This is the story of a magnificent park and its odd relationship with the dairy ranches that are part of it. “Cows in a park?” you might ask? Well, yes. They were here long before the Point Reyes National Seashore Park was formed. And they are a vital part of present-day Point Reyes. The farmers who can recall traditional rural life in West Marin are a treasure to this community. We’ve gathered their memories to help explain how agriculture evolved here and the role it plays today in protecting the cultural and natural resources of this area.