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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Wanted: Summer Interns

We're recruiting for our 2020 summer intern team! Get hands-on, paid experience in research, environmental education, science writing and citizen science. Apply by Feb. 15.
8 Ways To Save the Ocean's Oxygen

The ocean is losing its breath. A new IUCN report, co-authored by SERC marine ecologist Denise Breitburg, reveals some powerful ways to resuscitate it. (Photo: Emma Hickerson/NOAA)
Earth Optimism Lectures Start Jan. 21

Free monthly lectures return! We're celebrating Earth Day's 50th anniversary with a new Earth Optimism-inspired series. Lectures start Tue., Jan. 21 at 7pm. (Photo: Nicole Campbell)
Q&A: How Do Parents Help Their Offspring Adapt Before Birth?

Postdoc Sarah Donelan shows how parents give offspring clues about the world before they enter it, and how today's rapid change could be throwing parents off. (Photo: Patricia Donelan)
Director's Letter: Surprising Side Effects of Being Human

"As scientists, we're constantly surprised. Research has a way of revealing hidden connections or unexpected consequences we never imagined until we took a closer look."
Global Warming Gives Plants A Nitrogen Boost

What's the perfect temperature to bake your soil? Postdoc Genevieve Noyce found out in a futuristic global warming experiment. (Photo: Sairah Malkin/Horn Point Laboratory)

What's New

8 Ways To Save The Ocean's Oxygen

Photo: Emma Hickerson/NOAA
Female Blue Crabs Risk Sperm Shortage in Bay
Global Warming Gives Plants A Nitrogen Boost

Photo: Sairah Malkin/Horn Point Lab

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Image Gallery

Scientists on boat with trawl net

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

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Young woman outside on bench, holding up an oyster in each hand

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, Feb 18

City Stream, Country Stream: Getting A Clearer Picture Of Stream Restorations

Lecture

City Stream, Country Stream: Getting A Clearer Picture Of Stream Restorations

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Location
Schmidt Conference Center

Speaker: Tom Jordan, principal investigator of SERC's Nutrient Cycles Lab

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7:00PM - 8:00PM

Tuesday, Mar 17

Global Trade, Ballast Water and Invasive Species On Ships

Lecture

Global Trade, Ballast Water and Invasive Species On Ships

Tuesday, March 17, 2020 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Location
Schmidt Conference Center

Speaker: Greg Ruiz, principal investigator of SERC's Marine Invasions Research Lab

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7:00PM - 8:00PM

Saturday, Mar 21

SERC Science Saturday

SERC Science Saturday

Saturday, March 21, 2020 - 9:30am - 12:00pm

Event Location
Mathias Lab on SERC campus

Join us for explorations of SERC research with our Science Saturdays. Bring the family for a day of hands-on activities alongside Smithsonian scientists

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9:30AM - 12:00PM

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Visiting Hours

SERC's campus and trails will be closed to the public the following Saturdays for winter forest management: Jan. 11, 18 and 25.

Discover Smithsonian science in your backyard!

Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm.

Closed Sundays and federal holidays.

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.