“Alewife Meadows.” Does that name spark your curiosity? That’s what Arlington’s Great Meadows was once called.
Today, we stand at Arlington’s Great Meadows a 183-acre parcel. It is the largest piece of undeveloped land in the Arlington/Lexington area. This seemingly untouched landscape holds secrets of the past. It offers a glimpse into the natural and human history of this region.
Arlington acquired Great Meadows in 1871. The town intended to use it as a supplementary water storage area. A dam was built and the marsh was flooded. A pumping station and wells were added. However, this reservoir was short-lived. Arlington joined the regional water supply. So, Great Meadows was drained in 1902 and reverted to marshland.
Before its time as a reservoir, Arlington’s Great Meadows was Alewife Meadows. This name came from the alewife herring that swam up the Mystic River to spawn here. Colonists harvested oak, pine, and maple from the uplands. They supplied the shipyards in Medford. The soft peat soil was unsuitable for buildings. Therefore, the land was used for grazing livestock.
In the 1860s, the Winship family ran a dairy farm here. There was also a mill on Monroe Brook. They transported milk, hay and peat over oxcart roads. You can still see these roads today.
Arlington’s Great Meadows is a haven for wildlife. Over 400 species of plants and animals thrive here. Fifty-six species of birds nest here. Twelve species of amphibians and reptiles live here too. You might spot a coyote, red fox or even a beaver. Keep an eye out for the American Woodcock. This bird’s mating displays are a sight to behold.
The landscape itself tells a story. Glacial erratics and vernal pools are evidence of glacial influence. The accumulation of peat indicates the growth and decay of marsh plants.
Today, Arlington’s Great Meadows is a popular recreational spot. The Minuteman Bikeway runs along its southern border. Walkers, runners, and bikers enjoy the trails here. The meadows also play a vital role in flood control. The wetlands absorb rainwater and protect nearby areas.
Arlington’s Great Meadows offers diverse ecosystems. Explore woodland meadows maintained by mowing. Discover extended views of wetland meadows. Wander along boardwalks. Visit Infinity Pond and vernal pools. The upland communities include grasslands and oak forests.
So, as you explore Arlington’s Great Meadows, remember its past. From Alewife Meadows to a reservoir and now a nature preserve. Arlington’s Great Meadows has played many roles. It is a reminder of the ever-changing relationship between humans and nature. Let’s appreciate and protect this valuable open space for generations to come.