About Us:

The Rotary Nature Center is a citywide interpretive unit within OPR that maintains and protects Lake Merritt - the first wildlife refuge in North America - Joaquin Miller Park and other open spaces. We handle natural science presentations, environmental education, summer camps for youth, and urban wildlife issues.

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.