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Environmental Education Center
About the EEC
Built in 2010, the Environmental Education Center is one of the City of Plano's first green buildings and is certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council. The design incorporates many sustainable features.
- Architectural site orientation and layout plan for maximum energy efficiency (roof overhangs, east-west orientation, shade)
- Use of recycled / renewable / nontoxic materials (low VOC paint and adhesives, reclaimed wood, compressed recycled paper counters, recycled glass terrazzo flooring and fly-ash concrete)
- Energy efficient and renewable energy technologies (solar panels, natural lighting, photovoltaics, wind turbine and living green roof)
- Water conservation (rainwater harvesting, gray-water recycling, low-flow water system, drip irrigation)
- Educational applications (interpretive displays, interactive programs, workshops and public presentations)
U.S. Green Building Council Public LEED Project of the Year, 2013
The Natural Choice for Private Events
The Environmental Education Center (EEC) is a sustainable, green venue for small to mid-sized events such as meetings, workshops, classes, team building, weddings, showers, parties, picnics, and family reunions.
In holding your event at the Environmental Education Center or its surrounding gardens, you provide your guests or participants with a relaxing natural setting while demonstrating best practices for living green at home or work.
Rates & Hours
General rental hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekend and/or evening events are subject to after hours rates.
Please include an additional $30 per hour to the quoted general hours rate schedule for any after hours event which includes use of audio / visual system.
Rental Amenities
Renting the Environmental Education Center makes event planning easy. When you book this beautiful, educational and sustainable venue, you'll enjoy many free amenities which simplify event details.
Depending on your event setup, such as the use of tables and chairs, the meeting room's capacity varies from 40 to 100 people. It provides an ample 1,122 sq. feet.
Amenities:
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The EEC houses a galley kitchen which comes stocked with:
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Garden Settings
Two distinctive garden settings are available for events:
- Texas SmartScape Garden - A picturesque garden featuring lush drought-tolerant landscaping, artwork, a large pave-stone patio with benches and meandering trails which offer conversational areas.
- Nature Explore Garden - A colorful, innovative, and educational setting for children's events, this living classroom and butterfly garden offer a large patio space with benches, two large picnic tables, and adult-guided activities.
Schedule a Tour or Program at the EEC
Schedule a tour with an educator to learn what makes the Environmental Education Center so green!
Tour Hours
Scheduled program times are available on a first come, first served basis. All tours and programs must be requested through our online registration system and times are subject to availability.
September - May: Mon. - Fri. from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. All youth field trips must be completed before sundown for safety reasons.
June - August: Mon. - Fri. 8 - 10 a.m.
Tour Lessons
Grades K-1: Tour & Discovery Hunt worksheet
Grades 2-5: Tour & Recycle/Reuse materials matching activity
Grades 6-12 & Adults: Complete building tour
Tour Length
45 minutes (Presentation lengths may be adjusted according to children's ages or developmental level.)
Tour Cost
Plano ISD / Plano-based groups / North Texas area scout groups: There is a minimum charge of $45 for a group of up to 15 participants. Each additional participant is $3. | Groups outside of Plano: There is a minimum charge of $60 for a group of up to 15 participants. Each additional participant is $4. |
Payment Fees are payable on the day of the workshop in the form of exact cash or check. Please make checks payable to the City of Plano.
Group Size RequirementsMinimum: 15 participants Maximum: 30 participants
If your group exceeds the maximum number of participants, we are able to facilitate more than one tour at a time upon request (at the time of booking).
Chaperone Requirements for Youth Groups
We require 1 adult chaperone per 15 children. Kindergarten and 1st grade presentations may require additional chaperones.