LakeMerritt.org

Welcome
Lake Merritt in Oakland, California is one of the most unique urban spaces in the United States. Its three mile shoreline in the center of an exceptionally diverse city is a special place where nature and nurture migrate and mingle daily. This tidal lagoon is home to the United States' oldest designated wildlife refuge dating from 1870.

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 promotes stewardship of the lake and serves as the portal for the LM Advocates, a coalition of LM organizations.
Underlined words are links.

150th info on LM History and stewardship of Lake Merritt with links to videos
Birds and Gardens webpages showcase the lake park's natural diversity. Newly revised visual guide to lakeside birds. Documentary on the Gardens.
Lake Merritt Links lists advocacy organizations in support of the lake & the lakeside area.
History Timeline, LM iconic moments, notable structures completed, organizations formed
Volunteer page has listings of lake organizations in need of volunteers
Rotary Nature Center lists nature activities, and links to Audubon, iNaturalist, LM STEM Projects...
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 -- photos of projects and events at LM
Videos -- videos of events and projects at LM
FAQOakland Parks permit and rental phone contact is 510-238-3187. Reservation info.

PROBLEMS?
Download the app OAK 311 to report littering, down trees/branches, unsafe conditions, park rule violations...

Upcoming Events
Gardens at Lake Merritt open M-F, 7:30-3:30; Sat/Sun 8 - 4
Fairyland open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 - 4
Master Gardener's advice Mon. 9:30-11:30; Wed & Fri 11 - 1

May 25, Lakeside Park Bird Walk, 9:30
May 28, LM Weed Warriors Volunteers, 9 - 1
June 3, Lakeside Chat TBA 7-8pm
June 8, Park & Rec Commission, 4:30 - 6
June 18, Rotary NC Friends Volunteers 9 - 11:30
June 26, LM Joggers & Striders Race, 9 a.m.
July 18, Measure DD Coalition. 7 p.m.

INFORMAL ACTIVITIES
Dog owners and their pets have a late afternoon meet-up in the field next to Fairyland, across the street from the bowling greens.
Roller skaters meet-up afternoon and evenings in the Lakeside Park Sailboat House parking lot.
Drum Circle welcomes all, meets weekend afternoons at the Pergola

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.