Rotary Nature Center
The Rotary Nature Center is a natural science museum operated by City of Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development (OPRYD) Department. Constructed in 1953, the Rotary Nature Center is the oldest municipal nature center in the United States and is home to educational displays that highlights the plant and animal species that call Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park home. Nature center features include a main hall that contains a large variety of bird specimens, interactive displays, activity stations, and information on Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park's natural and cultural history, an environmental education library, and Rotary Nature Center staff offices. The nature center's adjacent location to Lake Merritt makes it a prime viewing spot for resident and migratory birds that frequent the oldest wildlife refuge in the United States. Driven by conservation, stewardship, and connecting Oaklanders and its visitors to their open spaces, the Rotary Nature Center features youth and adult programs, classes, and special events that welcomes all to experience Oakland's natural side.
Register For Rotary Nature Center Programs
Rotary Workshops
MEETINGS LIST
Topics and Resources
- Rotary Nature Center Re-Opening Updates
- Rotary Nature Center & Wildlife Refuge History
- Rotary Nature Center Programs
- Rotary Nature Center Future Plans
- Rotary Nature Center FAQs
- Rotary Nature Center Educational Resources
Up Coming Events
EVENTS LIST
Rotary Nature Center and Wildlife Refuge Official Fiscal Sponsor
Community for Lake Merritt is the official fiscal sponsor of the Rotary Center and Wildlife Refuge. Learn more at the Community for Lake Merritt website. If you would like to support the Rotary Nature Center with a donation, please give at the link below. The donation will go through Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation.
Donate
Morning Birding & Coffee
EVENTS LIST
Rotary Morning Birding & Coffee
About
Rotary Nature Center Staff
Constructed in 1953, our interpretive museum houses educational displays, interpretive exhibits and a working observation beehive and our outdoor destinations include freshwater viewing ponds, five habitat islands, a geodesic dome for injured birds and the Lake Merritt Wildlife Refuge. We also care for a variety of live presentation animals that we use in our educational interpretive programs.
Location
600 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA 94610 View Map
37.80556199999999,-122.2577319
600 Bellevue Ave ,
Oakland, CA 94610
600 Bellevue Ave ,
Oakland, CA 94610
Rotary Nature Center