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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Free Earth Optimism Lectures

We're celebrating Earth Day's 50th anniversary with an Earth Optimism-inspired series! Lectures occur every third Tuesday of the month at 7pm through October. (Photo: Nicole Campbell)
Do We Live in the Plasticene?

Welcome to the Age of Plastics, a new geologic age some scientists propose has been going on since the mid-20th century. Here are 12 words you need to know. (Photo: Bo Eide)
8 Ways To Save the Ocean's Oxygen

The ocean is losing its breath. A new IUCN report, co-authored by SERC marine ecologist Denise Breitburg, reveals some powerful ways to resuscitate it. (Photo: Emma Hickerson/NOAA)
Q&A: How Do Parents Help Their Offspring Adapt Before Birth?

Postdoc Sarah Donelan shows how parents give offspring clues about the world before they enter it, and how today's rapid change could be throwing parents off. (Photo: Patricia Donelan)
Director's Letter: Surprising Side Effects of Being Human

"As scientists, we're constantly surprised. Research has a way of revealing hidden connections or unexpected consequences we never imagined until we took a closer look."

What's New

8 Ways To Save The Ocean's Oxygen

Photo: Emma Hickerson/NOAA
Female Blue Crabs Risk Sperm Shortage in Bay
Global Warming Gives Plants A Nitrogen Boost

Photo: Sairah Malkin/Horn Point Lab

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Image Gallery

Scientists on boat with trawl net

Ecosystems on the Edge

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Shorelines Blog

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, Mar 14

Frostbite 5K Run/Walk

Frostbite 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, March 14, 2020 - 8:30am

Event Location
Schmidt Conference Center

Ring out the last weekend of winter, with a 5K nature run through the picturesque SERC campus. Organized by SERC and South River High School.

Register to Race Here

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8:30AM

Tuesday, Mar 17

Global Trade, Ballast Water and Invasive Species On Ships

Lecture

Global Trade, Ballast Water and Invasive Species On Ships

Tuesday, March 17, 2020 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Location
Schmidt Conference Center

Speaker: Greg Ruiz, principal investigator of SERC's Marine Invasions Research Lab

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7:00PM - 8:00PM

Saturday, Mar 21

SERC Science Saturday

SERC Science Saturday

Saturday, March 21, 2020 - 9:30am - 12:00pm

Event Location
Mathias Lab on SERC campus

Join us for explorations of SERC research with our Science Saturdays. Bring the family for a day of hands-on activities alongside Smithsonian scientists

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9:30AM - 12:00PM

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Visiting Hours

Discover Smithsonian science in your backyard!

Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm.

Closed Sundays and federal holidays.

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.