Home

On-Site Field Trips Are Back!

Educators: On-site field trips are back, with a few updates! SERC now offers timed entry and rotating stations. Details and schedule on our School Programs page.
Sea-Level Rise Stamps Out Benefits of Higher CO2 in Wetlands

For decades, scientists hoped extra CO2 could help wetlands build soil and keep pace with sea-level rise. But that helpful side effect is vanishing, a new study finds. (Photo: Tom Mozdzer)
Climate Change Doubles Death Rate of Tropical Trees

In the rainforests of Australia, scientists discovered more tropical trees are dying of dehydration as a hotter, thirstier atmosphere dries them out. (Photo: Alexander Shenkin)

What's New

For Wetland Plants, Sea-Level Rise Stamps Out Benefits of Higher CO2

Photo: Tom Mozdzer
Tropical Trees Are Dying of Dehydration Due to Climate Change

Photo: Alexander Shenkin
Words From Our Director: Confronting Racial Inequality

Photo: Kristen Goodhue

Learn More

Go Deeper

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Jul 2

Summer Microscope Exploration

Summer Microscope Exploration

Saturday, July 2, 2022 - 10:00am - 12:00pm

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Come explore the microscopic world of the Chesapeake Bay using microscopes!

Free to join! Max Capacity 10

Ages 8+ for microscopes; 8 and under may use hand lenses

View Event Details

10:00AM - 12:00PM
Summer Tank Talk

Summer Tank Talk

Saturday, June 18, 2022 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Short talks about fish, turtles, and inverts, 10 minutes roughly

Free to walk in!

View Event Details

12:00PM - 2:00PM

Saturday, Jul 9

Canoe Excursion

Field Trip

Canoe Excursion

Saturday, July 9, 2022 - 9:00am - 11:45am

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Join us for a fun canoe trip around the Rhode River Salt Marsh!

Ages 8 and up. $20/adult and $18/child (ages 8-13)

Cash or Check on Arrival. Pre-Registration required at least 24 hours prior. Email for registration link.

Max 4 per party.

Email SERCOutreach to register: sercoutreach@si.edu

View Event Details

9:00AM - 11:45AM

View calendar of events

Visiting Hours

SERC is opening for hiking and paddling Monday through Saturday, 8:00am-5:30pm. 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

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.

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

Home

On-Site Field Trips Are Back!

Sea-Level Rise Stamps Out Benefits of Higher CO2 in Wetlands

Climate Change Doubles Death Rate of Tropical Trees

What's New

For Wetland Plants, Sea-Level Rise Stamps Out Benefits of Higher CO2

Tropical Trees Are Dying of Dehydration Due to Climate Change

Words From Our Director: Confronting Racial Inequality

Learn More

Image Gallery

Ecosystems on the Edge

Shorelines Blog

Go Deeper

Subscribe

Volunteer

Become an Intern or Fellow

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Jul 2

Summer Microscope Exploration

Summer Tank Talk

Saturday, Jul 9

Canoe Excursion

Visiting Hours

50 Years of Discovery