Skip to main content

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

Our campus is open for hiking, biking and paddling Monday through Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm, with closures only on Sundays and federal holidays. All visitors should do a self-health check before arriving and bring a face covering if you need to use any indoor facilities. See our COVID-19 Visitor Guide for where to park, updated maps and hours, and other safety info. Visitors: There is currently no drinkable water at our Reed Education Center while we test our well system, so we encourage bringing your own water to stay hydrated!

Home

What's New

Male, Female Cownose Rays Follow Different Migration Cues

Photo: Laura Patrick/SERC
Oyster Restoration Proves Its Worth on Camera
Words From Our Director: Confronting Racial Inequality

Learn More

Image Gallery

black mangrove flowers

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

Go Deeper

Subscribe

Cover of On The Edge Newsletter

Volunteer

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

Become an Intern or Fellow

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

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, Sep 29

SERC Public Walking Tour: Wednesday, September 29th

SERC Public Walking Tour: Wednesday, September 29th

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 - 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 16

Public Canoe Trips

Public Canoe Trips

Saturday, September 18, 2021 - 8:00am - 12:00pm

Join staff from SERC for either a 2.5 or 4 hour, socially distanced, canoe trip. Sign up by emailing (SERCOutreach@si.edu).

View Event Details

8:00AM - 12:00PM
Public Canoe Trips

Public Canoe Trips

Saturday, September 18, 2021 - 8:00am - 12:00pm

Join staff from SERC for either a 2.5 or 4 hour, socially distanced, canoe trip. Sign up by emailing (SERCOutreach@si.edu).

View Event Details

8:00AM - 12:00PM

View calendar of events

Visiting Hours

SERC is opening for hiking and paddling Monday through Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Closed Sundays and federal holidays.

See our COVID-19 Visitor Guide

You can also enjoy some of our virtual programs:

Virtual Field Trips

Earth Optimism webinars

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.