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Director's Letter: SERC's 60th anniversary

"It began as a surprise bequest, when entrepreneur Robert Lee Forrest willed his abandoned dairy farm...Over the last six decades, the center has transformed into a cutting-edge research campus." (Photo: Sam Benson)
May 17: SERC River Days Festival

Join us for our second free River Days Festival, hosted with Anne Arundel County!
May 20: Dragonflies From the Arctic to the Tropics

Dragonflies and damselflies were some of the first animals to take flight, before birds or pterosaurs. Discover more about these fascinating insects with Dr. Jessica Ware, at our next free evening science webinar. (Photo: Brady Reed)
Forests With More Tree Species Grow Faster

Having a mix of tree species can help a forest grow faster—and absorb more carbon. Scientists made the discovery in SERC's BiodiversiTREE forest experiment in Maryland and its sister site in Virginia. (Photo: Mickey Pullen)
Request a Tour or Speaker

Want to hold a group tour at SERC or have a SERC speaker at your event? Our expert docents can provide tours, talks and table hosting.
School Field Trips: What To Know

Educators: Give your students an up-close encounter with Chesapeake science, with an on-site field trip! SERC offers timed entry and rotating stations. Details and schedule on our School Programs page.

What's New

Hotter Temps Trigger Wetlands To Emit More Methane As Microbes Struggle To Keep Up

Photo: SERC
Biodiverse forests grow faster – and absorb more carbon

Photo: Mickey Pullen
Three Animals Helping Us Track Ocean Plastic

Photo: Dan Vickers

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Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

Go Deeper

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

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

Upcoming Events

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Maryland Home and Garden Pilgrimage

Tour

Maryland Home and Garden Pilgrimage

Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 10:00am - 5:00pm

Event Location
Woodlawn History Center (SERC)

The Southern Anne Arundel County Tour 2025 occurs on Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., rain or shine. This special event offers access to exclusive properties open only on the day of the tour. The Woodlawn History Center at SERC is the first stop. Tickets are required.

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10:00am - 5:00pm

Saturday, May 17, 2025

SERC River Days Festival

Family Program

SERC River Days Festival

Saturday, May 17, 2025 - 11:00am - 4:00pm

Join us for a day of outdoor fun on the water and the shore, on our second River Days Festival with Anne Arundel County!

View Event Details

11:00am - 4:00pm

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Dragonflies From the Arctic to the Tropics

Talk

Dragonflies From the Arctic to the Tropics

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Speaker: Dr. Jessica Ware, American Museum of Natural History

Sign up on Zoom

View Event Details

7:00pm - 8:30pm

Visiting Hours

New hours: SERC is open for hiking and paddling Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.!

Our Woodlawn History Center is located just past the security kiosk. Find out when to visit.

Plan your visit!

60 Years of Discovery

For six decades, 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.