A Goathead Free Boise

Goatheads or puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) threaten the ecological balance and recreational quality of urban and natural areas and inflict economic burdens on the community. The seeds of goatheads can complicate mobility for cyclists and pedestrians, harm wildlife and pets, and outcompete native vegetation.

The City of Boise envisions a goathead free community and we need your help.

On this site you can learn how to identify, remove, report goatheads infestations using the best available science, and celebrate in partnership with Open Streets Boise featuring Boise Goathead Fest!

How to Participate

Step 1: Learn to Identify Goatheads

Goatheads are a noxious weed with yellow flowers and sharp, pointy burrs that puncture bike tires and hurt puppy paws.

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Step 2: Pick Goatheads

Chose a location via the hotspot map or known infestations and help us pick goatheads before they cause more harm.

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Step 3: Fill Out the Survey

By filling out the survey, we can scientifically track efforts over time.

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Step 4: Celebrate

Picking goatheads is tough work and that deserves celebration!

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Learn to Identify Goatheads

Goatheads are noxious weeds with yellow flowers. These flowers form the seeds which have the sharp, pointy burrs that stick into your bike tire or puppy’s paws. Remove the plant by severing the taproot and then placing the entire plant, seeds included, into a heavy duty trash bag.

Supplies Needed: Gloves, heavy duty trash bag and a weeding implement such as a trowel, weeding knife, dandelion digger, etc.

Pick Goatheads

Steps for Goathead Removal

Learn to properly identify the plant.
Choose a location to pull goatheads using the BSU hotspot map, iNaturalist observations, or known infestations to you.
Find the center of the plant which is where the tap root is located. Sever the taproot below the soil surface using your tool and remove the entire plant.
Carefully put the entire plant into a garbage bag. This is especially important if seeds have formed.
Check the ground for loose goatheads. Sweeping or patting the ground with your hands is a good way to pick up any rogue goatheads.
When you are done pulling in an area, seal/tie the bag and ensure that goatheads will not fall out during transportation.
Check your shoes and bike tires to make sure you're not spreading goatheads to a new location.
Do not throw goathead plants into your compost bin.

Don’t want to pick alone?

Consider picking with Weed Warriors!

Weed Warriors is a group of people interested in learning about the non-native species that affect our ecosystem. Workdays run one to two hours, on City of Boise open space reserves-no advanced training required. This fun group is led by Martha Brabec.

Join Weed Warriors

Fill out the survey

By filling out the survey, you can help us scientifically track community efforts and get rewarded!

*Survey data is collected by location. Please enter a survey per location where goathead removal activities occurred.

Make sure the garbage bag of goatheads is sealed tight. Throw it away into the regular trash or dumpster. A dumpster is available behind Boise Bicycle Project. If you need support, email us and we will be happy to assist with pick up and disposal.

DO NOT COMPOST GOATHEADS

*If you come across a large population of goatheads, please report the location to Ada County Weed Control.

Celebrate

After you submit the survey, screenshot the “survey submitted” page. Head over to Lost Grove Brewery (either location) and receive a free beverage on the same day that you pulled goatheads.

Each survey entered is calculated into a leaderboard for prizes at the Goathead Festival Celebration with Boise Bicycle Project and Open Streets Boise on DATE TBA 2025.

We’ll see you there to celebrate all of the goathead removal we have done!