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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Winter Photo Challenge: All the Colors of Cold

Where do you find joy in the darkest months of the year? Submit your winter nature photos by Dec. 4, and your image could appear on SERC social media for our 12 Nights of Solstice celebration. (Photo: 2021 winner by Monica M. Smith)
Dec. 5: Virtual Internship Info Session

Curious what it's like to be an environmental intern at SERC? Get your questions answered, at an online information session Dec. 5 at 5:15pm ET. Sign up in advance.
Campus & Housing Coordinator Wanted

Looking to combine your passions for hospitality and the environment? Join a supportive, sustainability-minded community as our new Campus and Housing Coordinator, and help visitors feel at home. Full time with benefits. Apply by Dec. 11.
Director's Letter: Life on a Sustainable Planet

"My hope and commitment to new solutions stem from one core truth: We are an integral part of a larger planet, with all its complexity." (Photo: Gregory Piper/Ocean Image Bank)
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-2pm. (Photo: Christine Dunham)
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

Protecting Lands Slows Biodiversity Loss Among Vertebrates By Five Times

Photo: Justin Nowakowski
Marine Protected Areas Improve Health, Wealth of Nearby Communities

Photo: Luciano Candisani
Tree Species Diversity Increases Likelihood of Planting Success

Photo: Susan Cook-Patton

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Phragmites australis

Ecosystems on the Edge

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Shorelines Blog

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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

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Summer 2024 Internship Information Session (Virtual)

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Summer 2024 Internship Information Session (Virtual)

Tuesday, Dec 5, 2023 - 5:15pm - 6:00pm

Event Location
Zoom

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) welcomes interested undergraduates and those who recently earned their associate and bachelor’s degree, for our 2024 summer internship virtual information session! This is your chance to learn about the exciting opportunities you could be a part of next summer as you work alongside scientists, educators, and mentors on some of the most profound environmental issues challenging our world today. Learn about the internship application process, meet interns, and get your questions answered.

Sign up on Zoom

View Event Details

5:15pm - 6:00pm

Visiting Hours

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

Our Woodlawn History Center, located just past the security kiosk, is open Fridays and Saturdays, with extended hours from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Plan your visit!

SERC 50 Anniversary Icon

50 Years of Discovery

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