Bay Nature Summer Bug Safari Series: The Gardens at Lake Merritt

Join Bay Nature and naturalist Russ Aguilar for a family-friendly bug safari at The Gardens at Lake Merritt on Saturday, July 25 from 10:00am–12:00pm. Designed for kids ages 5–12 and their parents or grandparents, this playful morning adventure will explore the hidden world of insects and other small creatures living among the gardens, ponds, flowers, and trees surrounding Lake Merritt.

Armed with bug jars, magnifiers, and curiosity, we’ll search for bees, butterflies, dragonflies, beetles, spiders, leafhoppers, and other tiny wildlife as we make a loop through The Gardens at Lake Merritt. With its collection of themed gardens, flowering plants from around the world, and diverse habitats packed into a small area, the gardens provide an ideal place for young naturalists to discover how insects help support healthy ecosystems. Russ will introduce families to bug-spotting techniques, insect behavior, and the surprising diversity of life that thrives in urban green spaces. This event is the second in a series of four Saturday morning Bug Safari outings taking place at different locations around the Bay Area this summer, each featuring a different mix of habitats and discoveries.

Details

• Location: Main Gate, The Gardens at Lake Merritt (Map)
• Distance: ~1 mile loop
• Difficulty: Easy; paved and well-maintained garden paths with minimal elevation change
• Parking: Street parking and public parking available nearby around Lake Merritt
• Restrooms: Restrooms available on site

What to bring: Water, hats, sunscreen, layered clothing, cameras, binoculars if desired, and comfortable walking shoes. Bug jars and observation equipment will be provided.

Weather note: July mornings in Oakland are often mild and sunny, with limited shade in some parts of the gardens. Please bring water and sun protection.

Meet your guide: Russ Aguilar is a former National Park Service interpreter, teacher, and Bay Nature contributor whose work focuses on helping people notice the overlooked lives of insects and other small creatures. His Bay Nature story “The Tussle Between A Beetle and its Shrub” explored the ecology of the coyote brush leaf beetle and its relationship with San Bruno Mountain’s native plants.

Tickets: This event is free for Bay Nature members. Registration is limited.

Note: Because Bay Nature events often fill quickly with waitlists, registrants are asked to place a $10 refundable attendance deposit. Deposits are refunded after attendance and are forfeited only in the event of a no-show or cancellation. This helps ensure that limited spaces are available to those who can attend.

Additional information

• Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the event
• Dogs are not allowed on Bay Nature events
• Please stay on designated trails and handle insects gently before releasing them back into their habitat

Photo by Dees Stribling.