Come meet the GOATs of weed control! 

The City of Red Deer’s goat herd is wrapping up another season of munching its way through invasive weeds in our parks and green spaces, and you’re invited to meet the crew. 

Stop by Kerry Wood Nature Centre for Meet & Bleat on Friday, October 2. Get up close with the herd, pet some of the goats and meet goat herders Janette and Dan and members of The City’s Parks team. 

Along the way, learn why The City uses goats as one of its tools for managing invasive weeds and how these four-legged workers can help in ecologically sensitive areas. 

Meet & Bleat 

Friday, October 2, 2026 
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Kerry Wood Nature Centre 
Free to attend. All are welcome. 

Why goats? 

Goats have been part of Red Deer’s weed management efforts for more than a decade. They are selective browsers that prefer many broad-leaf and woody plants over grasses, making them useful for targeted management of invasive weeds such as Canada thistle. Targeted grazing can also be a useful option in sensitive locations, including areas close to water where chemical controls may not be suitable.  

At Meet & Bleat, City staff and the goat herders will be available to answer questions about the herd and how targeted grazing fits into The City’s overall approach to weed management. 

Before you visit 

• The event is free and no registration is required.
• Meet & Bleat runs rain or shine, so dress for the weather.
• For the safety and comfort of the goats and visitors, please leave pets at home.
• Yes, you’ll have an opportunity to pet some of the goats.
• Children must be supervised by an adult around the animals.  

Learn more about goats and weed management in Red Deer: reddeer.ca/goats