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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Oct. 15: The Ocean: Our Future with Jane Lubchenco

See how the global ocean's health is tied to ours, and how to save it! Our last 2019 evening lecture features marine biologist Jane Lubchenco, the first female head of NOAA. (Photo: NOAA)
Global Change Triggers Plant Species Switch in Grasslands

Grasslands shelter species found nowhere else in the wild. But those grasslands are shifting, a study from SERC's Ecosystem Conservation Lab reveals. (Photo: Kim Komatsu/SERC)
SERC Science Saturdays

Do hands-on activities with scientists at our free SERC Science Saturdays! Each of our five Science Saturdays in 2019 explores a different theme. Click slide for dates and details.
Guided Canoe Trips

Bring the family for a paddle on the Rhode River! Look for wildlife, talk about research and enjoy time outside on the Bay with one of our trained guides. No experience necessary.
Director's Letter: Conservation and the Power of "And"

"The environment or the economy is a false choice. We can have both, if we have the creativity—and the courage—to change how we value the Earth."

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

Featured Events

The Ocean: Our Future

Lecture

The Ocean: Our Future

Robert Lee Forrest Keynote Lecture

Tuesday, October 15, 2019 - 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Event Location
St. John's College, Francis Scott Key Auditorium

Speaker: Dr. Jane Lubchenco, marine biologist and first female administrator of NOAA

View Event Details

Lecture

Tue., Oct 15 - 6:00pm - 8:30pm

View calendar of events

Global Change Triggers Species Switch in Grasslands
Education: Sharks Debut on SERC Field Trips
Saltwater Intrusion: The Invisible Flood

Photo: Katherine Tully/U. of Md.

Image Gallery

Cordgrass on marsh

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Sep 21

SERC Public Tour - September 21st

SERC Public Tour - September 21st

Free; Advance registration required

Saturday, September 21, 2019 - 10:00am

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Did you know that trees breathe? That beaver ponds can teach us how to clean water? That there are zombie crabs in our rivers? Welcome to the world of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, doing science in your backyard!

View Event Details

10:00AM

Wednesday, Sep 25

SERC Public Tour - September 25th

SERC Public Tour - September 25th

Free; Advance registration required

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 - 1:00pm

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Did you know that trees breathe? That beaver ponds can teach us how to clean water? That there are zombie crabs in our rivers? Welcome to the world of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, doing science in your backyard!

View Event Details

1:00PM

Saturday, Oct 5

SERC Public Tour - October 5th

SERC Public Tour - October 5th

Saturday, October 5, 2019 - 10:00am

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Did you know that trees breathe? That beaver ponds can teach us how to clean water? That there are zombie crabs in our rivers? Welcome to the world of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, doing science in your backyard!

View Event Details

10:00AM

Tuesday, Oct 15

The Ocean: Our Future

Lecture

The Ocean: Our Future

Robert Lee Forrest Keynote Lecture

Tuesday, October 15, 2019 - 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Event Location
St. John's College, Francis Scott Key Auditorium

Speaker: Dr. Jane Lubchenco, marine biologist and first female administrator of NOAA

View Event Details

6:00PM - 8:30PM

View calendar of events

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.