RESTORE LAKE MERCED
Our Mission: Restore Lake Merced’s ecosystem, repair water quality, and significantly expand public access and amenities.
We Envision a safe and healthy Lake Merced that thrives as a recreational hub and sets the standard for urban watershed stewardship.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS &
OTHER STAKEHOLDERS
DEVELOPMENT TEAM
An artist’s birds eye view of Lake Merced in 1868 shows the lake draining into the ocean. Image: George H. Goddard, Library of Congress (image courtesy San Francisco Tomorrow)
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE LAKE
Lake Merced has been many things: a hunting and fishing ground for Ramaytush-speaking people, a lagoon connected to the Pacific ocean, a destination for recreation of all sorts, a watering hole for grizzly bears, the site of a high-profile duel, and always the heart of a vast ecosystem. In the early 1900’s it had a reputation with high-ranking guests of the city due to the incredible diversity of fish that had entered during its periodic connections to the pacific.
Since the urbanization of San Francisco’s west side and the destruction of much of its watershed over the past 100 years, Lake Merced has suffered serious ecological decline. Despite various efforts by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to maintain water quality, the body of water has been classified by the state as Category 5 impaired and considered unsafe for human contact.
Lake Merced still plays a pivotal role in the west side’s hydrology and the coastal ecoystem: thousands of migratory birds rest on the lake each year and the surrounding wetlands serve as a breeding ground for over 50 avian species.
Our goal is to restore Lake Merced’s natural water balance to better support its animal, plant, and human communities.
Further reading here.
View west from near today's Lake Merced Blvd. and Winston Drive, circa 1910, - Willard E. Worden (image courtesy WNP)
GET INVOLVED
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any inquiries or suggestions.