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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Free Winter Evening Lectures

Expand your horizons this year! Dive into the latest discoveries about the oceans, the atmosphere, climate change and recycling. Lectures run Tuesdays at 7pm Feb. 12-March 12.
Intern Applications Open for 2019

We're recruiting our 2019 team of environmental interns! Gain hands-on, paid experience in research, education, citizen science and science writing. Summer deadline Feb. 15.
The Fate of Tsunami Rafting Species

Hundreds of animals rafted across the Pacific on debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami. How many can survive in their new homes? (Photo: Surovtseva Natalia Vladimirovna)
Director's Letter: Yes, We Can Beat Climate Change

"Knowledge is power—the power to face challenges and come up with strategies that work. Ultimately, knowledge gives us the power to create a better world."
Making Sense of Climate Change

Get the truth on the science and history of climate change, in this 6-part lecture series hosted by SERC plant ecologist Bert Drake. Watch all six episodes online!

Discover Smithsonian science in your backyard!
Visiting Hours:
Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Closed Sundays and federal holidays.

Featured Events

Mangroves, Climate Change and Hurricanes

Lecture

Mangroves, Climate Change and Hurricanes

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Speaker: Candy Feller, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center mangrove ecologist

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

Lecture

Tue., Feb 19 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm
SERC Science Saturday

SERC Science Saturday

Saturday, February 23, 2019 - 10:00am - 1:00pm

Enjoy hands-on activities with Smithsonian scientists, at the first of five SERC Science Saturdays in 2019!

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

Sat., Feb 23 - 10:00am - 1:00pm

View calendar of events

Meet The Smallest Owls in the Eastern U.S.

Photo: Carl Benson
Tsunami Rafters: Crossing the Ocean Was Only The Start

Photo: John Chapman
8 Ways Nature Can Help Us Beat Climate Change

(Photo: USDA)

Image Gallery

Phragmites australis

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, Feb 19

Mangroves, Climate Change and Hurricanes

Lecture

Mangroves, Climate Change and Hurricanes

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Speaker: Candy Feller, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center mangrove ecologist

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

7:00PM - 8:00PM

Saturday, Feb 23

SERC Science Saturday

SERC Science Saturday

Saturday, February 23, 2019 - 10:00am - 1:00pm

Enjoy hands-on activities with Smithsonian scientists, at the first of five SERC Science Saturdays in 2019!

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

10:00AM - 1:00PM

Tuesday, Feb 26

Methane: The More Powerful Greenhouse Gas

Lecture

Methane: The More Powerful Greenhouse Gas

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Location
Schmidt Conference Center

Speaker: Pat Megonigal, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

7:00PM - 8:00PM

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.