Event Calendar

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June 2023

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Learn to Lead Environmental Education Programs with the Smithsonian!

Learn to Lead Environmental Education Programs with the Smithsonian!

Take part in a fun and rewarding experience

Thursday, Jun 1, 2023 - 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Event Location
Reed Education Center
Advance Registration Required
Yes

Event Details

SERC's Education Department is currently accepting volunteers on a rolling basis through Summer.

A teal-colored flyer with the following text: Join Our Community as an Education Volunteer! Become a volunteer, spend time outside, and teach students and people of all ages about Smithsonian science and nature. Looking for leaders and helpers in: - Conducting programs (school groups and public) - Animal and tank care; Requires a commitment of one year or more, volunteering weekly or bi-weekly *Must be 18 years of age or older. Ongoing professional development and training opportunities; Field trips, socials, and behind the scenes events. No experience necessary. June 1st: Join us at SERC's Reed Education Center, so we can get to know you and you can learn more about us! 9 - 10am: SERC Intro and Coffee Bring a mug for coffee and we will have a conversation about SERC, our research, and our Education program. 10 - 11am: Education Tour and Program Demo; Space is limited! Pre-register by emailing Karen McDonald at McDonaldK@si.edu

Would you like to work with school-aged students? Have you always wanted to learn how to teach outdoors and lead programs? We're looking for volunteers to help us lead and assist with educational programs (K-12) and volunteers to help with the care and maintenance of our aquaria and turtles.

We're currently accepting volunteers on a rolling basis through Summer. Join us at our Volunteer Open House on June 1st from 9:00 am - 11:00 am at the Reed Education Center, and learn about volunteering with SERC's Education Department! If you are interested, please contact Karen McDonald (McDonaldK@si.edu) to reserve your spot.

No experience is required. Just bring your passion for the Bay and working with students and we'll train you on the rest. We ask for a minimum of one year and volunteering weekly or bi-weekly. We'll have ongoing training, field trips, and other activities. You must be 18 years of age or older and have your own transportation. Most opportunities are on weekdays, but we will begin weekend programs this Summer if you are interested.

3 SERC volunteers are standing around a rectangular white table with lots of oysters piled on 2 square trays. 2 of the volunteers are standing behind the table, holding a large poster with various images of oysters on it. They appear to be talking about the images. The third volunteer is standing in front of the table, looking at the poster. They are on the dock and in the background, you can partially see the water.
2 SERC volunteers are wearing waders and are in the water, close to the shore. They are each holding one end of a seine net that is partially in the water. There is a third volunteer, wearing waders, several feet away from the first 2 volunteers, and in a deeper part of the water. This volunteer is also carrying a seine net, pulling it from one end through the water and walking toward the shore.
9:00 am - 11:00 am
 
 
 
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Breeding the Unbreedable: Assisted Reproduction in the Cheetah

Breeding the Unbreedable: Assisted Reproduction in the Cheetah

Tuesday, Jun 20, 2023 - 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Advance Registration Required
Yes

Event Details

A female cheetah, named Amani, rests in the middle of her two cubs, on the grass. The 3 of them are facing the camera. The cub on the left is resting, while the cub on the right is sitting upright.
Cheetah mom, Amani, with her two cubs (Credit: Adrienne Crosier)

The fastest land animal is quickly running out of time.  As cheetah populations in the wild continue to decline, our zoo populations are becoming even more critical to the future of the species. In our June Earth Optimism webinar, learn about the difficulties of managing and reproducing these cats with Dr. Adrienne Crosier, a cheetah biologist with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Adrienne will also offer an inside look at some of the cutting-edge techniques scientists are using to improve genetics and cheetah cub reproduction in zoo facilities.

This webinar will be recorded! Closed captioning will be available on both the live event and on the recording. By signing up on Zoom, you’ll be able to join live and receive a link to the recording approximately one week after it airs.

Sign up on Zoom to watch live or on demand

View more past and upcoming Earth Optimism webinars

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
 
Educators Program: Interpretation Techniques and Working with Groups

Educators Program: Interpretation Techniques and Working with Groups

Biophobia and addressing fears on trips and in the field

Wednesday, Jun 21, 2023 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Event Location
Reed Education Center
Advance Registration Required
Yes

Event Details

Dates: June 21st, July 12th, August 2nd

Times: 9 am-12:30 pm

Ages: 18+

Description: Each month outdoor educators, both formal and informal, are invited to join us for a workshop series related to interpretation techniques and working with groups. Free, but you must register. Limited to 25 participants. 

Cost: Free

To Register: Email SERCOutreach@si.edu 

  • June 21- Biophobia and addressing fears on trips and in the field: We’ll explore what biophobia is, where it comes from, and how to address it when guiding outdoor programs
  • July 12th- Group management techniques: We’ll look at how to adapt programs for different age groups, audiences, and learners. 
  • August 2nd- Tools and equipment to enhance engagement on trips: Learn technology and simple tools that can enhance your outdoor programs.
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
 
 
 
SERC Public Tour: Saturday, June 24th

SERC Public Tour: Saturday, June 24th

Saturday, Jun 24, 2023 - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Event Location
Reed Education Center
Advance Registration Required
Yes

Event Details

Experience an insider's view of SERC on a free outdoor hiking tour led by our volunteer docents. You'll walk along the waterfront, cross marsh boardwalks and hike on paths through the forest, while learning about SERC’s cutting-edge research projects on climate change and other issues where the land meets the sea.

Tours are limited to 10 people and require advance signup with dates announced ahead of time. If you have questions or comments, or if the tour you wish to attend is full and you would like to be added to a waitlist, please send us a message at SERCPublictours@si.edu.  Please note, if a tour has two or fewer registrations, it may be subject to cancelation. We will let registrants know at least 24 hours in advance. Additionally, we reserve the right to cancel due to inclement weather or other safety concerns.

PLEASE NOTE: Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and involve about one (1) mile of walking, starting at the Reed Education Center (directions). These tours are adult-oriented and will include walks on uneven and unpaved, gravely forest paths and wooden marsh walkways with some inclines. Proper footwear is required (no flip flops). Closed toed, secure shoes are strongly encouraged.

If you have questions or comments, please send us a message at SERCPublictours@si.edu.

Interested in becoming a SERC docent? Learn how to get involved!

Know before you go!

  • Your tour will take you on uneven forest paths and marsh walkways. As such, we recommend wearing closed toed shoes, and bringing water, bug spray and sunscreen.
  • SERC loves animals, but because we're an active research facility, we sadly cannot accommodate pets on tours! Please leave all pets at home except service animals.
  • By signing up for this tour, you consent to having your photograph taken and your name and image used by the Smithsonian for outreach and other standard museum purposes. Read our full photo release form. Prefer not to have your photo taken? Let us know at SERCPublicTours@si.edu 24 hours before your tour, or simply tell your tour guide at the event.

Register

Registration Form
The number of spaces you wish to reserve. 3 spaces remaining.
The email to associate with this registration.
10:00 am - 11:30 am
 
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SERC Public Tour: Wednesday, June 28th

SERC Public Tour: Wednesday, June 28th

Wednesday, Jun 28, 2023 - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Event Location
Reed Education Center
Advance Registration Required
Yes

Event Details

Experience an insider's view of SERC on a free outdoor hiking tour led by our volunteer docents. You'll walk along the waterfront, cross marsh boardwalks and hike on paths through the forest, while learning about SERC’s cutting-edge research projects on climate change and other issues where the land meets the sea.

Tours are limited to 10 people and require advance signup with dates announced ahead of time. If you have questions or comments, or if the tour you wish to attend is full and you would like to be added to a waitlist, please send us a message at SERCPublictours@si.edu.  Please note, if a tour has two or fewer registrations, it may be subject to cancellation. We will let registrants know at least 24 hours in advance. Additionally, we reserve the right to cancel due to inclement weather or other safety concerns.

PLEASE NOTE: Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and involve about one (1) mile of walking, starting at the Reed Education Center (directions). These tours are adult-oriented and will include walks on uneven and unpaved, gravely forest paths and wooden marsh walkways with some inclines. Proper footwear is required (no flip flops). Closed toed, secure shoes are strongly encouraged.

If you have questions or comments, please send us a message at SERCPublictours@si.edu.

Interested in becoming a SERC docent? Learn how to get involved!

Know before you go!

  • Your tour will take you on uneven forest paths and marsh walkways. As such, we recommend wearing closed toed shoes, and bringing water, bug spray and sunscreen.
  • SERC loves animals, but because we're an active research facility, we sadly cannot accommodate pets on tours! Please leave all pets at home except service animals.
  • By signing up for this tour, you consent to having your photograph taken and your name and image used by the Smithsonian for outreach and other standard museum purposes. Read our full photo release form. Prefer not to have your photo taken? Let us know at SERCPublicTours@si.edu 24 hours before your tour, or simply tell your tour guide at the event.

Register

Registration Form
The number of spaces you wish to reserve. 6 spaces remaining.
The email to associate with this registration.
10:00 am - 11:30 am
 
 
 
 

Jun 20, 2023

  • Breeding the Unbreedable: Assisted Reproduction in the Cheetah

    Breeding the Unbreedable: Assisted Reproduction in the Cheetah

    Tuesday, Jun 20, 2023 - 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
    Advance Registration Required
    Yes

    Event Details

    A female cheetah, named Amani, rests in the middle of her two cubs, on the grass. The 3 of them are facing the camera. The cub on the left is resting, while the cub on the right is sitting upright.
    Cheetah mom, Amani, with her two cubs (Credit: Adrienne Crosier)

    The fastest land animal is quickly running out of time.  As cheetah populations in the wild continue to decline, our zoo populations are becoming even more critical to the future of the species. In our June Earth Optimism webinar, learn about the difficulties of managing and reproducing these cats with Dr. Adrienne Crosier, a cheetah biologist with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Adrienne will also offer an inside look at some of the cutting-edge techniques scientists are using to improve genetics and cheetah cub reproduction in zoo facilities.

    This webinar will be recorded! Closed captioning will be available on both the live event and on the recording. By signing up on Zoom, you’ll be able to join live and receive a link to the recording approximately one week after it airs.

    Sign up on Zoom to watch live or on demand

    View more past and upcoming Earth Optimism webinars

    7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Jun 21, 2023

  • Educators Program: Interpretation Techniques and Working with Groups

    Educators Program: Interpretation Techniques and Working with Groups

    Biophobia and addressing fears on trips and in the field

    Wednesday, Jun 21, 2023 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    Event Location
    Reed Education Center
    Advance Registration Required
    Yes

    Event Details

    Dates: June 21st, July 12th, August 2nd

    Times: 9 am-12:30 pm

    Ages: 18+

    Description: Each month outdoor educators, both formal and informal, are invited to join us for a workshop series related to interpretation techniques and working with groups. Free, but you must register. Limited to 25 participants. 

    Cost: Free

    To Register: Email SERCOutreach@si.edu 

    • June 21- Biophobia and addressing fears on trips and in the field: We’ll explore what biophobia is, where it comes from, and how to address it when guiding outdoor programs
    • July 12th- Group management techniques: We’ll look at how to adapt programs for different age groups, audiences, and learners. 
    • August 2nd- Tools and equipment to enhance engagement on trips: Learn technology and simple tools that can enhance your outdoor programs.
    9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Jun 24, 2023

  • SERC Public Tour: Saturday, June 24th

    SERC Public Tour: Saturday, June 24th

    Saturday, Jun 24, 2023 - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
    Event Location
    Reed Education Center
    Advance Registration Required
    Yes

    Event Details

    Experience an insider's view of SERC on a free outdoor hiking tour led by our volunteer docents. You'll walk along the waterfront, cross marsh boardwalks and hike on paths through the forest, while learning about SERC’s cutting-edge research projects on climate change and other issues where the land meets the sea.

    Tours are limited to 10 people and require advance signup with dates announced ahead of time. If you have questions or comments, or if the tour you wish to attend is full and you would like to be added to a waitlist, please send us a message at SERCPublictours@si.edu.  Please note, if a tour has two or fewer registrations, it may be subject to cancelation. We will let registrants know at least 24 hours in advance. Additionally, we reserve the right to cancel due to inclement weather or other safety concerns.

    PLEASE NOTE: Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and involve about one (1) mile of walking, starting at the Reed Education Center (directions). These tours are adult-oriented and will include walks on uneven and unpaved, gravely forest paths and wooden marsh walkways with some inclines. Proper footwear is required (no flip flops). Closed toed, secure shoes are strongly encouraged.

    If you have questions or comments, please send us a message at SERCPublictours@si.edu.

    Interested in becoming a SERC docent? Learn how to get involved!

    Know before you go!

    • Your tour will take you on uneven forest paths and marsh walkways. As such, we recommend wearing closed toed shoes, and bringing water, bug spray and sunscreen.
    • SERC loves animals, but because we're an active research facility, we sadly cannot accommodate pets on tours! Please leave all pets at home except service animals.
    • By signing up for this tour, you consent to having your photograph taken and your name and image used by the Smithsonian for outreach and other standard museum purposes. Read our full photo release form. Prefer not to have your photo taken? Let us know at SERCPublicTours@si.edu 24 hours before your tour, or simply tell your tour guide at the event.

    Register

    Registration Form
    The number of spaces you wish to reserve. 3 spaces remaining.
    The email to associate with this registration.
    10:00 am - 11:30 am

Jun 28, 2023

  • SERC Public Tour: Wednesday, June 28th

    SERC Public Tour: Wednesday, June 28th

    Wednesday, Jun 28, 2023 - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
    Event Location
    Reed Education Center
    Advance Registration Required
    Yes

    Event Details

    Experience an insider's view of SERC on a free outdoor hiking tour led by our volunteer docents. You'll walk along the waterfront, cross marsh boardwalks and hike on paths through the forest, while learning about SERC’s cutting-edge research projects on climate change and other issues where the land meets the sea.

    Tours are limited to 10 people and require advance signup with dates announced ahead of time. If you have questions or comments, or if the tour you wish to attend is full and you would like to be added to a waitlist, please send us a message at SERCPublictours@si.edu.  Please note, if a tour has two or fewer registrations, it may be subject to cancellation. We will let registrants know at least 24 hours in advance. Additionally, we reserve the right to cancel due to inclement weather or other safety concerns.

    PLEASE NOTE: Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and involve about one (1) mile of walking, starting at the Reed Education Center (directions). These tours are adult-oriented and will include walks on uneven and unpaved, gravely forest paths and wooden marsh walkways with some inclines. Proper footwear is required (no flip flops). Closed toed, secure shoes are strongly encouraged.

    If you have questions or comments, please send us a message at SERCPublictours@si.edu.

    Interested in becoming a SERC docent? Learn how to get involved!

    Know before you go!

    • Your tour will take you on uneven forest paths and marsh walkways. As such, we recommend wearing closed toed shoes, and bringing water, bug spray and sunscreen.
    • SERC loves animals, but because we're an active research facility, we sadly cannot accommodate pets on tours! Please leave all pets at home except service animals.
    • By signing up for this tour, you consent to having your photograph taken and your name and image used by the Smithsonian for outreach and other standard museum purposes. Read our full photo release form. Prefer not to have your photo taken? Let us know at SERCPublicTours@si.edu 24 hours before your tour, or simply tell your tour guide at the event.

    Register

    Registration Form
    The number of spaces you wish to reserve. 6 spaces remaining.
    The email to associate with this registration.
    10:00 am - 11:30 am