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 migrates and mingles 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.
  • ​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
  • ​
FAQOakland Parks permit and rental phone contact is  510-238-3187.   Oakland Parks Reservation info.
PROBLEMS?
​Download the app OAK 311 to report littering, down trees/branches, unsafe conditions, park rule violations...
Upcoming Events Next 30+ days
Gardens at Lake Merritt are open M-F 7:30 - 3:00;
Saturday & Sunday 8 - 4. ​​​​​​​ALSO:
Weekend Vendors Market at Lake Merritt Pergola, Saturdays and Sundays

INFORMAL DAILY 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 parking lot between the LM Sailboat House and the Junior Center. 
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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.

Lakemerritt.org videos:
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Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt, Oakland CA
  lakemerritt.org and photos ©2013-2021