Help save feet, pets and tires: Boise Bicycle Project’s goathead collection is here

As we head into summer, we can expect hot weather, more barbecues and the annual puncturevine to start rearing its ugly thorny head. Yep, those blasted goatheads!

It’s no secret that the noxious weed is pure evil, wreaking havoc on human feet, pets’ paws and bicycle tires.

For those passionate about reducing the spread of this monster weed, grab your gloves and a heavy-duty trash bag for some pull-and-bag action, because the Boise Bicycle Project needs a communitywide effort to collect 4 tons (8,000 pounds) of goatheads from now until July 31.

For the past two years, BBP, the “community-oriented cooperative that promotes the personal, social, and environmental benefits of bicycling,” has recorded more than 8 tons of goatheads collected in the Treasure Valley.

A decrease in the puncture weed has been noted in hotspots such as Wylie Street Station Apartments along State Street and Jefferson Elementary School on the Boise Bench, thanks to community support.

This year, it’s critical to keep the momentum going to continue to protect our area environment from these spiky nutlets.

In prior communitywide collections, pickers would have their results weighed by volunteers. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BBP is asking participants to weigh their results themselves at the weighing station located at the North End Organic Nursery, 3777 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City. Record your pickings on a form available by either scanning the QR Code on the weigh station or at boisegoatfest.com.

And then don’t forget to toss the bagged goatheads in your trash can — not your compost bin.

For more information, such as how to identify goatheads and where to find them, go to boisegoatheadfest.com. Also, check the site for updates regarding picking parties for small groups (no more than 10) at certain spots around town.