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.
AREC Hours of Operation:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| AREC Closed |
10 am-12 pm - Open for school programs 1-3 pm - Open for school programs & walk-in visitors |
10 am-12 pm - Open for school programs 1-3pm - Open for school programs |
10 am-12 pm - Open for school programs 1-3 pm - Open for school programs & walk-in visitors |
10 am-12 pm - Open for school programs 1-3 pm - Open for school programs and |
You can learn more about the AREC and wildlife found in the District by watching this virtual AREC tour.
Programs We Offer
Pre-K-12th Grade Field Trips: The Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) is open for field trips for Pre-K-12th grade students. We offer tours of the AREC and aquatic based environmental education lessons. Please signup using our Office Form and email [email protected] with any questions.
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: 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.
Aquatic Resources Education Center Location
1900 Anacostia Drive SE
Washington, DC 20020
Inside Anacostia Park, Section E
(next to Skating Pavilion) (see map)
Phone: (202) 535-2276 | Email [email protected]
Thank you to our grant funders at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife service who allow all these programs to be free.
