We kid you not

In mid-October, Imperial’s Calgary employees had some new coworkers – a trained herd of goats, along with their goatherder and herding dogs. The herd was on site for one week to help manage noxious weeds growing on a slope on the north side of the Campus.

Due to the location’s proximity to a storm water retention pond, herbicides were not an option. Hand picking or mowing was also not feasible due to how steep the slope was. Goats were a cost-efficient, safe and ecologically-friendly alternative.

Hear more about why goats were the right fit for this project from Ella Turley, facilities safety security health and environment supervisor.

While goats have been used regularly around Calgary for landscape management, Imperial is one of the first commercial sites in the city to use this weed management technique.

In addition to effective weed management, the goats have also been a draw for employees and surrounding neighbours. Throughout their time on site, it was rare to see the herd without a few observers and admirers.

Missed seeing the goats on site? View some pictures of our hungry visitors below.