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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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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.
Free Evening Lectures

Get the latest environmental science updates from Chesapeake Bay and around the world, at our free evening lectures every third Tuesday of the month. (Photo: USDA)
Blue Carbon Myth-Busters

A new team is changing how we calculate the world's carbon budget on the coasts, and upending some long-held assumptions. Meet the Coastal Carbon Research Coordination Network.
New in 2019: SERC Science Saturdays

Do hands-on activities with Smithsonian ecologists at SERC Science Saturdays! Each of the five Science Saturdays explores a different theme. Click for dates and details.
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

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Rethinking Carbon: Meet the Blue Carbon Myth-Busters
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

Image Gallery

Photograph of blue crab in 3D

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Jul 20

Visit Pepper, the Robot

Visit Pepper, the Robot

Saturday, April 13, 2019 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Meet our robot docent, Pepper, this Saturday! 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

1:00PM - 3:00PM

Saturday, Jul 27

SERC Public Tour

SERC Public Tour

Experience an insider's view of SERC!

Saturday, July 27, 2019 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Event Location
The Reed Education Center

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

Pre-registration Required
Yes

View Event Details

1:00PM - 3:00PM

Tuesday, Aug 20

Horseshoe Crabs and their Microscopic Partners

Lecture

Horseshoe Crabs and their Microscopic Partners

Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Location
Schmidt Conference Center

Speaker: Jen Biddle, University of Delaware

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

7:00PM - 8:00PM

Saturday, Aug 24

Family Canoe Trips

Family Canoe Trips

Saturday, May 18, 2019 - 9:30am - 1:00pm

Bring the family for a paddle on the Rhode River at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

9:30AM - 1:00PM

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.