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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Interactive Virtual Field Trips

SERC's 1-hour virtual field trips will bring SERC science into your classroom or home. Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am-3pm. (Photo courtesy of Samina Soin-Voshell)
Oct. 20 Earth Optimism Webinar: Spying on Whales

In our series finale, dive into the ancient past of Earth's whales with fossil curator Nick Pyenson of the National Museum of Natural History. (Photo: Nicholas Pyenson under NOAA permit)
Research Amid COVID: Restoring The San Francisco Shoreline

In San Francisco Bay, scientists are creating marine castles made of oyster shell, cement and other repurposed material for living shorelines restorations. (Photo: Ted Grosholz)
U.N. Report Puts Spotight on Seagrass

Seagrasses are among the ocean's most vital ecosystems. But they're vanishing, and conservation efforts often overlook them. A U.N. report aims to fix that. (Photo: NOAA)

What's New

Carbon Sensors in the Time of Coronavirus

Photo: Megan Wilkerson
U.N. Report Puts Spotlight on Seagrasses

Photo: NOAA
Words From Our Director: Confronting Racial Inequality

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Pat Megonigal and Gina McCarthy at GCREW

Ecosystems on the Edge

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Shorelines Blog

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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, Oct 20

Capstone Earth Optimism Webinar: Spying on Whales

Lecture

Capstone Earth Optimism Webinar: Spying on Whales

Tuesday, October 20, 2020 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Location
Online - Zoom

Journey into deep time and discover the surprising origin story of whales, at the finale of our 2020 Earth Optimism series! Featuring Nick Pyenson, curator of fossil marine mammals at the National Museum of Natural History.

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7:00PM - 8:00PM

Saturday, Nov 21

Canceled - SERC Science Saturday

Canceled - SERC Science Saturday

Biodiversity

Saturday, November 21, 2020 - 9:30am - 12:00pm

Bring the family for a day of hands-on activities with Smithsonian scientists at our SERC Science Saturdays. This November, explore biodiversity in and around the Chesapeake Bay. Free and open to all!

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9:30AM - 12:00PM

Visiting Hours

We're closed to visitors for now, but we hope to reopen soon! Check our website and social media for updates. In the meantime, here are some virtual programs you can enjoy:

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.