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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

As a public health precaution, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is extending the cancelation or postponement of all public events, programs and gatherings until at least the end of the summer. The SERC campus remains temporarily closed to the public, including buildings, trails and other parts of the campus. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the situation, we are not announcing a reopening date at this time and will provide updates on our website.

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What's New

Words From Our Director: Confronting Racial Inequality
In Florida's Oceans, It's DNA vs. Disease

Photo courtesy of Sarah Gignoux-Wolfsohn
Preserving Salmon in Alaska

Photo: Kelsie Moore

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Image Gallery

Front and Back of a SERC Crab Tag

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

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Cover of On The Edge Newsletter

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Young woman and young man kneeling on ground planting a tree sapling

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

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, Jul 21

Earth Optimism Webinar: Working Landscapes

Lecture

Earth Optimism Webinar: Working Landscapes

Doing Science To Help People And Nature

Tuesday, July 21, 2020 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Location
Online

Speaker: Kim Komatsu, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

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7:00PM - 8:00PM

Tuesday, Aug 18

Earth Optimism Panel: Building Climate-Resilient Communities on the Coast

Lecture

Earth Optimism Panel: Building Climate-Resilient Communities on the Coast

Tuesday, August 18, 2020 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Event Location
Online - Zoom

Panelists:
Zoe Johnson, Co- Chair, Annapolis City Dock Resiliency Workgroup
Jason Toft, University of Washington
Chela Zabin, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) - San Francisco Branch
Moderator:
Kristen Minogue, SERC

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7:00PM - 8:30PM

Saturday, Sep 12

SERC Science Saturday

SERC Science Saturday

Human Impacts on the Environment

Saturday, September 12, 2020 - 9:30am - 12:00pm

Event Location
Mathias Lab on SERC main campus

Bring the family for a day of hands-on activities with Smithsonian scientists, at our SERC Science Saturdays. This September, learn how people are impacting the environment and how we can leave a positive footprint. Free and open to all!

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9:30AM - 12:00PM

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Visiting Hours

Discover Smithsonian science in your backyard!

Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm.

Closed Sundays and federal holidays.

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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.