Exploring Lake Merritt

Known as the Jewel of Oakland and one of its most cherished outdoor spaces, Lake Merrit one of the largest urban nature reserves of its kind in the United States. It also holds the distinction of being the earliest officially designated wildlife refuge in the United States.

A Pleasing Path

Commonly referred to as the Lake Merritt Trail or the Lake Merritt Loop, the path around Lake Merrit is a scenic, multi-use trail that spans approximately 3.4 miles. A picturesque loop for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, it winds through a mix of urban landscapes and green spaces. Along the way, visitors pass several landmarks and picnic spots dot the route. Notable spots near the lake are listed below, with Google Maps links to each:

• The Pergola and Colonnade: A beautiful, neoclassical structure built in 1913, offering a picturesque spot for relaxing, enjoying the view, or taking photos.
• The Cleveland Cascade: A historic, Italian-inspired stairway with cascading fountains, built in the 1920s, that once featured illuminated waterfalls and remains a charming landmark.
• Rotary Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary: This center offers exhibits and views of the lake's birdlife.
• The Gardens at Lake Merritt: - 7 acres of scenic, themed gardens, including the Bonsai Garden, Pollinator Garden, Mediterranean Garden, and more.
• Edoff Memorial Bandstand: A historic outdoor performance space with a stunning Art Deco design.
• Children’s Fairyland: A whimsical theme park for children, inspiring Walt Disney's vision for Disneyland.
• Lake Merritt Boating Center: A hub for renting kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats to explore the lake from the water.
• The Kaiser Rooftop Garden: A hidden gem offering a peaceful green space with views of the lake (just a short walk off the trail).
• Oakland Museum of California (OMCA): Located near the lake’s southern end, this museum explores California’s art, history, and natural sciences.
• Camron-Stanford House: A preserved 19th-century mansion that provides a glimpse into Oakland's Victorian-era history.

How Did It Become a Wildlife Refuge?

In 1870, the California state legislature declared Lake Merritt a wildlife refuge, making it the first of its kind in the U.S. This was a groundbreaking step in conservation, as the idea of protecting wildlife habitats was relatively novel at the time.

This distinction came about largely due to the efforts of Dr. Samuel Merritt, a physician and former mayor of Oakland, who recognized the ecological importance of the area. At the time, the lake—actually a tidal lagoon connected to the San Francisco Bay—was already a natural habitat for a variety of birds and other wildlife. Dr. Merritt worked to protect it from development and hunting, convincing the California legislature to pass a law safeguarding the area as a refuge. This marked a groundbreaking step in conservation, long before such efforts were common.

A Man-Made Lagoon

Lake Merritt is a man-made tidal lagoon that resembles a natural lake. Originally part of a larger tidal estuary connected to the San Francisco Bay, it was surrounded by wetlands and marshes. During the mid-19th century, as Oakland expanded, much of the surrounding marshland was filled in, and the estuary was reshaped.

In 1869, Dr. Samuel Merritt financed the construction of a dam at the western end of the lake to regulate the tidal flow from the Bay. This dam created the lagoon-like structure that exists today while preserving some tidal exchange, which maintains the brackish water environment. Whle the edges of the lake were further altered with landscaping, pathways, and urban development, balancing iecological significance with its role as a community space.

Ecological Importance

Lake Merritt provides refuge for a variety of wildlife species, particularly birds, due to its designation as a wildlife sanctuary and its unique brackish water environment. Here are some of the key species that can be found at the lake:

• Waterfowl: Ducks, such as mallards, northern shovelers, canvasbacks, and ruddy ducks, are common residents.
• Wading Birds:Great egrets, snowy egrets, and great blue herons are frequently seen hunting in the shallow waters.
• Shorebirds: Species like black-necked stilts, sandpipers, and willets are often spotted along the lake's edges.
• Gulls: Western gulls and California gulls are regular visitors, especially during migration.
• Pelicans and Cormorants: Brown pelicans and double-crested cormorants can be seen diving for fish.
• Geese: Canada geese are a common sight, both resident and migratory populations.
• Black-Crowned Night Heron Black-crowned night herons are one of the most iconic birds at Lake Merritt, often roosting in the trees along the shoreline or near the island sanctuaries.
  
• Other Birds: Migratory birds like warblers and sparrows stop at Lake Merritt during their journeys.
• Fish & Invertebrates: The brackish water supports species like striped bass, gobies, and bat rays, along with other estuarine fish. Crabs, clams, and other small marine invertebrates thrive in the lagoon's ecosystem.

The Black-Crowned Night Heron

The black-crowned night heron has become a symbol of Oakland, thanks to its long-standing presence at Lake Merritt, where they've been nesting for decades. These birds are hard to miss—they’re often perched in the trees around the lake or wading along the shore, hunting for food. With a black crown, gray wings, and bright red eyes, their bold look makes them stand out.

Tough and adaptable, thriving in the middle of a busy city, these birds are much like the community they live alongside.

In 2019, the black-crowned night heron was officially named the bird of Oakland by the city council. This came after a local campaign led by schoolkids, backed by environmental groups and community members, who pushed to recognize the bird’s importance to the city. The campaign not only highlighted the heron’s role in Oakland’s ecosystem but also celebrated the city’s dedication to preserving urban wildlife. It was a way of saying, “This bird is part of who we are.”

Come Live Near the Lake

Find your room with a view at Atlas, where you'll enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over downtown Oakland, Lake Merrit, and beyond. Our beautiful new, LEED gold-certified building is only a 10-15 minute walk from the lake’s western edge, while also being close to downtown Oakland's amenities and transportation hubs. Contact us or stop by in person to learn more about move-in specials, apartment availability, and more.