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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

Visitors: SERC's outdoor trails are open from 8am-5:30pm Monday through Saturday, with closures only on Sundays and federal holidays. Visitors no longer need to wear face coverings to use the restrooms in our Reed Education Center. All visitors should do a self-health check before arriving, and stay home if feeling sick. 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

For Wetland Plants, Sea-Level Rise Stamps Out Benefits of Higher CO2

Photo: Tom Mozdzer
Tropical Trees Are Dying of Dehydration Due to Climate Change

Photo: Alexander Schenkin
Words From Our Director: Confronting Racial Inequality

Photo: Kristen Goodhue

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Image Gallery

Bert Drake by GCREW chamber

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, Jun 21

Advancing Equity in Urban Greenspace

Lecture

Advancing Equity in Urban Greenspace

Tuesday, June 21, 2022 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Speaker: Atiya Wells, Founder and Executive Director of Backyard Basecamp

Sign up online

View Event Details

7:00PM - 8:30PM

Visiting Hours

SERC is opening for hiking and paddling Monday through Saturday, 8:00am-5:30pm. 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.