The goats are back!

For the next week, a herd of approximately 200 goats will be dining on weeds in Confluence (West Nose Creek) Park as phase two of The City’s targeted grazing program begins.

Phase one was undertaken in 2016, and we’re excited about the results. So far we’ve learned that goats can be used in an active park without disrupting park visitors’ enjoyment of the park, whether on foot, on bicycle, or with a leashed dog. Preliminary signs also indicate that the goats have done an excellent job targeting a significant volume and variety of invasive weeds such as Canada thistle, hound’s tongue, and hawkweed.

Phase two of this pilot program sees the goats return to Confluence Park so we can analyze the long-term success of using targeted grazing as a weed management tool. We will be focusing on how effective the goats are at controlling certain weeds, and how well they can do that without impacting the native vegetation we want to keep in the area. The goats will be visiting the park a week at a time, for three different weeks throughout the summer.

If you see the goats grazing while you’re in the park, please keep your distance and obey the shepherd at all times. Remember to keep your dog on-leash as Confluence Park is an on-leash park (there is a fenced off-leash area near the parking lot). These goats are working and when people interact with them it disrupts their work and can cause them distress.

If you are interested in learning about this pilot project please visit us online at calgary.ca/goats.

Come meet the goats of Confluence Park

For the past three weeks, a herd of approximately 100 goats have been dining on weeds in Confluence (West Nose Creek) Park as a pilot to test grazing as a tool to manage City park land.

Come kid around with us

A drop-in meet and greet is planned at the park for Saturday, July 9 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Everyone is invited. Come pet the animals, see the baby goats, and ask us questions. Our staff and educators will also be on site to answer questions about land management, weed control and the use of goats in these activities.

Watch go(at) pro videos here

Please dress appropriately for walking on uneven ground. We also ask those attending to wear clean clothing and shoes, especially if they've been around other livestock, and to consider leaving dogs at home. This is to promote the good health of the herd at Confluence Park.

Parking is available at the Beddington Trail lot; on-site staff and signage will provide direction to the goats.

It’s go(at) time

Early indicators are that this pilot has been successful. So far we’ve learned that goats can be used without disrupting our visitors’ enjoyment of the park, whether on foot, on bicycle, or with a leashed dog.

Preliminary signs also indicate that the goats have done an excellent job targeting a significant volume and variety of invasive weeds such as Canada thistle, hound’s tongue, and hawkweed.

We look forward to seeing you at the meet and greet. And if you are interested in learning more before Saturday please visit us online at calgary.ca/goats. Or join the meet and greet Facebook event.

Submitted by Corinna Baxter, Parks

Looking for things to do this Father’s Day?

The City of Calgary has a variety of events and activities for the whole family this Father’s Day weekend. Come out and enjoy as we celebrate fathers, summer, nature and the whole family.

Parks Fest at Ralph Klein Park

This Sunday isn’t just Father’s Day, it’s also Parks Fest. The City of Calgary Parks invites Calgarians to bring dad along and help celebrate our great City parks during a day of free, fun-filled activities at Ralph Klein Park.

Face-painters will transform the kids roaming the park into their favourite creatures of the wild. Visitors can also create some nature-inspired art - a perfect unique gift for dad.

Other activities include a hands-on pond dip that will have everyone face-to-face with the aquatic creatures that call the wetland home. Local children’s entertainer, Peter Puffin, will lead a sing-a-long or two.

Where: Ralph Klein Park
When: June 15, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Walk with Wildlife

This weekend is also an opportunity for families to get out and join a guided walk of one of our City parks as a part of Park’s Walk with Wildlife program. The guided walks give Calgarians a chance to learn more about the local natural environment from one of our environmental educators. This weekend we are hosting three different walks in three different parks.

Saturday, June 14:

• Griffith Woods Park from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (meet at the parking lot at the south end/bottom of Discovery Ridge Link S.W.)
• Nose Creek/Confluence Park from 2 p.m. to 3:30 pm. (meet at Beddington Boulevard and Beddington Trail parking lot)

Sunday, June 15:

• Ralph Klein Park from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (meet in the Environmental Education and Ethics Centre)

South Calgary Community Summer Kick-off

This Father’s Day come out to South Glenmore Park with the family and help us kick off the summer! The event is free and activities for the whole family include recreation demonstrations, games, prizes, and refreshments. Information will also be available on many of the opportunities The City of Calgary has for kids, adults and families this summer.

Where: South Glenmore Park, Sailing School
When: June 15, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Families golf for free at Richmond Green

Bring Dad, and the whole family, down for a free round of golf at Richmond Green Golf Course on June 15. Located in southwest Calgary, Richmond Green hosts an easy to play nine-hole par three course the whole family can enjoy.

Families can also "pay it forward" by making a donation to the Kids on Course junior/family subsidy program when they check in at the clubhouse. Last year, Kids on Course helped more than 500 kids experience a game that gets them outdoors, while helping them learn valuable life skills such as patience, honour and integrity.
Book a tee time up to four days in advance by phone, online or via our new golf app.

Spray parks opening for wet n’ wild fun in the sun

Many of our City spray parks and wading pools are opening this weekend for the summer. These parks and pools provide Calgarians some of the best spots to cool off on a hot day and a chance to get out and enjoy the sunshine! Visit us here to find a location near you.

Daisies for Dad 

For those who want to remember their dad on Father’s Day, The City of Calgary Cemeteries is giving away free daisies that can be placed at any City of Calgary Cemetery. Pick up a flower prior to Father's Day at the Queen's Park Cemetery administration office at 3219 4 St. N.W. during office hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or on the Father's Day weekend from a vase in front of the administration office building.