DOEE Green Zone Environmental Program

DOEE Green Zone Environmental Program Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from DOEE Green Zone Environmental Program, Government Organization, District Department of Energy & Environment 1200 First Street NE, Washington D.C., DC.

In GZEP, students and young adults learn how to build and maintain urban farms, the removal of invasive plants, tree planting and maintenance, neighborhood beautification, and construction of rain gardens, and landscaping services for senior citizens. The Green Zone Environmental Program (GZEP) is part of the District’s Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), the largest summer youth employment program in the nation. Administered by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), GZEP provides over 300 young adults, ages 14-24, with education, job training, and work experiences in the fields of energy and environment every summer.

07/31/2026

Where can one opportunity take you?

For this week’s Feature Friday, GZEP youth worker Chanara shares why she believes joining GZEP can be a valuable experience, regardless of a young person’s specific goals.

Watch to hear how these programs can expose young people to the environmental sector, new opportunities, supportive people, and parts of the city they may not have experienced before.

07/30/2026

Hands-on learning looked a little different at our UDC site last week.

GZEP youth rolled up their sleeves for CPR training, working together as they practiced important emergency-response skills and gained another real-world learning experience.

From environmental education to workforce and life skills, every week gives our youth a new opportunity to learn, grow, and build confidence.

07/29/2026

Today's field trip could inspire tomorrow's environmental leader.

At the Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC), GZEP students explored native aquatic wildlife, learned about local ecosystems, and experienced firsthand how education and conservation work together to protect our natural resources.

Experiences like these help prepare the next generation of environmental stewards—one discovery at a time.

07/28/2026

From observing science to stepping into the role of a scientist. 🧪

During a field trip to UDC’s Water Resources Research Institute, GZEP youth entered the lab for a hands-on look at how researchers examine water quality and other environmental concerns affecting our communities.

The youth tested several samples, learned how to measure and read pH levels, and discovered how chemistry can help us better understand the substances in our environment.

Watch our UDC youth take their learning beyond the classroom and into the lab!

07/27/2026

MOTIVATION MONDAY 🌿

What does Jesse hope the youth at our Phelps site take with them long after GZEP ends?

As a GZEP Team Leader, Jesse has spent the summer encouraging youth to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and build meaningful connections with one another. His hope is that those lessons continue to guide them long after the program is over.

Growth doesn't always happen where we're comfortable—it happens when we're willing to take that next step. 💚

07/24/2026

This summer gave Shawn more than just a job. 👀🌱

For Feature Friday, GZEP youth worker Shawn shares one of the many things he’s learned about the environment through the program.

07/23/2026

Our Phelps site visited one of Southwest D.C.’s Peace Gardens for a hands-on urban agriculture experience.

Participants learned to identify and pull weeds, watered and tended plants, added fertilizer, planted flowers, and harvested fresh kale, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, mint, and more. They also smelled and tasted freshly picked mint, oregano, and basil, engaging their senses while learning how food grows.

The best part? They were able to take some of the harvest home.

Our GZEP participants at the Anacostia site had the opportunity to meet a live barn owl up close and learn about birds o...
07/22/2026

Our GZEP participants at the Anacostia site had the opportunity to meet a live barn owl up close and learn about birds of prey, their role in the ecosystem, and the importance of wildlife conservation.

We appreciate Earth Conservation Corps for sharing their knowledge and creating such an engaging experience for our participants.

07/21/2026

🌿 From exploring the gardens to getting their hands in the soil, our Anacostia youth experienced the U.S. Botanic Garden in a meaningful way. One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity to plant and care for a variety of flowers and plants, offering a closer look at the role we all play in caring for our environment.

Experiences like these create lasting memories while encouraging our youth to explore, connect with nature, and see the impact they can have on the world around them. 💚

07/21/2026

MOTIVATION MONDAY 🌿

“They have dreams and goals and aspirations… programs like GZEP allow that to come to life.”
— Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders WR

Last week Terry came to Phelps HS to spend time with our GZEP youth, and he named exactly why this work matters. In his words, programs like ours bring “resources… community… wisdom” — and give young people “that support to feel like they can continue to push forward.”

Our youth lived it: building and decorating birdhouses, working with real tools, and crafting their own elevator pitches around one question — what’s your brand?

Dreams into reality. That’s the mission. 💚

Address

District Department Of Energy & Environment 1200 First Street NE
Washington D.C., DC
20002

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12am - 11pm

Telephone

+12025352600

Website

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