Skip to main content

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

Home

BiodiversiTREE: 20,000-Tree Forest Restoration Turns 10

Forest restorations with diverse tree species have a better shot at success. New study from BiodiversiTREE, SERC's massive reforestration experiment that has been growing for 10 years. (Photo: Susan Cook-Patton)
Earth Optimism Webinar June 20: Breeding The Unbreedable

The fastest land animal is running out of time. Learn about the obstacles and victories of cheetah reproduction, with National Zoo cheetah biologist Adrienne Crosier. (Photo: Adrienne Crosier)
Surviving and Thriving on Floating Plastic

SERC scientists studied the diverse coastal organisms living on plastic in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG) and their published findings have everyone talking! (Photo: The Ocean Cleanup)
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.

What's New

Tree Species Diversity Increases Likelihood of Planting Success

Photo: Susan Cook-Patton
Moving Out: Coastal Species Find New Homes on Plastic in Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Photo: The Ocean Cleanup
Microbial Mystery: Why Do Some Bacteria Make Environmental Mercury Even More Toxic?

Photo: Cynthia Gilmour/SERC

Learn More

Image Gallery

phytoplankton bloom

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

Go Deeper

Subscribe

Cover of On The Edge Newsletter

Volunteer

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, Jun 20

Breeding the Unbreedable: Assisted Reproduction in the Cheetah

Lecture

Breeding the Unbreedable: Assisted Reproduction in the Cheetah

Tuesday, Jun 20, 2023 - 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Speaker: Dr. Adrienne Crosier, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Sign up on Zoom

View Event Details

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Wednesday, Jun 21

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

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

Times: 9 am-12:30 pm

Ages: 18+

Cost: Free

To Register: Email SERCOutreach@si.edu

Registration for Educators Program: Interpretation Techniques and Working with Groups

View Event Details

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Saturday, Jun 24

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

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.

View Event Details

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Wednesday, Jun 28

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

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.

View Event Details

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Saturday, Jul 1

Explore the Smithsonian by Canoe (ages 8+)

Field Trip

Explore the Smithsonian by Canoe (ages 8+)

Saturday, Jul 1, 2023 - 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Date: July 1st & 8th, August 12th & 26th

Times: 9 am-11:30 am

Ages: 8 to Adult

Registration for Explore the Smithsonian by Canoe (ages 8+)

View Event Details

9:00 am - 11:30 am

View calendar of events

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.