Tennessee Hollow is the Presidio’s largest watershed. It encompasses about 270 acres (1/5th of the park), draining the southeastern Presidio from Inspiration Point down to the Crissy Field marsh (download a map). Its spring-fed creeks, historic neighborhoods, habitat areas, trails, and playing fields define its character and draw people and wildlife into the park.

For a decade, every major Presidio planning effort, including the Presidio Trust Management Plan, has identified Tennessee Hollow as important in the park’s future. Over the past several years, nearly 20 acres of the watershed have been renewed. Rare grasslands have been restored; historic forests which line the ridges have been replanted; trails have been built; and an area of creek has been brought back to life.

Tennessee Hollow’s History

Tennessee Hollow’s spring-fed tributaries provided a year-round fresh water source that was likely an important resource for native people and colonial settlers. As the need for fresh water increased in the 1880s, the U.S. Army built dams to capture the watershed’s natural springs. Later, the Army turned its attention to a more prolific water source at Lobos Creek, and much of Tennessee Hollow’s creek system was directed into underground storm drains and concrete channels. Today, more than half the creek system is in underground pipes or lined channels. The small areas of creek that remain provide some of the most valuable habitat in San Francisco.

Future Vision

(View the Project Summary)
In early 2008, the Presidio Trust completed the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Tennessee Hollow Upper Watershed Revitalization Project. The EA outlines plans for enhancing 28 acres, including El Polin Springs and the creek’s Eastern Tributary, and relocation and upgrade of playing fields and trails. A summary of public input and the Trust’s responses can be found in the Response to Public Comment and Final Finding of No Significant Impact.

Upcoming Improvement

Imagine discovering the very beginnings of a creek…watching water seep from the ground, and tracing the watercourse as it travels downhill to the Bay and Pacific Ocean. Tennessee Hollow allows a visitor to experience an entire watershed in just an afternoon hike. Along the way, visitors can see historic dams, an adobe site occupied two centuries ago by colonial families, historic neighborhoods, trails, and playgrounds. In the next several years, visitors can look forward to many new experiences in Tennessee Hollow.

Welcoming Visitors to El Polin Springs: A wooden pedestrian boardwalk will be constructed; habitat will be restored with volunteer support; a garden and other interpretative facilities will tell the story of the early occupants, recent archaeological discoveries, and vibrant wetlands; a new picnic area and restrooms will welcome visitors.

Restoring the Creek: The length of the Eastern Tributary of the creek will be restored; the creek will be brought above ground and back to life with the help of community volunteers; a new creek-side trail will invite the public to enjoy and explore this area. A section of the Western Tributary, a seasonal creek, will also be revitalized.

Reorganizing and Upgrading Athletic Fields: Morton Street Field will be relocated before creek restoration begins to ensure no loss of play. The Trust will work with the City of San Francisco to expand and upgrade Julius Kahn Field as a multi-use field that can accommodate high school soccer or Little League play. A new multi-use field accommodating high school soccer or Little League play will be constructed at Pop Hicks, as well as a new practice field adjacent to Paul Goode Field.

Getting To and Around: New trails will be provided to invite visitors to explore and enjoy the watershed; parking and circulation improvements will enhance pedestrian safety at key destinations and provide buffer areas for wildlife.

Timeline (estimated; subject to funding availability)

2008

·        Detailed designs for El Polín Springs completed; in August, early work begins, including removal of several dozen trees to allow for the restoration of oak riparian areas

·        Detailed designs for Eastern Tributary restoration and Morton Street Field replacement begin

·        Community volunteerism, stewardship, and ongoing scientific research

2009-2011

·        Improvements are completed at El Polín Springs

·        Detailed designs for Morton Field and Eastern Tributary are completed

·        Morton Street Field is relocated and upgraded

·        Eastern Tributary restoration, trail and interpretive enhancements complete

·        Community volunteerism, stewardship, and ongoing scientific research

2011+

·        Pop Hicks Field is rehabilitated; the Western Tributary is enhanced, and new trails are constructed (following landfill remediation)

·        A new practice field is constructed and upland habitat is restored near Paul Goode Field (following landfill remediation)

·        Planning for future creek restoration in the other areas of the watershed begins

·        Community volunteerism, stewardship, and ongoing scientific research

Enjoy the Watershed

Take a Walk – To join a monthly docent-led tour of the watershed, call the Visitor Center at (415) 561-4323.

Volunteer – The Trust is launching new opportunities to volunteer in the watershed and throughout the park, including trails and gardening. Call (415) 561-5333. Be a part of planting efforts that begin in late 2008 and early 2009.

KIDS on Trails – Download a self-guided tour booklet that acquaints children aged 5-9 with the Ecology Trail, which runs from Inspiration Point through the watershed. You can also get a copy at the Presidio Visitor Center, 50 Moraga Avenue.

Kids Quest Treasure Hunt – A “Quest” is a self-guided treasure hunt through a landscape. A free Quest guidebook to the watershed, appropriate for kids of all ages, is available at the Presidio Visitor Center, 50 Moraga Avenue.

Self-Guided Tour – Download a map of Tennessee Hollow and create your own day in the watershed.

Dig It - Archaeological research exploring colonial-era life at El Polin Springs continues. To learn about ways to participate or observe, or to offer input on the new interpretive gardens, contact the Presidio Archaeology Lab at (415) 561-ARCH.

Play: Enjoy one of the park’s playing fields.

Contact Us

If you have questions about the project, contact the Trust at thproject@presidiotrust.gov or (415) 561-5336.