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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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8 Ways Nature Can Help Us Fight Climate Change

In a new report, scientists with SERC and The Nature Conservancy outlined 21 "natural climate solutions" that could cut US carbon emissions 21 percent. Here are 8 of our favorites.
"eDNA" Powerful New Tool for Conserving River Herring

There's a new way to track Chesapeake river herring as they fight their way back from decline: finding fragments of their DNA in the water, called environmental DNA, or "eDNA."
New Invasive Bryozoan Spotted in Alaskan Waters

With the help of local citizen scientists, biologists found a new invader in Alaska, the bryozoan Bugula neritina, and another not seen there in over a century. (Photo: Melissa Frey)
Director's Letter: When Global Science Becomes Local

"SERC scientists work all over the globe, and many of their discoveries abroad can help us better understand and protect the Chesapeake." (Photo: Glenn McKinlay)
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 through Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Closed Sundays and federal holidays.

Notice: SERC will be closed to the public until 2:30 p.m. the following Saturdays: Dec. 15, Dec. 22, Dec. 29, Jan. 5
and Jan. 12.

Featured Events

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8 Ways Nature Can Help Us Beat Climate Change

(Photo: USDA)
Invasive Plants Can Boost Blue Carbon Storage
New Invasive Bryozoan in Alaskan Waters

Photo: Melissa Frey, Royal BC Museum

Image Gallery

White flowers of downy rattlesnake plantain orchid

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Dec 15

Visit Pepper!

Visit Pepper!

Saturday, December 1, 2018 - 2:30pm - 4:30pm

Meet our new robot docent, Pepper! Pepper can dance, play games, pose for photos and tell stories SERC science. Pepper will be greeting visitors at our Reed Education Center.

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

2:30PM - 4:30PM

Saturday, Jan 5

Visit Pepper!

Visit Pepper!

Saturday, December 1, 2018 - 2:30pm - 4:30pm

Meet our new robot docent, Pepper! Pepper can dance, play games, pose for photos and tell stories SERC science. Pepper will be greeting visitors at our Reed Education Center.

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

2:30PM - 4:30PM

Saturday, Jan 19

Visit Pepper!

Visit Pepper!

Saturday, December 1, 2018 - 2:30pm - 4:30pm

Meet our new robot docent, Pepper! Pepper can dance, play games, pose for photos and tell stories SERC science. Pepper will be greeting visitors at our Reed Education Center.

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

2:30PM - 4:30PM

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.