Weed Warriors

Group collecting goatheads in the foothills

Invasive species are a problem for everyone.

Invasive species are plants, animals or pathogens that are non-native to the ecosystem under consideration, and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm Unfortunately, invasive plant species are common and abundant in Idaho. These invaders threaten wildlife habitat, watershed health, agricultural commodities, recreational opportunities and increase the risk of wildfire to our communities.

How can I help?

Join a Weed Warrior Workday

Want to help without becoming a Weed Warrior? We offer group Weed Warrior workdays year-round on City of Boise open space reserves-no advanced training required. These events are one to two hours, led by Boise Parks and Recreation staff and a great way to start learning how to identify and remove non-native invasives in the Boise area.

Check back in spring 2024 for Weed Warrior events.

Upcoming events

Adopt-a-Habitat Program

The Adopt-a-Habitat program is an environmental stewardship opportunity for individuals, families, groups or businesses interested in preserving wildlife habitat in Boise. If you are interested taking your passion for invasive species removal to the next level, consider adopting a habitat and participating in the full cycle of ecological restoration.

Learn more about Adopt-a-Habitat Program

Goathead Information

goathead fest logo

Goathead Removal

Most Idahoans have had a personal experience with goatheads or puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris), either in a beloved pet’s foot or a deflated bicycle tire. The City of Boise is teaming up with Boise State University and Boise Goathead Fest to eradicate the evil goathead from the streets of Boise. You can help by learning how to properly identify and remove goatheads wherever they are found.

Discover the goathead hotspot map! Learn how science is being used to inform goathead removal efforts.

View Goathead Hotspot Map

young goathead in someone's hand
Goathead seedling hand-pulled shortly after germination in mid-May

How to properly remove goatheads:

Supplies

  • Gloves.
  • Heavy duty trash bag.
  • Weeding implement such as a trowel, hori hori knife, dandelion digger, etc.

Steps

  • Learn to properly identify the plant.
  • It is best to pull goatheads before any flowers have formed – starting in mid-May. See a photo to the right of newly germinated goathead plant.
  • Pull from the center and remove the entire plan and its taproot.
  • Carefully put the entire plant into a garbage bag 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.
  • 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.

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

In this video, Boise Parks and Recreation Ecologist Martha Brabec shows you how to properly remove and dispose of a goathead.

Want to learn more about invasive species?

In the resources section of the site, there is general information about invasive species common to the Boise area and an overview of how to manage invasive plants. It is our hope that this website will help you join the growing team of "Weed Warriors" in Boise, Idaho.

Learn More

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For other after hours park related emergencies (i.e. irrigation issues, restrooms), please call (208) 489-6640.