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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Eelgrass Wasting Disease Has New Enemies: Drones & AI

Armed with a $1.3 million grant, researchers are launching a new project to take on eelgrass wasting disease from San Diego to Alaska. (Photo: Olivia Graham/Cornell)
Free Monthly Lectures: Bay Optimism

Get inspired by true stories of Bay Optimism, with free evening lectures every third Tuesday of the month at 7pm, March-October. (Photo: Chuck Gallegos and LightHawk)
Now Hiring: 2019 Postdocs

We're recruiting our 2019 team of postdoctoral fellows! Must have: a PhD, knowledge of the environment and a sense of adventure. Full stipend and benefits included. Apply by Nov. 1, 2018.
Following The Migrations of Cownose Rays

Every summer, cownose rays stream into the Chesapeake, but no one knew exactly where they spent winter. After a three-year tagging study, biologists finally have the answer.
Monthly Family Canoe Days

Search for wildlife while paddling on the Rhode River with one of our docents! Guided canoe trips run one Saturday per month, now through October. Click slide for dates & sign up info.
Director's Letter: When Global Science Becomes Local

"SERC scientists work all over the globe, and many of their discoveries abroad can help us better understand and protect the Chesapeake." (Photo: Glenn McKinlay)
Wanted: Chinese Mitten Crabs

SERC biologists are asking boaters everywhere to keep their eyes peeled for an invasive species: the elusive Chinese mitten crab.
Making Sense of Climate Change

Get the truth on the science and history of climate change, in this 6-part lecture series hosted by SERC plant ecologist Bert Drake. Watch all six episodes online!

Discover Smithsonian science in your backyard!
Visiting Hours:
Monday through Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Closed Sundays and federal holidays.

Featured Events

Fall Fest

Fall Fest

Saturday, October 27, 2018 - 10:00am - 1:00pm

Event Location
Mathias Lab Gardens

Join us in celebrating the change of seasons! Enjoy family-friendly, fall inspired activities! Take tree measurements, meet Pepper the robot, age deer jaws and more! Hayrides will be offered throughout the event!

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

Sat., Oct 27 - 10:00am - 1:00pm

View calendar of events

Image Gallery

Intern holding catfish

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, Oct 16

Keynote Robert Lee Forrest Lecture: SERC Science Changing the Chesapeake and the World

Lecture

Keynote Robert Lee Forrest Lecture: SERC Science Changing the Chesapeake and the World

Tuesday, October 16, 2018 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Location
Charles McC. Mathias Laboratory

Speaker: Anson "Tuck" Hines, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center director

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

7:00PM - 8:00PM

Saturday, Oct 27

Fall Fest

Fall Fest

Saturday, October 27, 2018 - 10:00am - 1:00pm

Event Location
Mathias Lab Gardens

Join us in celebrating the change of seasons! Enjoy family-friendly, fall inspired activities! Take tree measurements, meet Pepper the robot, age deer jaws and more! Hayrides will be offered throughout the event!

Pre-registration Required
No

View Event Details

10:00AM - 1:00PM

SERC 50 Anniversary Icon

50 Years of Discovery

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