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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Campus & Housing Coordinator Wanted

Looking to combine your passions for hospitality and the environment? Join a supportive, sustainability-minded community as our new Campus and Housing Coordinator, and help visitors feel at home. Full time with benefits. Apply by Dec. 11.
Director's Letter: Life on a Sustainable Planet

"My hope and commitment to new solutions stem from one core truth: We are an integral part of a larger planet, with all its complexity." (Photo: Gregory Piper/Ocean Image Bank)
Woodlawn House Open for Visitors

Explore the Smithsonian's oldest building still in its original spot! A new history exhibit at SERC's Woodlawn House is open on Fri. and Sat., 10am-2pm. (Photo: Christine Dunham)
On-Site Field Trips Are Back!

Educators: On-site field trips are back, with a few updates! SERC now offers timed entry and rotating stations. Details and schedule on our School Programs page.
Join SERC for an Evening Reading of "A Christmas Carol"

The holiday season is here: Experience local actors bringing Dickens' classic prose and characters to life with a dramatic reading in the parlor of the historic Woodlawn House. Dec. 19 & 20 at 7pm.

What's New

Protecting Lands Slows Biodiversity Loss Among Vertebrates By Five Times

Photo: Justin Nowakowski
Marine Protected Areas Improve Health, Wealth of Nearby Communities

Photo: Luciano Candisani
Tree Species Diversity Increases Likelihood of Planting Success

Photo: Susan Cook-Patton

Learn More

Image Gallery

Scientists on boat with trawl net

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

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

Become an Intern or Fellow

Young woman outside on bench, holding up an oyster in each hand

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Join SERC for an Evening Reading of "A Christmas Carol"

Family Program

Join SERC for an Evening Reading of "A Christmas Carol"

Tuesday, Dec 19, 2023 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm Wednesday, Dec 20, 2023 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Event Location
Woodlawn History Center - Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Local actors Lois Evans, Eric Lund, and Mark Hildebrand bring Dickens’ classic prose and characters to life with a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol!

Registration for Join SERC for an Evening Reading of "A Christmas Carol"

View Event Details

7:00pm - 8:30pm

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Join SERC for an Evening Reading of "A Christmas Carol"

Family Program

Join SERC for an Evening Reading of "A Christmas Carol"

Tuesday, Dec 19, 2023 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm Wednesday, Dec 20, 2023 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Event Location
Woodlawn History Center - Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Local actors Lois Evans, Eric Lund, and Mark Hildebrand bring Dickens’ classic prose and characters to life with a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol!

Registration for Join SERC for an Evening Reading of "A Christmas Carol"

View Event Details

7:00pm - 8:30pm

Visiting Hours

SERC is open for hiking and paddling Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am - 5:30 pm. We are closed Sundays and federal holidays.

Our Woodlawn History Center, located just past the security kiosk, is open Fridays and Saturdays, with extended hours from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Plan your visit!

SERC 50 Anniversary Icon

50 Years of Discovery

For half a century, SERC scientists have taken on environmental issues on the Chesapeake Bay and around the world and, uncovered new ways to protect the planet. Learn more about SERC’s history and discoveries.