Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC)

Aquatic Resources Education Center Our programs are changing daily due to Covid-19. Below you will find a general list of programs we offer. Please email [email protected] regarding questions and availability.

Who We Are:

The AREC is a multi-use environmental education center located in Anacostia Park, SE run by DOEE.
It opened in 1986 and renovated in 2005 to include classrooms and aquaculture.
The center exhibits over 40 species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates found in the District and the Chesapeake Bay.

You can learn more about the AREC and wildlife found in the District by watching this virtual AREC tour.

Programs We Offer

Upcoming Events:

Project Wild: The AREC will host a self-paced virtual training on Aug 2-Aug 13 with an outdoor Q&A /course book pick up on Aug 17 from 5:30-7pm.
FrogWatch: FrogWatch walks on Kingman & Heritage Islands will run from March 18- Aug 19. Learn More>>
Online Education: Looking for online aquatic lessons?
Learn more about our online lessons.
2021 Summer Programs: The AREC is offering two new outdoor programs this summer! The first is fishing 101 clinics and second is outdoor environmental education sessions. These programs are free and are focused on small groups of grade school aged children and youth. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Professional Development:

Teacher Trainings: Training workshops are available for formal and informal educators. We train educators using Project WILD, Aquatic WILD and Growing Up WILD curricula. We also provide Angling Instructor workshops. Read more>>

Angler Education & Clinics:

Fishing Clinics: Begining in April 2021 the AREC staff will host free fishing clinics throughout the spring and summer in various locations throughout the District. Take a minute to explore DOEE's Learn to Fish and Fishing in the District pages.

Take a minute to explore DOEE’s Learn to Fish and Fishing in the District pages.