Experience an insider's view of SERC on one of our free public tours. Learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. During your tour, you'll walk across the marsh boardwalk and visit the beaver pond and weir, where scientists monitor stream pollution. You'll also go inside the Mathias Lab, the Smithsonian's first building to earn LEED-Platinum, the highest sustainability ranking given by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Tours are adult-oriented and will include walks on forest paths and marsh walkways. Tours may not be suitable for children under 12. Proper footwear is required (no flip-flops). Regrettably, our vans are not suitable for individuals with mobility issues.

SERC loves animals, but because we're an active research facility, we can't accommodate pets on tours. Please leave all pets at home except service animals.

All tours are approximately two hours long and start at the Reed Education Center (directions). Tours are limited to 10 people and require advance signup. Larger groups, please contact Sarah Wade at WadeS@si.edu to arrange a group tour. If you have questions or comments, or if the tour you wish to attend is at capacity and you would like to be added to a waitlist, send us a message at SERCPublictours@si.edu. 

Bring the family for a paddle on the Rhode River at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. We’ll look for wildlife, talk about research, and enjoy time outside on the Bay. Bring a picnic lunch and eat before or after the paddle at our picnic area. Instructors will provide basic paddling instruction, life jackets, and canoes. We'll look for eagles, otters, muskrats, herons, and more. Children must be 6 years or older, and anyone 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

There are two trips each day: 
9 am-11:30 am & 1 pm -3:30 pm

May 18^th 
June 22^nd 
July 20th - CANCELED DUE TO HEAT ADVISORY
August 24^th
October 19^th
November 2^nd

Cost is $20 for ages 13-Adult and $18 for ages 12 and younger.

Registration Drop In, and first come, first served. 

Cash or check only.

QUESTIONS? Call (443) 482.2216.  SERC also offers group trips. If you’re interested in a canoe trip for your group or organization then please call the number listed as well.

Bring the family for a paddle on the Rhode River at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. We’ll look for wildlife, talk about research, and enjoy time outside on the Bay. Bring a picnic lunch and eat before or after the paddle at our picnic area. Instructors will provide basic paddling instruction, life jackets, and canoes. We'll look for eagles, otters, muskrats, herons, and more. Children must be 6 years or older, and anyone 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

There are two trips each day: 
9 am-11:30 am & 1 pm -3:30 pm

May 18^th 
June 22^nd 
July 20th - CANCELED DUE TO HEAT ADVISORY
August 24^th
October 19^th
November 2^nd

Cost is $20 for ages 13-Adult and $18 for ages 12 and younger.

Registration Drop In, and first come, first served. 

Cash or check only.

QUESTIONS? Call (443) 482.2216.  SERC also offers group trips. If you’re interested in a canoe trip for your group or organization then please call the number listed as well.