The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is working to restore former cropland to mixedwood forest at its Fleming Property northeast of Spruce Grove, Alberta. 

It is a rich natural landscape, with mixedwood boreal forest and wetlands providing vital habitat for wildlife, including birds such as warblers and woodpeckers. But part of the site was once used for farming crops and NCC restoration staff are working to return it to forest.

Native grasses were planted to provide ground cover, and then spruce trees were planted on the former crop land to start the restoration process. But invasive weed species took root among the newly planted trees, competing with them for water and nutrients and stunting their growth.

The team turned to an unconventional but very effective solution – goats. Other solutions, like pulling and herbicides, might harm the delicate tree seedlings.