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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Guided Canoe Trips

Search for wildlife on the Rhode River with one of our trained guides. No prior experience needed! Advance signups required. Click for dates and details.
Tsunami Enabled Hundreds of Species to Raft Across Pacific

In a new study in Science, biologists found nearly 300 species made an epic voyage across the ocean on debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami. (Photos: Nancy Treneman, John Chapman)
Apply to be a 2018 Smithsonian Postdoc

Applications are open for our 2018 postdoctoral fellows team! Take your research to new levels on our environmental campus with Smithsonian resources at your disposal. Deadline: Dec. 1, 2017.
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!
Director's Letter: The Year of Earth Optimism

"Earth Optimism does not mean the road ahead will be smooth, or that we are blind to the problems we face. It means we refuse to believe those problems are unconquerable."

Discover Smithsonian science in your backyard!
Visiting Hours:
Monday through Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Closed Sundays and federal holidays.

Featured Events

Chesapeake Bay Parasite Project

Citizen Science

Chesapeake Bay Parasite Project

Saturday, October 21, 2017 - 9:00am - 4:30pm

Event Location
SERC Dock

An introduced parasite is affecting native mud crabs in Chesapeake Bay. The parasite is now common in the Bay, but its abundance and spread vary greatly from year to year. Scientists need your help to track the parasite!

Pre-registration Required
Yes

View Event Details

Citizen Science

Sat., Oct 21 - 9:00am - 4:30pm

View calendar of events

Tsunami Enabled Hundreds of Species to Raft Across Pacific

Photo: John Chapman
Biodiversity as Powerful as Climate Change for Healthy Ecosystems

Photo: Ross Whippo/SERC
Underwater Sound Reveals Hidden Creatures

Photo: Erica Staaterman/SERC

Image Gallery

Cordgrass on marsh

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Oct 21

Chesapeake Bay Parasite Project

Citizen Science

Chesapeake Bay Parasite Project

Saturday, October 21, 2017 - 9:00am - 4:30pm

Event Location
SERC Dock

An introduced parasite is affecting native mud crabs in Chesapeake Bay. The parasite is now common in the Bay, but its abundance and spread vary greatly from year to year. Scientists need your help to track the parasite!

Pre-registration Required
Yes

View Event Details

9:00AM - 4:30PM

Saturday, Oct 28

Guided Canoe Trip

Field Trip

Guided Canoe Trip

Saturday, October 28, 2017 - 9:00am - 12:00pm

Paddle along the Rhode River while learning about the native wildlife of Chesapeake Bay! No prior experience necessary. Advanced signups required. Click for details and registration info.

Pre-registration Required
Yes

Canoe Trip Signup Form

View Event Details

9:00AM - 12:00PM

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.