Lake Merced Conservation Project

Lake Merced, located near the Zoo, is a treasured remnant of San Francisco’s natural habitats. It is home to threatened reptiles, amphibians and more than 50 species of birds that breed, nest and feed at the lake. The lake is also valuable to the Bay Area community as a cultural and recreational resource. Unfortunately, both the resident biodiversity and recreational uses are threatened by urbanization, habitat loss, and particularly by invasive plant species. The degradation of the Lake is cause for great concern due to both its ecological significance and its potential to connect urban visitors with the natural world.

The Zoo’s work at Lake Merced involves a group called Zoo Crew, managed by the Education Department. The Zoo Crew is a group of middle school students who are the Zoo’s Site Stewards at the south end of the lake. They remove trash, pull up invasive plants, replant natives, monitor water quality and do biodiversity surveys. The Zoo is also a member of the Lake Merced Task Force, which supports the management and restoration of Lake Merced.

How You Can Help: Youth can volunteer to help restore the lake as part of the Zoo Crew. To learn more about Lake Merced, visit the Friends of Lake Merced at www.lakemerced.org.