Carter Barron Mini-Oasis
The Carter Barron Mini-Oasis is located within the Carter Barron complex, on the grounds of the Carter Barron Amphitheater, Brightwood Recreation Center, and Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. The site offers a variety of recreational amenities including ball fields, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, exercises courses, and tennis facilities.
Fun Fact
Rock Creek Conservancy is collecting stories about the Carter Barron Amphitheater. Do you have an experience you want to share? Send an email to info@rockcreekconservancy.org.
Size: 21.21 acres
Status: Maintenance and restoration in progress
Primary issue: Stormwater management and invasive plants
Site Description
The Carter Barron Mini-Oasis has been stewarded by Conservancy staff and volunteers since 2023. The site includes the Carter Barron Amphitheater, which has hosted legendary performers and entertained thousands of patrons over the decades. The Carter Barron Alliance is working to revitalize this important cultural resource.
In addition, Conservancy staff also maintain the stormwater best management practices (BMPs) located at the site in partnership with the District Department of Energy and Environment. These BMPs, such as rain gardens and bioswales, help slow, absorb, and control stormwater runoff.
Upcoming Work
BMP Maintenance: Rock Creek Conservancy’s watershed restoration team provides maintenance to the Carter Barron BMPs.
Invasive Plant Removal: Volunteer events are held monthly to remove invasive plants from the forest surrounding the complex. This area has abundant, mature bush honeysuckle and heavy porcelain berry vine cover on trees.
Join us at an upcoming event to learn more about this mini-oasis and support its restoration. As events are scheduled, they will be added to the calendar below. If none are available at this time, we encourage you to view our full calendar here for more volunteer opportunities.
Restoration History
Rock Creek Conservation Corps: Rock Creek Conservation Corps members removed invasive plants - particularly, bush honeysuckle, privet, porcelain berry, and English ivy from the forests around the Carter Barron complex in the summers of 2022 to 2024. Our 2024 crew removed 46,763 square feet of invasive plants and freed 99 trees in the process!
