them. Residents are also asked to keep their dogs on leashes for safety reasons when they are around the grazing goats.

The goats will be released into the parks two different times in the summer.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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