Goatheads, those notorious little thorns also known as puncturevine or devil’s thorn, are a persistent nuisance at the Boise foothills and, unfortunately, within the popular Boise Bike Park. These weeds are infamous for their sharp fruits that can easily puncture bike tires and get stuck in shoes, causing frustration for park users. Understanding the ongoing efforts to manage these pesky plants is key to enjoying a smoother ride.
Understanding the Goathead Issue
Goatheads (Tribulus terrestris) are more than just a minor inconvenience; they are a widespread weed that thrives in dry, disturbed soils, making areas like bike parks particularly susceptible. Their sharp, spiky seed pods are designed to cling and spread, which is why they are so effective at hitching rides on shoes and tires. For cyclists at Boise Bike Park, this means the risk of flat tires and interrupted rides is a constant concern, especially during peak goathead season in the warmer months.
Boise Bike Park’s Strategy for Goathead Control
Boise Parks and Recreation has taken a proactive approach to combat goatheads at the bike park, recognizing the importance of maintaining trail conditions for riders. During the park’s construction phase, a significant step was taken to till the soil. This process was crucial as it disrupted the root systems of existing goathead plants, hindering their ability to regenerate quickly.
Following soil tilling, the park implemented a seeding strategy, applying seed mixes to landscape areas. The goal of this reseeding is to establish dense vegetation that can naturally outcompete goatheads. By encouraging the growth of desirable plants, the park aims to create an environment less favorable for goathead proliferation, essentially choking them out over time.
Beyond these initial measures, Boise Parks and Recreation has actively engaged the community. Dedicated volunteers from organizations like Weed Warriors, SWIMBA (Southwest Idaho Mountain Bike Association), and NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) have contributed countless hours to manually removing goatheads. These volunteer efforts, involving physically walking the park and pulling out the weeds, are a testament to the community’s commitment to improving the bike park experience.
Looking ahead, Boise Parks and Recreation planned to apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall or spring of 2020. This pre-emergent treatment is designed to prevent goathead seeds already in the soil from germinating, further reducing the weed population. Additionally, spot spraying would target any existing weeds that managed to sprout, preventing them from reaching maturity and producing more seeds.
Realistic Expectations for Goathead Reduction
While these comprehensive efforts are promising, complete eradication of goatheads is likely unrealistic. Goathead seeds can remain viable in the soil for extended periods, and the nature of open spaces means there will always be some level of weed pressure. However, the combination of tilling, seeding, volunteer work, and herbicide application is expected to significantly control the goathead population. Over time, park users should observe a noticeable decrease in these troublesome weeds.
How You Can Help Maintain Goathead Control
Individual actions by bike park users play a vital role in supporting the ongoing goathead management efforts. One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of goatheads is to stay on designated trails. Venturing off-trail can disturb vegetated areas and inadvertently spread goathead seeds to new locations within the park.
Preparation is also key for cyclists. Riders should carry essential repair equipment such as patch kits and spare tubes. For enhanced flat tire protection, consider installing slime in bike tubes, a sealant that can automatically repair minor punctures.
Finally, responsible disposal of goatheads is crucial. If you find goatheads stuck to your shoes or tires, remove them and dispose of them properly in trash cans. Do not throw them back on the ground, as this simply contributes to their spread within the park.
By working together—Boise Parks and Recreation, volunteers, and park users—effective control of goatheads at Boise Bike Park is achievable, ensuring a more enjoyable and less frustrating experience for everyone who enjoys the trails. For those interested in directly contributing to weed removal efforts, please contact Boise Parks and Recreation at (208) 608-7600 for volunteer opportunities and help make a tangible difference.
