Denverites have been inspired by the one-man quest of cyclist Greg Skomp, aka Goathead Greg, to rid the area's bike trails of the noxious weed, puncture vine, whose thorny seeds, called goatheads, can pop bike tires and jabs pets' feet.
In total, Skomp has weeded hundreds of pounds of the plant by himself and has successfully eradicated puncture vine from several stretches of Front Range trails (though he acknowledges there's plenty left to do).
Happily, these days, he's not so alone.
Weeks after Denverite reported on his quest, the Goathead Patrol formed to join him in his efforts.
The latest group to team up with Skomp is the High Line Conservancy.
The group is throwing a family-friendly goathead weeding event at Expo Park, 10955 E. Exposition Ave., in Aurora, from 10 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, Nov. 19. Skomp will lead the effort.
"If you've ever lost a bike tire to this pokey pest, then now is your time for revenge!" the Conservancy wrote in an email about the event.
Volunteers don't need experience or training, which will be provided on-site.
In the interest of not letting the goatheads poke you, the Conservancy is encouraging all volunteers to bring their own work or gardening gloves as well as water, snacks and any other personal items they may need for the task. The Conservancy said it can also provide gloves when needed. Wearing closed-toe shoes and long pants for protecting your ankles is also encouraged.
While weeding the park is free, volunteers have to register and sign a waiver. Kids under 14 need to have an adult on site with them, and all people under 18 need a guardian or parent's permission.
For more information, visit the High Line Canal Conservancy's website.
In the meantime, in Denver, weeding goatheads actually breaks park rules.
Nonetheless, Brandon Cary, Denver Parks and Recreation's Open Space horticulturist commended Skomp for his efforts, writing in a letter, "I think it's great that you have taken a habit of mechanically removing the noxious weed in your time."
Cary clarified puncture vine is a Class C noxious weed, according to the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Class C weeds are too pervasive to actually eliminate, so they just have to be managed.
Regrettably, for Cary's small crew of two seasonal staff members, he said, they don't have the resources to focus on goathead eradication.
"We are required to focus on List A and B species which take up most of our time," Cary wrote Skomp. "I wish that we could get rid of every noxious weed in Denver but it's just not possible."
Cary also gently reminded Skomp that pulling up weeds isn't allowed: "Although technically I can't really encourage you to keep doing what you are doing because it is against park rules and regulations to remove vegetation from park property, I think you are doing it right and I can't stop you."
