Rotary Nature Center
About
Wildlife Refuge on Lake Merritt
The Rotary Nature Center is a natural science museum operated by Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development. The center anchors Lake Merritt - the first wildlife refuge in North America - and provides interpretive exhibits, an observation beehive, and youth programming.
Education & Camps
Programs serve school groups and individual youth. Programs include:
- Natural science presentations
- Environmental education classes
- Summer camps for youth
- Drop-in exhibit visits
- Working observation beehive
- Wildlife refuge tours
What's Included
- Educational displays and interpretive exhibits
- Naturalist staff for tours
- Free public hours (Tue, Thu, Fri 10am-5pm; weekends vary)
Experience
City-run, low-cost, deeply local - kids learn about Lake Merritt waterfowl and East Bay ecology with city naturalists. Strong fit for families looking for a free educational visit and for school groups studying urban wildlife.