Niagara Parks putting herd of goats to work at site along Niagara River

You don’t always need the latest technology or a fancy piece of equipment to make improvements to a naturalized area.

And that’s what’s taking place again this year at a spot along the Niagara River in Fort Erie.

Niagara Parks’ environmental stewardship team is overseeing the return of a local herd of goats for the Green Grazers initiative, a week long project at Gonder’s Flats, which uses goats to target the removal of phragmites, an invasive species, according to a news release from the parks commission.

The goats had a successful 2024 season, managing to consume a total of 0.75 acres of phragmites, allowing for the naturally growing swamp rose mallow to flourish, said the news release.

Supported by the Niagara Parks Foundation, the Green Grazers initiative explores the use of goats as a chemical-free, sustainable and low-impact solution for invasive species management.

A local farmer is bringing a herd of goats daily until Friday to graze at Gonder’s Flats, the site of a recent wetland restoration project.

Goats naturally graze on various plants, including invasive species, promoting soil health and biodiversity. The goats will be monitored and provided with water and shade, said Niagara Parks.

Gonder’s Flats is a natural area along the Niagara Parkway near Townline Road, adjacent to the Niagara River.

Niagara Parks has undertaken an extensive wetland and restoration project for the area that began in 2014, made possible through collaboration with partners including the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Land Care Niagara, the Niagara Community Foundation and the Ontario Land Trust Alliance.

Although Gonder’s Flats remains open to the public, visitors are advised not to approach the goats due to their shy and sensitive nature, said the parks commission.

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