The Lake Merritt Watershed Puzzle is a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle that turns an illustrated map of Oakland's Lake Merritt watershed into a calm, absorbing afternoon. Made with seepcity.org, it tells the story of land, water and wildlife beneath the city. It also makes a thoughtful gift for Oakland locals, map lovers and anyone who cares about where water goes.
Lake Merritt was the first officially designated wildlife refuge in the U.S., in 1870. The artwork follows its role in the San Francisco Bay Estuary system, from altered tidal flows to modern restoration efforts.
Features
- 🧩 500 random-cut pieces with a printed reference image included
- 📏 Finished size of 16" x 20", with a box measuring 10" x 9" x 2"
- ✨ Matte finish to reduce glare while you work
- ♻️ 100% recycled ESKA chipboard printed with soy-based, non-toxic inks
- 🛍️ Reusable, resealable bag for the pieces, inside a gift-ready box showing the original artwork
Benefits
- 🌿 Learn about Oakland's water system and estuary ecology while you puzzle
- 🎁 Give a present with a story behind it, ready to hand over in its own box
- 🖼️ Frame the finished puzzle and keep the map on display
- 🤝 Support local artists, educators and filmmakers, since a portion of proceeds benefits the film "Reflections on Lake Merritt"
About the artists
Scott Oliver created the base map in 2009. Veronica Graham added the egret compass rose, trees and natural textures. Naturalist Joel Pomerantz of Thinkwalks contributed birds, colour and design.
Ready for a puzzle that gives back? Add the Lake Merritt Watershed Puzzle to your cart and bring a piece of Oakland home.