Goats graze in Police Point Park in 2020. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Chris Brown

weed control

Goats will be back to graze in Police Point Park this month

Jun 24, 2021 | 11:28 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The goats will be back in Police Point Park next week.

The City of Medicine Hat said today that close to 200 goats will be back on June 29 to help control leafy spurge, an invasive weed species common to southern Alberta.

“This method of weed control, known as target browsing, can be very effective in preventing this noxious weed species from spreading,” said Keziah Lesko-Gosselin, parks Technician with the City of Medicine Hat. “The goats eat the weeds, destroying the seeds, preventing further spread.”

She adds this preventative measure helps stop the weed from spreading and improves soil conditions and allows native vegetation to thrive.

Goats were first in Police Point Park in June and August last year as part of a pilot project, and were very popular with the community. With that in mind, the city is running two contests to celebrate the goats’ return.

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There will be a colouring contest for children and a naming contest will run on the city’s Facebook page.

Contest winners will be selected on July 30 and will receive a free t-shirt. Contest details are available on the City website.

“We saw such an amazing response from the community last year,” Lesko-Gosselin said. “We wanted to find a way to make this year fun for the whole family.”

The goats will be at Police Point Park until July 5. Signs will be placed in the area where the goats are grazing, asking the goats not be disturbed. All trails throughout the park will remain open for public use.

To learn more about the project, visit the city website.
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