(2.1 meg PDF)
Who we are, what we do, and how you can help us.
The Lake Merritt Institute is supported and sponsored by the City of Oakland Public Works Agency
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Who are we?
With over 150 members, the Lake Merritt Institute is a powerful partner that works with the City of Oakland in a cooperative, positive relationship. Since forming in 1992, we have established a 7 member Board of Directors, obtained tax exempt status, and hired an executive director.
What have we done?
Since December 1996 we have been removing 1,000 to 6,000 pounds of trash from the lake each month under a contract with the City of Oakland. We also conduct education about urban runoff, our biggest source of water pollution.
We have installed and maintain several aeration fountains in the lake, They provide oxygen to the water and a beautiful site to those who pass by.
Our monthly bulletin provides up-to-date information on the natural history of the lake, city projects, news, photographs, opinions, and an occasional poem.
We have obtained grants, taught classes, numbered the storm drain outfalls, helped to stock steelhead trout, installed bulletin boards, tide gauges, and cleaning stations.
What needs to be done?
- The master plan must be implemented
- Dredging should be done periodically to prevent odor, enhance water quality, improve oxygen conditions near storm drains, and control wigeon grass.
- Measure DD projects must be implemented
Bulletin Boards: We maintain six bulletin boards at Lake Merritt for the education and enjoyment of the thousands who walk, jog, and stroll along the shore.
White Papers: We have written several papers on the Lake, including A Year in the Life of Lake Merritt (2.1 meg PDF)
Documents: We maintain a library of studies and reports about Lake Merritt.
Not A Member of the Waterkeeper Allliance: The Lake Merritt Institute is an independent, non-profit corporation, and is not licensed by the Waterkeeper Alliance. Past uses of the term ³Lakekeeper² were not sanctioned by the Alliance.
Volunteers, We need you: Urban runoff trash is removed from the lake by volunteers. If you want to help us keep the lake clean, ask to have you name placed on the volunteer list. Each month you will receive our Volunteer Newsletter.
Join us today and help!
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