Department of Parks and Recreation: Environmental Education Centers and Community Gardens

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) operates two Environmental Education Centers - Twin Oaks Garden and Lederer Environmental Education Center - which offer environmental and gardening programs and workshops year-round for residents of all ages. Both centers feature community gardens which are open during the growing season.

DPR's Environmental Education Centers and community gardens are open to anyone who shares an interest in the environment and a desire to learn about the wonders of nature.

DPR community gardens are managed jointly by the DPR's Office of Partnerships and Development and Environmental Education program.

Lederer Environmental Education Center

4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE

Washington, DC 20019
Phone: (202) 727-8061

The Lederer Environmental Education Center is an environmental science resource center designed to provide District residents and visitors with multiple learning experiences about nature, gardening, animals, weather reporting and forecasting, and the preservation and protection of the environment.

Twin Oaks Garden
4025 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011
Phone: (202) 576-3253

Community Gardens Partnership Program

Through the DPR community gardens partnership program, there are several opportunities for residents to participate; opportunities are subject to a limit of two (2) plots per household:

Use of an existing plot from DPR
Adoption and management of an existing community garden
Creation and adoption of a new community garden

Pursuant to D.C. Official Code 10-304(a) and Title 10 Section 1105 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, DPR may form partnerships with neighborhood, community and civic groups to permit private persons and organizations to improve and beautify parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers under DPR’s jurisdiction. Rules for use of community gardens and the process to become Community Garden Sponsor are provided below:

Submitting a Community Garden Sponsor Proposal*

For More Information

Department of Parks and Recreation
Camping and Environmental Education
1480 Girard Street, NW Suite 420
Washington, DC 20009

Phone: (202) 671-0396
Fax: (202) 671-2590

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