Download The Historical and Ecological Significance of Tennessee Hollow Watershed in San Francisco and more Assignments Biology in PDF only on Docsity! Jonathan Shade 09/20/08 Tennessee Hollow Watershed- History and Natural Features The Tennessee Hollow watershed, found with in the Presidio in San Francisco, spans from Inspiration Point at its highest point down its lowest point and outlet into the restored marsh at Crissy Field. This is an exciting time for the Tennessee Hollow watershed because it is currently undergoing major transformations. The Tennessee Hollow watershed is home to what some people consider the heart and “life-blood” of the Presidio, the El Polin Spring. Due in large part to the practical use of the spring, the surrounding area is rich in cultural history ranging from the indigenous Yelamu band of Ohlone Indians, to the Spanish, Mexican, United States militaries. Currently the Presidio is part of the Golden Gate National Parks, and is well used by San Francisco’s residents and tourists that come to visit the park. The earliest known inhabitants of San Francisco, the Yelamu Ohlone, frequented the El Polin spring found within the watershed. “The water were crucial to the Yelamu tribe of the Ohlone Indians, who once inhabited the Crissy Field area of San Francisco” (Fimrite 2008). The Ohlone represent the longest continuous cultural group in the area. The following settlers, relatively speaking, would still be considered newcomers to the area. The Tennessee Hollow watershed is home to El Presidio fort, one of the two oldest standing buildings in San Francisco (the other being Mission Dolores). This was built in 1776 when the Spanish arrived. As mentioned before, the El Polin spring was a crucial feature in the landscape. “The 193 residents who founded El Presidio de San 1 Francisco on July 26, 1776, relied on the spring.” (Fimrite 2008). ….“[the Tennessee Hollow watershed’s] spring fed tributaries once provided year round fresh water source for native people and colonial settlers.” (Presidio Trust 2008). The geographic location of the springs and their creeks has dictated the constructed and historical landscapes which still stand today. Following the Spanish and Mexican military occupations of the Presidio, the United States Army acquired the territory after the Mexican-American war in 1848. The U.S. Military is responsible for most of the major altered features found within the Presidio. “The greatest transformation took place in the 19th and 20th centuries as the U.S. Army expanded its military post with roads, batteries and bunkers, homes, and even a planted forest.” (National Parks Service 2007). Currently, there are major restoration efforts focused and undoing some of the damage that Army created. The Army’s planted forest have crowded out rare and sensitive native plants, their roads have paved over creeks, and their landfills have covered over natural water features. The Tennessee Hollow watershed provides a major portion of San Francisco’s natural wonders in addition to its cultural heritage. “At 270 acres, Tennessee Hollow is the Presidio’s largest watershed… Its waters [el Polin Spring] mark the beginning of a creek, provide habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife…” (Presidio Trust 2008). El Polin Springs in particular is frequented by migratory song birds and the enthusiastic Audubon Society “birders” that follow them. The abundant biodiversity of the area attracts major attention from environmentalists and community members. Restoration efforts have been going on in the Presidio since the land was transferred to the National Parks Service in 1994. Currently, El Polin is the focus of 2
