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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Summer Internship Applications Open

Want to test the waters of an environmental career? Applications are open for summer 2025 internships! Paid opportunities available in research, education, participatory science and science writing. Apply by Feb. 15. (Photo: Emily Anderson)
Director's Letter: Science Is For Everyone

"Science was once the domain of amateurs: curious people who made discoveries by the power of open minds and keen observations....Our mission isn’t to be gatekeepers, but to push the gates open wider." (Photo: Barb Curtis)
Request a Tour or Speaker

Want to hold a group tour at SERC or have a SERC speaker at your event? Our expert docents can provide tours, talks and table hosting.
School Field Trips: What To Know

Educators: Give your students an up-close encounter with Chesapeake science, with an on-site field trip! SERC offers timed entry and rotating stations. Details and schedule on our School Programs page.

What's New

Students Help Conserve Orchids with 'Classroom Cultivation'

Photo: Gwynn Park Middle School
These Are the Wetlands Emitting the Most Methane

Photo: Genevieve Noyce
Baltimore Interns Link Race, Science and Faith

Photo: Alison Cawood

Learn More

Image Gallery

two cownose rays

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

Go Deeper

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Young man and two young women on a dock, inspecting a crate of oyster shell

Become an Intern or Fellow

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

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Join SERC for an Evening Reading of "A Christmas Carol"

Family Program

Join SERC for an Evening Reading of "A Christmas Carol"

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Event Location
Woodlawn History Center - Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Local actors Lois Evans, Eric Lund, and Mark Hildebrand bring Dickens’ classic prose and characters to life with a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol!

Registration for Join SERC for an Evening Reading of "A Christmas Carol"

View Event Details

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Join SERC for an Evening Reading of "A Christmas Carol"

Family Program

Join SERC for an Evening Reading of "A Christmas Carol"

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Event Location
Woodlawn History Center - Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Local actors Lois Evans, Eric Lund, and Mark Hildebrand bring Dickens’ classic prose and characters to life with a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol!

Registration for Join SERC for an Evening Reading of "A Christmas Carol"

View Event Details

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Visiting Hours

New hours: SERC is open for hiking and paddling Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.! We will be open on Thanksgiving (11/28) and New Year's Day (1/1), but closed on Christmas (12/25).

Our Woodlawn History Center is located just past the security kiosk. Find out when to visit.

Plan your visit!

SERC 50 Anniversary Icon

50 Years of Discovery

For half a century, SERC scientists have taken on environmental issues on the Chesapeake Bay and around the world and, uncovered new ways to protect the planet. Learn more about SERC’s history and discoveries.