Mississauga residents will have a chance to see goat grazing in action and learn how to help manage invasive species at a free outdoor fair at Erindale Park on Saturday, May 30.
The City of Mississauga’s Invasive Species Awareness Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., according to a City of Mississauga news release. No registration is required, and the event is intended for residents and families interested in the city’s natural environment.
The programme includes hands-on activities, guided nature walks and an opportunity to pull garlic mustard. Visitors can also meet city staff and local environmental groups to learn about invasive species and ways to help protect Mississauga’s natural areas.
The goats will make their first public appearance in Mississauga this year. Visitors will be able to watch them graze while learning about prescribed goat grazing as a method of controlling invasive species.
According to the city, Mississauga became the first municipality in Ontario to use goat grazing for invasive species control in 2024. The upcoming fair offers residents a chance to see that approach firsthand.
Where to go and what to bring
Erindale Park is at 1695 Dundas St. W. The fair will take place on the west side of the park, across the pedestrian bridge.
The event will proceed outdoors whether it rains or not. The city asks visitors to dress for the weather and bring a reusable water bottle.
Although registration is not needed to attend the fair, anyone participating in a guided nature walk or the garlic mustard pulling activity must sign a waiver on arrival.
For participants younger than 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver. That requirement applies to those two activities, rather than general attendance at the event.
Learning about local invasive species
The city describes invasive species as plants, animals and micro-organisms that are not native to Mississauga and can cause harm as they spread. Those effects can reach the environment, local wildlife and people.
The fair is designed to explain those impacts and give residents opportunities to learn through activities and conversations with staff and environmental groups.
Mississauga’s work on priority invasive species in its natural areas is guided by its Invasive Species Management Plan and Implementation Strategy.
Residents who notice invasive plants on city property, including parks, trails and boulevards, can submit a report through the city’s invasive species reporting form. Further information about invasive species is available at mississauga.ca/forestry.
