Earth Day celebration in Esquimalt give goats plenty to chew on

Earth Day is proving to be as much of a celebration for the people of Esquimalt, B.C., as it is for goats.

The Township of Esquimalt marks Earth Day every year by hosting a two-day event at Highrock Park, where local residents remove invasive species, plant native trees and shrubs, and clean up the park.

A herd of 11 goats is now joining in the effort.

"Goats like to eat invasive species and they eat a lot of them, so instead of us just bringing the invasive species after we're done to the landfill, we just bring the goats in and they will eat them," Esquimalt community development officer Vicki Klyne told On The Island.

Klyne says the goats are brought in by the company Goats on the Hoof, which makes sure the park is safe for the animals before bringing them in. 

The animals will be tethered to certain areas of Highrock Park and munch on invasive plants like Himalayan blackberry, holly and ivy.

The company says goats are natural climbers and enjoy steep or rough terrain, so they can get to places that clearing machinery can't.

Klyne says some of the animals will also be fenced in a paddock at the park so schoolchildren can feed and pet them.

To hear the full interview with Vicki Klyne, listen to the audio labelled: Goats put to work at B.C. park on Earth Day