Panther Hollow Watershed
The Panther Hollow Watershed is an ecologically significant component of one of the largest sewer sheds in Pittsburgh, the Four Mile Run Watershed. The historic Panther Hollow Watershed is 384 acres, encompassing part of Schenley Park and the adjacent neighborhoods of Oakland and Squirrel Hill. At its core are the Panther Hollow Run and Phipps Run streams, which join just above Panther Hollow Lake. The lake then drains into the buried pipe that carries the Four Mile Run stream and eventually into the Monongahela River.
Panther Hollow Run, Phipps Run, and Panther Hollow Lake comprise an important natural and recreational area, containing two of the half-dozen remaining above-ground streams within the City of Pittsburgh. In addition, the watershed within the park contains only stormwater pipes. Unlike most of our large rivers, there are no sewer overflows into these two streams. The lack of sewage is a benefit, but losing the headwater streams and their water to urbanization is a problem.
The watershed receives a smaller amount of water than it had historically. However, increases in impervious surfaces both in the park itself and in surrounding neighborhoods have resulted in an increase in the magnitude and frequency of storm water runoff, as well as a reduction in stormwater infiltration and groundwater recharge. Increased runoff results in quicker and more powerful flows, causing drier conditions throughout the watershed, rapidly changing stream channels and degrading water quality. This valley is also impacted by many other urban/suburban ecological problems: invasive and non-native plants, soil erosion, elevated soil nitrogen levels, increasing deer populations, loss of tree canopy, and deferred maintenance of storm pipes.
Ten years ago, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, along with the City of Pittsburgh, embarked on the restoration of Panther Hollow. With the help of Department of Public Works (DPW) crews and many volunteers, the Conservancy has made significant progress in ecological restoration of the area. We’ve also developed partnerships with local universities and agencies to collect data about the current state of the watershed. Through this work there will be improvements to downstream lands as well as increased knowledge about the workings of green infrastructure.
Click to view a map of Panther Hollow Watershed.
Share Your Knowledge about Watersheds
Help us learn more about your understanding and interest in the Panther Hollow Watershed Restoration. Visit pittsburghparks.org/PHsurvey for more information and to take our short survey.
Watershed Planning
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has selected a team to move forward with design of a watershed plan for Panther Hollow. The team is led by Meliora Environmental Design in association with Andropogon Associates, Rothschild Doyno Collaborative, and Cosmos Technologies, Inc. To see the group's qualifications submittal, click here.
As part of the creation of the plan, we hosted public meetings to share conceptual designs for the pilot projects for the watershed and collect feedback from the community. We are also hosting a series of workshops this Fall.
Healthy Yards + A Healthy Schenley Park = A Healthy Panther Hollow Watershed
Join us for a series of workshops to learn how you can help.
Keep the Rain Out of the Drain
This session covered storm water issues, site evaluations for downspout disconnections, and options for managing rain water at home. Thank you to our presenters PA Environmental Council, Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, The Penn State Center: Engaging Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
Rain Gardens, Rain Barrels, Infiltration, Oh My
This session taught participants how to choose the right rain water management tool for their property with tips and techniques from the experts. Learn more about the topics covered here.
Using Plants for Stream Bank Stabilization
Sunday, November 6, 1 to 4 p.m.
Bartlett Shelter, Schenley Park (near the intersection of Bartlett and Greenfield Avenues)
Learn how plants help stabilize soils and improve habitat during this hands-on park workshop in Panther Hollow Run.
This is a FREE presentation. Click here for more information and to register.
Reports, Presentations and Archives
Click here to read more information about the research done on the Panther Hollow Watershed, including reports, presentations, and RFQ archives from the project.