Eco-friendly Grazing to Control Invasive Plants
By: Farms.com
We know it is in Toronto, but agriculture innovation and know-how is teaching city sleekers a thing or two about managing invasive species. In an innovative approach to managing urban meadows, the Don Valley Brick Works (DVBW) Park in Toronto is set to host a specialized “eco-herd” of goats for a two-day intensive grazing session on June 25 and 26, 2024.
This initiative, known as the Prescribed Goat Grazing Pilot Project, aims to address the issue of woody and invasive plant species in the park’s meadow. The city is working with a company called Goats in the City which has been in business since 2020.
Admittedly, the project shows the city’s commitment to maintaining the urban meadow ecosystem at DVBW, which contributes significantly to the habitat diversity and urban ecology of Toronto.
The use of goats for grazing represents a new integrative management tool for the city, offering an eco-friendly solution to the challenge of invasive species.
Visitors are invited to view the goats at work between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. each day. However, parking may be limited, and alternative travel options are recommended.
Evergreen Brick Works offers a free shuttle bus from Broadview station, departing every 30 to 45 minutes, providing easy access to the park.
The project underscores the potential of using natural methods in urban settings to maintain ecological balance. It also highlights the role of urban parks like DVBW in fostering biodiversity within city limits.
The initiative is expected to provide valuable insights into prescribed grazing's effectiveness as a tool for urban meadow management.
For more information about the shuttle service, visit the Evergreen Brick Works website.