Categories: Things To Do

Here’s why 50 goats will soon take over a park in Toronto

Image via nik_yurginson/Shutterstock

About 50 goats are making their way to a Toronto park in June. No, I’m not kidding. But I promise there’s a reason. Did you know that the City of Toronto became the first municipality in the province to introduce “comprehensive goat grazing for ecosystem management”? Yep, it’s pretty cool. Also known as prescribed grazing, this eco-friendly method helps maintain Toronto’s urban meadow ecosystem, and the best part is you can see the goats in action.

For as far back as most can remember, animals that graze, such as horses, camels, deer, bison, and rhinos, have maintained prairie and meadowed ecosystems. “They brought nutrients to the soil through their wastes, reduced woody growth, and enhanced seed germination as their hooves disturbed the surface,” shares the City of Toronto.

If it worked back then, then why not now? In recent years, mimicking and replicating these benefits have been tested and implemented, including here in Toronto with our goat friends.

The project launched in 2024, and the goats will return to Don Valley Brick Works Park in 2025. The grazing will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 10 and 11. Educational talks will also take place both days at noon, 2 p.m., and 5 p.m.

Bring the family over to Don Valley Brick Works Park and check out the goats doing their thang, Toronto.