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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

Visitors: Our campus is open for hiking, biking and paddling Monday through Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm, with closures only on Sundays and federal holidays. Per Executive Order dated Jan. 20, 2021, masks are required in all buildings and outdoors on SERC property. See our COVID-19 Visitor Guide for where to park, updated maps and hours, and new safety measures for visitors and staff.

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“Soft Sweep” Evolution Helps Bats Resist Deadly White-Nose Syndrome

Photo: Sarah Gignoux-Wolfsohn
Sharks Tags Reveal Endangered Species Returning To Natural Refuge

Photo: Danielle Hall/Smithsonian Ocean Portal
Words From Our Director: Confronting Racial Inequality

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Cargo ship discharging ballast water with inset showing microorganisms

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, May 18

Lessons For Addressing Climate Change from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Lecture

Lessons For Addressing Climate Change from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tuesday, May 18, 2021 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Speaker: Alice Hill, Council on Foreign Relations

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7:00PM - 8:00PM

Tuesday, Jun 15

Landscaping for Biodiversity: A Plant-Insect Perspective

Lecture

Landscaping for Biodiversity: A Plant-Insect Perspective

Tuesday, June 15, 2021 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Speaker: Karin Burghardt, University of Maryland

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7:00PM - 8:00PM

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

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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.