'El Polin Springs'

Tennessee Hollow in the News

Just returned to the computer tonight after a day of meetings to see this article on Tennessee Hollow restoration project in today’s Chronicle. Peter Fimrite, staff writer at the Chronicle, interviews Allison Stone of the Presidio Trust. If you’re not familiar with where the Tennessee Hollow watershed or El Polin Springs are located in the Presidio, here’s a map, courtesy of the Presidio Trust.

Lots of very interesting thoughts in the comments section. Many wondered why the water at El Polin Springs was not potable. While lots of answers were given, the principle reason is that the spring is not protected at the source from contamination by mammals, wild and domestic. The spring is fairly low flow, easily contaminated by coliform bacteria and therefore, not good to drink.

Great to see this project receiving some good press and congratulations to Allison for the interview.

–Doug Kern

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Tennessee Hollow Guided Tours

Guided Project Tours at El Polin Springs in the Presidio’s Tennessee Hollow Watershed 

  • Saturday, September 6, 10:30 am–Noon
  • Saturday, September 13, 10:30 am–Noon
  • Meet at the picnic tables at El Polin Springs, off MacArthur Avenue, in the Presidio. RSVP/Directions (415) 561-5357.
  • Sponsored by the Presidio Trust 

Restoration of the Tennessee Hollow watershed is now continuing at El Polin Springs, a place remarkable for nature and wildlife as well as for its extraordinary human history.

Beginning in September 2008, habitat restoration will begin to return ecological richness to the wetland area surrounding the springs. As a first phase, 60 eucalyptus, cypress, and pine trees will be removed from around El Polin Loop. Habitat will then be restored with plants and trees grown in the Presidio Nursery, including coast live oak and California buckeye, as well as wax myrtle, toyon, willows, and native grasses.

Later, a number of improvements will showcase the history of the area and welcome visitors. El Polin Loop will be transformed into a boardwalk and trail with a new picnic area, public restrooms, and benches. The stone channels and well will be restored, and interpretive gardens and other features will share the long history at the springs.

For complete project details, visit the Presidio Trust website on the Tennessee Hollow Project.

Artist’s conceptual rendering of boardwalk and restored habitat around El Polin Springs. Illustration by Art Zendarski.

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