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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

Visitors: Our campus is open for hiking, biking and paddling Monday through Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm, with closures only on Sundays and federal holidays. All visitors should do a self-health check before arriving and bring a face covering if you need to use any indoor facilities. We also advise bringing a filled water bottle, as our Reed Education Center is temporarily out of potable water while we replace the water tanks. See our COVID-19 Visitor Guide for where to park, updated maps and hours, and other safety info.

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What's New

Oyster Restoration Proves Its Worth on Camera
Rising Seas Threaten Nearly Half of US Coastal Wetlands

Photo: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Words From Our Director: Confronting Racial Inequality

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Image Gallery

phytoplankton bloom

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

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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

Tuesday, Aug 17

Sea Turtle Rehabilitation at the National Aquarium

Lecture

Sea Turtle Rehabilitation at the National Aquarium

The Conservation Impact from Massachusetts to Florida

Tuesday, August 17, 2021 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Speaker: Jenn Dittmar, Director of Animal Rescue at the National Aquarium

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7:00PM - 8:00PM

Tuesday, Aug 31

Return to 1774: The 21st Century Restoration of the James Brice House

Lecture

Return to 1774: The 21st Century Restoration of the James Brice House

BONUS LECTURE!

Tuesday, August 31, 2021 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Speaker: Michael Day, Historic Annapolis

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View Event Details

7:00PM - 8:30PM

Visiting Hours

SERC is opening for hiking and paddling Monday through Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Closed Sundays and federal holidays.

See our COVID-19 Visitor Guide

You can also enjoy some of our virtual programs:

Virtual Field Trips

Earth Optimism webinars

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.