COVID-19 CLOSURES: LAKE MERRITT ORGANIZATIONS ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
NEWS:  "Measure Q on the recent Oakland ballot passed with a vote of 68.08%; 89,339 voters approved the measure. By the end of June the City Council will adopt a mid-cycle budget that incorporates the new funding, 60% of which will go toward increased parks maintenance." Jennie Gerard, Measure Q Campaign Committee
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. Newly revised 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
FAQOakland Parks permit and rental phone contact is  510-238-3187.   Oakland Parks Reservation info.
Picture
7 creeks flow into Lake Merritt Watershed ©Oakland Public Works
News, Updates, & Upcoming Events:
Upcoming Events Next 30+ days
Also see Calendar for event info and on-going activities ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • April 4, Gardens at LM Volunteers, cancelled
  • April 8,  Park & Rec Advisory Commission, cancelled
  • April 18, Earth Day Volunteer Activities (POSTPONED)
  • ​April 22, Earth Day 50th Anniversary
  • April 22,  ​​Lakeside Park Bird Walk,  cancelled
  • April 25, BIOBLITZ at Lake Merritt, postponed
  • April 25,  LM Weed Warriors Volunteers cancelled
  • May 2, Cleveland Cascades Volunteering, 9 - 12
  • May 4, Gardens at LM Volunteers, 9 - 12
 UPDATES:
​Lake Merritt Wildlife Refuge 150th Anniversary Commemoration rescheduled to July 18, 2020.
​
Oakland Running Festival rescheduled to August 30, 2020.

​This Lake is for The Birds: Stories from the Nation's First Wildlife Refuge. by Marissa Ortega-Welch / KALW
Picture
62 Storm Drains flow into Lake Merritt
Cathedral Lights, February 27, 2020 photos by John Kirkmire
Picture
Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt, Oakland CA
  lakemerritt.org and photos ©2011-2020 John Kirkmire