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New in 2019: SERC Science Saturdays

Do hands-on activities with Smithsonian ecologists at Science Saturdays! Each of our five Saturdays explores a different side of nature. On May 18, learn about the secret lives of plants.
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.
Dozens of Nonnative Marine Species Found in Galápagos

Over 50 nonnative marine species have found their way to the Galápagos, a new study reports. That's 10 times more than scientists once thought there were. (Photo: Inti Keith/CDF)
Free Evening Lectures

Expand your horizons this year! Dive into the latest discoveries about the oceans, atmosphere, and life underwater with our Tuesday evening lectures. Click to see the full schedule.
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."
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-Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Closed Sundays and federal holidays.

Featured Events

Sea Level Rise: The Risks and Realities

Lecture

Sea Level Rise: The Risks and Realities

Tuesday, May 21, 2019 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Location
Schmidt Conference Center

Speaker: Dr. William Sweet, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

Lecture

Tue., May 21 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

View calendar of events

Galápagos Have 10 Times More Alien Marine Species Than Thought

Photo: Dan Minchin/Marine Organism Investigations
As Sea Level Rises, Wetlands Crank Up Their Carbon Storage

Photo: Gary Peresta/SERC
Meet The Smallest Owls in the Eastern U.S.

Photo: Carl Benson

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, May 21

Sea Level Rise: The Risks and Realities

Lecture

Sea Level Rise: The Risks and Realities

Tuesday, May 21, 2019 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Location
Schmidt Conference Center

Speaker: Dr. William Sweet, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

7:00PM - 8:00PM

Saturday, Jun 1

SERC Public Tour

SERC Public Tour

Experience an insider's view of SERC!

Saturday, June 1, 2019 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Welcome to the world of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, doing science in your backyard!

Pre-registration Required
Yes

Register Here!

View Event Details

1:00PM - 3:00PM

Tuesday, Jun 18

21 Natural Solutions to Climate Change

Lecture

21 Natural Solutions to Climate Change

Tuesday, June 18, 2019 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Location
Schmidt Conference Center

Speakers: Susan Cook-Patton (The Nature Conservancy) and Ariana Sutton-Grier (University of Maryland)

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

7:00PM - 8:00PM

Wednesday, Jun 19

SERC Public Tour

SERC Public Tour

Experience an insider's view of SERC!

Wednesday, June 19, 2019 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Welcome to the world of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, doing science in your backyard.

Pre-registration Required
Yes

Register Here!

View Event Details

1:00PM - 3:00PM

View calendar of events

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

New in 2019: SERC Science Saturdays

Guided Canoe Trips

Dozens of Nonnative Marine Species Found in Galápagos

Free Evening Lectures

Director's Letter: Conservation and the Power of "And"

Making Sense of Climate Change

Featured Events

Sea Level Rise: The Risks and Realities

Galápagos Have 10 Times More Alien Marine Species Than Thought

As Sea Level Rises, Wetlands Crank Up Their Carbon Storage

Meet The Smallest Owls in the Eastern U.S.

Image Gallery

Ecosystems on the Edge

Shorelines Blog

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, May 21

Sea Level Rise: The Risks and Realities

Saturday, Jun 1

SERC Public Tour

Experience an insider's view of SERC!

Tuesday, Jun 18

21 Natural Solutions to Climate Change

Wednesday, Jun 19

SERC Public Tour

Experience an insider's view of SERC!

50 Years of Discovery