Natural resource assessment of the Barrett’s Farm Unit: Minute Man National Historical Park

Montagna, Tea'; McDonnell, Nina; Woodhams, Douglas; De Leo'n, Luis; Stevenson, Robert

doi:10.36967/2305887

This study used a combination of field surveys, historical data, literature review, and formal methods to assess the biodiversity and habitat integrity of vertebrates, excluding mammals at Barrett’s Farm unit (BFU). A one season full inventory of the herpetofauna was completed in 2023. The herpetological survey documented ten species commonly found in Massachusetts (4 frogs, 1 toad, 2 salamanders, 1 snake and 2 turtles), with only one species (Lithobates pipiens, Leopard Frog) being seen in large numbers. Several species (Ambystoma maculatum, Spotted Salamander; Dryophytes versicolor, Gray Treefrog; Chelydra serpentina, Snapping Turtle) were only recorded once during the survey. While no additional inventories were performed, data on several additional vertebrate groups (birds, fish) were examined using historical and participatory science data. Additional assessments included wetland health using amphibians as a metric, examining vegetative communities, and observations of other organisms (mammals, arthropods). The vertebrate faunal communities of the BFU are of mixed condition. The AmphIBI index of wetland health was conducted on the wetland areas within the unit and found that all but one were in poor health. The remaining wetland that was rated “superior health” can be attributed to low sample size of organisms and is not reflective of the site. The avian community at the unit is interesting as it includes 163 species and is one of the more heavily birded sites in Middlesex County. Formal assessment for breeding forest birds yields a “cautious” rating while a similar process for grassland birds yielded a poor rating. The fish community assessment lacked historical data and participatory science data, so the condition could not be assessed. The habitat at the farm is extremely disturbed from the active farming that occurs, and the edges of the property are heavily colonized by invasive plants, so perhaps the poor quality of the faunal communities is unsurprising. Several data gaps exist including the lack of assessment of arthropod communities, fish communities, and mammal communities. Additionally, more directed studies of the wetland areas within the unit would be beneficial.

Natural resource assessment of the Barrett’s Farm Unit: Minute Man National Historical Park

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