Visitors to Minute Man National Historical Park may notice some four-legged landscape stewards at work this season. Red Devon cattle from Codman Community Farms have returned to graze the historic fields near Noah Brooks Tavern along Route 2A in Lincoln.
The grazing program helps maintain the open agricultural landscape that was once common throughout the communities of Lincoln, Lexington, and Concord. During the Revolutionary era, fields like these would have been actively farmed and grazed by livestock. Today, carefully managed grazing helps preserve the historic character of the landscape while supporting sustainable land stewardship practices.
Farm staff rotate the yearlings through different sections of the pasture throughout the season, a technique known as rotational grazing. This method promotes healthy forage growth, improves soil health, and provides the cattle with fresh pasture.
Red Devons are one of the oldest established cattle breeds, originating in southwestern England. Known for their rich red coats and ability to thrive on grass-based diets, they are well-suited to pasture grazing and outdoor living.
Visitors traveling along Route 2A (North Great Road) should keep an eye out for the cattle as they approach Noah Brooks Tavern. Parking is available at the Brooks Village parking area across the street. For everyone’s safety, please enjoy the herd from a distance, do not park on Route 2A, or cross the busy roadway. Electric fencing encloses the pasture to keep the animals safely contained.
If you don’t spot the cattle during your visit, try again another day. As part of the rotational grazing program, the herd moves throughout the pasture, helping to maintain these historic fields while giving visitors a glimpse of the agricultural landscape that shaped Minute Man’s history.
The heritage herd will be in the park into late fall, then move back to Codman Community Farms in Lincoln for the winter.
Written by Kathleen Fahey, Executive Director, Friends of Minute Man National Park.
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