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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Guided Outdoor Tours in October

Get a closer look at the science happening in your backyard, on a free guided walking tour! We're hosting four outdoor tours in October. Advance signup required.
Autumn Canoe Trips

Search for wildlife along the Rhode River, on a guided canoe trip! Trips available Oct. 8 and Oct. 22. Advance signup required.
Oct. 18: Saving the Earth by Exploring the Stars

Join us for our last Earth Optimism webinar of 2022 with Dr. Ellen Stofan, the first woman to lead the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum! (Photo: Jim Preston, NASM 2018-01471)
Woodlawn House Open for Visitors

Explore the Smithsonian's oldest building still in its original spot! A new history exhibit at SERC's Woodlawn House is open on Fri. and Sat., 10am-12:30pm. (Photo: Christine Dunham)
Watch: Elevating Women in Science

Recording available! In this webinar, marine biologist Stephanie Stack explores the obstacles women face in STEM, and how to empower more women to advance. (Photo: Pacific Whale Foundation)
On-Site Field Trips Are Back!

Educators: On-site field trips are back, with a few updates! SERC now offers timed entry and rotating stations. Details and schedule on our School Programs page.

What's New

Legacy of Ancient Ice Ages Still Shapes Eelgrass Today

Photo: Matt Whalen
As The Ocean Heats Up, Hungrier Predators Take Control

Photo: Smithsonian Institution
Words From Our Director: Confronting Racial Inequality

Photo: Kristen Goodhue

Learn More

Image Gallery

earthworm

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

Go Deeper

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Young man and two young women on a dock, inspecting a crate of oyster shell

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Young woman outside on bench, holding up an oyster in each hand

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, Oct 5

SERC Public Tour: Wednesday, October 5th

SERC Public Tour: Wednesday, October 5th

Wednesday, October 5, 2022 - 10:00am - 11:30am

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Experience an insider's view of SERC on one of our free public tours. Learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air.

View Event Details

10:00AM - 11:30AM

Saturday, Oct 8

SERC Autumn Canoe Program

SERC Autumn Canoe Program

Canoe Excursion

Saturday, September 24, 2022 - 9:00am - 11:45am

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Join us for a fun canoe trip around the Rhode River. Sign up by emailing SERCOutreach@si.edu.

Sign up

View Event Details

9:00AM - 11:45AM

Saturday, Oct 15

SERC Public Tour - Saturday, October 15th

SERC Public Tour - Saturday, October 15th

Saturday, October 15, 2022 - 10:00am - 11:30am

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Experience an insider's view of SERC on one of our free public tours. Learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air.

View Event Details

10:00AM - 11:30AM
Public Nature Hike

Public Nature Hike

Saturday, September 17, 2022 - 11:00am - 12:30pm

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Join us for a fun, nature-themed hike! Each date is a different focus: birds, logs, marshes, ecology, and more!

View Event Details

11:00AM - 12:30PM

Tuesday, Oct 18

Robert Lee Forrest Capstone Webinar: Saving the Earth by Exploring the Stars

Lecture

Robert Lee Forrest Capstone Webinar: Saving the Earth by Exploring the Stars

Tuesday, October 18, 2022 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Speaker: Ellen Stofan, Ph.D., Smithsonian Under Secretary for Science and Research

Sign Up Online

View Event Details

7:00PM - 8:30PM

View calendar of events

Visiting Hours

SERC is open for hiking and paddling Monday through Saturday, 8:00am-5:30pm. We are closed Sundays and federal holidays.

Our Woodlawn History Center, located just past the security kiosk, is open Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00am-12:30pm.

Plan your visit!

SERC 50 Anniversary Icon

50 Years of Discovery

For half a century, SERC scientists have taken on environmental issues on Chesapeake Bay and around the world and uncovered new ways to protect the planet. Learn more about SERC’s history and discoveries.