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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Jan. 22: Science To Go

Build a marsh at our next Science To Go! Pick up a free science kit or build your own, and join a live webinar Jan. 22 with SERC marsh scientist Genevieve Noyce. (Photo: Heather Soulen)
Now Hiring: Public Engagement Postdoc

Join our environmental education team as a postdoctoral fellow! Work with scientists and educators, and create training workshops for K-12 educators. Open until filled. Review starts Jan. 21.
Virtual Teacher Training Feb. 5

Get free science kits for your classroom, and learn to do the activities in a live webinar with SERC scientists! Inspired by our Science To Go series. Registration closes Jan. 28.
Feb. 15: The Comeback of the Chesapeake's Underwater Grasses

In our next Earth Optimism webinar, join Jonathan Lefcheck on a tour of the Bay's seagrasses. Discover what's behind their comeback and the new life returning with them. (Photo: NOAA)
Plastic Pollution Is Creating New Communities in Open Ocean

Coastal creatures have found a new way to survive on the high seas: Colonizing plastic pollution in the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch." (Photo: Ocean Voyages Institute)
Interactive Virtual Field Trips

SERC's 1-hour virtual field trips will bring SERC science into your classroom or home. Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am-3pm. (Photo courtesy of Samina Soin-Voshell)

What's New

Digging for Blue Carbon in the Mangroves of Belize

Photo: Jonathan Lefcheck/SERC
Ocean Plastic Is Creating New Communities of Life on the High Seas

Credit: Ocean Voyages Institute 2020 Gyre Expedition
Words From Our Director: Confronting Racial Inequality

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Phragmites australis

Ecosystems on the Edge

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Shorelines Blog

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

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, Feb 5

Virtual Educator Training: Science To Go

Virtual Educator Training: Science To Go

Saturday, February 5, 2022 - 10:00am - 3:00pm

Bring the magic of Science To Go into your clasroom, with two virtual professional development events for educators!

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10:00AM - 3:00PM

Tuesday, Feb 15

The Green In The Blue: The Comeback Of The Chesapeake’s Underwater Grasses And What It Means For The Bay

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The Green In The Blue: The Comeback Of The Chesapeake’s Underwater Grasses And What It Means For The Bay

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Speaker: Dr. Jonathan Lefcheck, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center/Marine Global Earth Observatory

Sign Up Online

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7:00PM - 8:00PM

Tuesday, Mar 15

Spring Spectacles: When & Where to Find Jaw-Dropping Birds, Blooms & Beasts in the Mid-Atlantic

Lecture

Spring Spectacles: When & Where to Find Jaw-Dropping Birds, Blooms & Beasts in the Mid-Atlantic

Tuesday, March 15, 2022 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Speaker: Barbara Saffir; nature photographer, author and Virginia Master Naturalist

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7:00PM - 8:00PM

Visiting Hours

SERC is opening for hiking and paddling Monday through Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm. 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

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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.