Welcome Lake Merritt in Oakland, California is one of the most unique urban spaces in the United States. Its three mile heart-shaped shoreline in the center of an exceptionally diverse city is the place for man and nature to migrate and mingle daily. This tidal lagoon is also home to the oldest designated wildlife refuge (1870) in the United States.

lakemerritt.org is an independent, ad-free site with current information about Lake Merritt and links to the volunteer groups and advocacy agencies working for the common good of the lake and the lake area community. It also serves as the portal for the LM Advocates, a coalition of LM organizations.
Underlined words are links.
  • ​View Calendar for on-going activities and things to do​
  • Lake Merritt Links lists important advocacy organizations in support of the lake & the lakeside area.
  • ​Volunteer page is being developed and will coordinate LM events involving volunteering
  • Birds and Gardens webpages showcase the lake park's natural diversity. Also, visual guide to lakeside birds.
  • Recreation links opportunities for boating, biking, croquet, lawn bowling, running and acro-yoga
  • LM Projects has current info on Measure DD improvements
  • View Park Info, map & info on rental fees, parking, grilling and restroom locations.
  • Contact for LM questions, comments, and/or suggestions.
  • Archives has photos of past projects and events at LM
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7 creeks flow into Lake Merritt Watershed ©Oakland Public Works
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ALGAE... grows in large quantities during the spring and early summer, but only in the shoreline area where depths are four feet or less. Although a very beneficial part of the food chain, it becomes a nuisance when there is too much of it, causing odors and depleting oxygen levels when it decays. Algae is kept in check by removal with the harvester boat. 
.... several types of algae grow vigorously in the shallow waters. Most common are light green filaments of Cladophora and Enteromorpha, along with the darker green sea lettuce (Ulva). This growth is limited to 20 - 25 feet of the shoreline where the water is only zero to four feet deep. At greater depths, light penetration is not sufficient for growth. By mid-May, algae may cover the entire shoreline area out to deeper water, blanketing the area in bright green where only murkywater existed just a month before. Towers of algae billow up, providing both shelter and food for both fish and invertebrates...." excerpt from A Year In The Life of Lake Merritt, by Lake Merritt Institute, copyright 2002.
News, Updates, & Upcoming Events:

​​​​​Upcoming Events Next 30+ days
Also see Calendar for event info and on-going activities ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​ ​Lakeside Green Street Project-Construction update
FAQOakland Parks permit and rental phone contact is  510-238-3187.   Oakland Parks Reservation info.  
BIOBLITZ at Lake Merritt, Saturday April 27
9:00 - 10:00 am - Birding walk leaving from RNC - could be earlier, completely up to discretion of bird walk leader
10:15 - 10:45 am - Opening Session - basics of iNaturalist and Bioblitzs @ RNC
10:45 - 2:00 pm Microscopy @ RNC Library
10:45 - 11:20 pm - Invertabrate Station @ Lake Merritt Boat Docks
11:30 - 12:15 pm - Insect walk @ Lake Merritt Gardens
12:30 - 1:30 pm - Plant walk @ Lake Merrit Gardens
1:30 - 3:30 pm - Identification Party @ RNC

Bird Walk Free Lakeside Park bird walks the fourth Wednesday of each month. Lead by knowledgable and experienced Audubon guides. Meet at geodesic dome near the Nature Center, April 24, 9:30 a.m.. Birding list in Birds
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OAKLAND named one of the 28 best places to visit
​in 2019 by National Geographic Travel. 
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Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt, Oakland CA
  lakemerritt.org and photos ©2013-2019 John Kirkmire