Lake Merritt Institute 2026 - Everyday is Earth Day!

Supporters like you make it possible for us to keep Lake Merritt clean and thriving for both wildlife and the community. Your donation not only beautifies the lake today, but it also invests in the next generation of environmental stewards.

In 2025, with the help of our dedicated community logging 5,706 volunteer hours, the Lake Merritt Institute removed approximately 111,630 gallons of trash from the shorelines and waters of Lake Merritt.

In 2024, 1,862 volunteers helped us remove approximately 75,960 gallons of trash, demonstrating the growing power of community action.

Thanks to increased volunteer turnout, we’re able to tackle everyday challenges five days a week, rain or shine, year-round, keeping Lake Merritt healthy and accessible for wildlife and our community.

Yet, our funding and contracts have not kept pace with inflation, and the threat of future defunding makes our work more vulnerable than ever. Your gift to our Everyday Is Earth Day campaign ensures we can continue removing trash, educating youth, and protecting Lake Merritt, no matter the challenges ahead.