Goats back to munch weeds around Bear Creek Park community garden; keep dogs on leashes
Watching the weed-eating goats when they
come to Bear Creek Regional Park (as seen in 2007) is a fun diversion for many
locals. But to avoid potential problems, people with dogs are required to keep
their pets on leashes.
Westside Pioneer file photo
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The goat arrival described in this article has been delayed until Sunday, Oct. 22, a county official said. The stay is still expected to last 10 days in all.
Oct. 15, 2017
With up to 500 goats eating weeds in Bear Creek Regional Park between about Oct. 16 and 26, dog owners are asked to keep their pets on leashes when they're near the herd.
“There have been a few altercations between uncontrolled dogs and the goats in the past,” an El Paso County Parks press release states. “Dog owners are reminded that the rules will be strictly enforced for the safety of the goats, park visitors and their pets.”
The nonprofit Bear Creek Garden Association raises between $7,000 and $10,000 per year to bring in the goats. Over a roughly 10-day span, Lani Malmberg and her son, Donny Benz, of Wyoming guide their herd around a 20-acre area that buffers the Charmaine Nymann Community Garden from the rest of the park.
The animals' annual grazing efforts “ensure that there is no need for weed- killing chemicals” near the garden, the release adds.
Supporters are encouraged to make tax-deductible donations to the Bear Creek Garden Association Goat Fund by sending them to P.O. Box 38326, Colorado Springs, CO 80937-8326.
For more information, go to bearcreekgardens.org.
Westside Pioneer/press release
(Outdoors:
City/County Parks)
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