Birds Find Sanctuary at Lake Merritt  

In 1870, California designated Lake Merritt a state game refuge, the first in the nation. The governor's dedication set its purpose "to educate and inspire through understanding the values of conserving the natural resources of this state." Located on the Pacific Flyway, the lake and its five small man-made islands provide sanctuary food, and nesting sites for local and migratory birds.

In pursuit of the educational mission, Paul Covel was hired by the City to give talks to the public on the birds of the lake. He and William Penn Mott, Oakland's visionary director of parks, could often be seen at the shore introducing visitors to the joys of bird watching. In 1953, Rotary Club #3 built the Rotary Nature Center to help visitors better understand the lake's ecology and wildlife habitat. You can visit the Nature Center Monday through Friday, from 10 to 5.

Ann Richter
Friends of OPRCA

  "Walk Along the Water"
  © Oakland Museum of California, used with permission.

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Rotary Nature Center - City of Oakland Parks and Recreation

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