Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC)

Aquatic Resources Education Center 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 a variety of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates found in the District and the Chesapeake Bay.

Learn more about the AREC and wildlife found in the District by watching the following AREC tour:

Programs We Offer

- Pre-K thru12th Grade Field Trips: The Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) is open for field trips for Pre-K thru 12th grade students. We offer tours of the AREC and aquatic-based environmental education lessons. Please sign-up 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:

The AREC team offers free fishing clinics throughout the spring, summer, and fall in various locations throughout the District. Take a minute to explore DOEE's Learn to Fish and Fishing in the District pages to learn more.

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]

AREC Hours of Operation:

Monday - Closed
Tuesday - 10AM-12PM Open for School Programs; 1:00 -3:00pm | Open for Walk-In Visitors
Wednesday - 10AM-12PM Open for School Programs; 1:00 -3:00pm | Open for Walk-In Visitors
Thursday - 10AM-12PM Open for School Programs; 1:00 -3:00pm | Open for Walk-In Visitors
Friday - 10AM-12PM Open for School Programs; 1:00 -3:00pm | Open for Walk-In Visitors
Open additional hours in the evening and weekend for special events or by appointment

Our free programs Snakehead would not be possible without generous support from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Sport Fish Restoration Program. Take a minute to explore USFWS's Sport Fish Restoration webpage to learn more about the program.

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_{This agency receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability.}

_{If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any facility, program, or activity, or if you need more information, please write to:}
_{Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights}
_{U.S. Department of the Interior}
_{1849 C Street, NW - Washington, D.C. 20240}

Attachment(s):

AREC Brochure

AREC Lessons

AREC Lessons DC Standards Matrix

AREC Lesson Themes

Contact TTY:

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