On March 18, 1870, the California Legislature passed an act "to prevent the destruction of fish and game in, upon and around the waters of Lake Merritt or Peralta." The text of the act is posted on LakeMerritt.org. It made it a misdemeanor to kill grouse, wild ducks, cranes, herons, swans, pelicans or other wild animals on or around the lake, within 100 rods of the high-water mark. Fishing was allowed only with a hook and line.
Community for Lake Merritt calls the lake the first wildlife refuge in North America. LakeMerritt.org marked the refuge's 150th anniversary in 2020 with an 80-minute documentary. It covers Samuel Merritt and the tidal slough, bird migration, marine science and restoration. It also includes an interview with Corrina Gould of the Confederated Villages of Lisjan Ohlone about the marshland that was home to Native people long before the city existed.
The Rotary Nature Center
The Rotary Nature Center was built in 1953 and is run by Oakland's parks department. Community for Lake Merritt says its staff also care for Joaquin Miller Park and other open space and run science programs, environmental education and youth camps. The small museum has interpretive exhibits and a working observation beehive. Outside are freshwater viewing ponds, five habitat islands, and a geodesic dome originally built for injured birds.
The center's first naturalist, Paul Covel, was the first municipal park naturalist at the lake. He wrote a book about it, People Are for the Birds. His work and that of his successors inspired generations of naturalists, Community for Lake Merritt says.
Visiting
Hours at the Rotary Nature Center have changed over the years, so check the City of Oakland's parks website before you go. For more history nearby, see the Camron-Stanford House.