If you have an environment or "green" story you would like to see us cover, drop me a line at andy.parker@wgrz.com or in my blog.

The Canadian Goose. It seems harmless enough... and a few together can add character to a landscape. But when flocks of geese numbering hundreds invade an area they can cause big problems for school playing fields, walkways and golf courses.

Fox Valley Country Club was one of those places as Kevin Glowka explains.

Kevin Glowka/Fox Valley G.C. Superintendent"They leave droppings on the edges of the greens, on the fairways, as well as pick at the grass. It's not good from a play ability standpoint and aesthetics standpoint."

Here's the poop on the goose... Each bird can produce 3 pounds of waste per day and when you multiply that by hundreds of geese, well thats a lot of...

"Droppings... they leave them all over the school property. On the sidewalks, roadway and the grassy areas and playing fields."

Large flocks of geese have plagued John F. Kennedy School in Cheektowaga and their principal says they've tried a number of solutions.

Dave Peters/JFK Middle School Principal"A speaker sends sends out a signal which makes sounds of a predator which frightens them away, but after a while they get used to it cause they hear it but don't see it."

Well, it now seems there's a simple solution to the goose issue. Meet Craig and Gracie. Craig is a retired Secret Service agent who after moving back to Buffalo has a new four legged partner and is now dedicated to protecting parks rather than presidents.

Craig Cygan/Owner of Borders on Patrol"She understands my moods, she knows my feelings. If I'm down she's down. If I'm happy she's happy. It's a really good relationship."

Here's how it works... Craig gives the command and Gracie does the running..

It doesn't take long for Gracie to clear the field and leave a lasting impression on the flock which beats a hasty retreat before Craig gives the command for Gracie to turn around.

So what keeps the geese from returning?

"The border collie represents a natural predator and they'll use their eye on the geese and they will leave almost immediately and after two weeks of solid service they won't come back."

Back at Fox Valley our cameras couldn't find any geese and Kevin says they're happy with the results.

The golfers are happy they know Gracie by name. They're happy there's no geese droppings... They're extremely happy."

Fortunately for this geese herding duo here in WNY there will be plenty of opportunities to provide protection. Meteorologist Andy Parker Channel 2 News.

To learn more about Craig & Gracie or Canadian Geese check out:Wiki on Canadian GeeseorBorders on Patrol - Craig & Gracie