Politics & Government

Park District Deems Geese Police Successful

After several years of attempting to circumvent River Bend Golf Course's goose problem, park district officials feel they've found their solution.

Golfers have long pointed out ’s flaw: geese and their excrement. Now a four-legged staffer named Biscuit proves to be the solution they've been looking for, and staff is confident that they have closed out the 2011 season with an effective game plan for the coming year.

Staff have previously attempted to deter geese by planting tall grasses, setting up decoy coyotes and predatory birds, or sounding off starter pistols (the latter to the aggravation of neighbors), according to Director of Parks & Recreation Dan Garvy.

“We have tried everything out there,” he said.

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Some golfers, especially league participants, urged the Park District to try new tactics. Earlier this summer the Park District board approved services with the Naperville-based Geese Police. Through this program, Border Collies essentially harass the geese into relocation. Employing collies is considered a humane form of animal control because they don't harm the geese or the turf, unlike turf sprays.

Garvy said he and Park District Marketing & Communications Specialist Rachel Staats walked the course a few days after Biscuit’s first run to take a photo of him in action, but there were no geese to be found.

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The Park District continued the services through October to address baby geese (goslings), living on the property. Reportedly the Border Collie’s efforts are more effective early in the spring, when they can prevent geese from laying their eggs.

Garvy said positive feedback has been an indicator the $600 per month investment was a good one, though he still wouldn’t have tried the method sooner. 

“It took me a while to get there.... we’re trying not to spend anything we don’t absolutely have to spend,” Garvy said, adding, “I’m happy with the way they did it.”

Garvy said the board approved continued services for the course and additional parks beginning in spring 2012 with priority on areas with athletic games and more foot traffic like , and Woodglenn Park.


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