Rotary Natural Science Center
The Rotary Natural Science Center (RNSC) is a natural science museum operated by City of Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development (OPRYD) Department. Constructed in 1953, the RNSC 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, as well as an environmental education library. The RNSC, which is located next to Lake Merritt, provides 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 Natural Science Center features youth and adult programs, classes, and special events that welcomes all to experience Oakland's natural side.
Topics and Resources
Rotary Natural Science 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 to Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation
Register For RNSCWR Programs:
- Morning Birding & Coffee (Every 2nd Saturday):
- Creek 2 Bay Day Volunteer Event (Saturday, September 19th, 2026):
- 4th Saturday Stewardship Events (Dates to be determined): Email if interested
Rotary Nature Center is also offering field trip opportunities. Each field trip will be a two-hour program for a flat fee of $150. If you are interested, please email RNSCWR@oaklandca.gov with the Subject Line: Field Trip Inquiry and your preferred field trip date(s) and number of expected participants.
About
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
37.8071408,-122.2559708
600 Bellevue Ave ,
Oakland, CA 94610
600 Bellevue Ave ,
Oakland, CA 94610
Rotary Natural Science Center