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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Beyond Pandas: The Wildlife of Southwest China

Join wildlife ecologist Bill McShea Jan. 19 at 7pm ET, for our first free virtual lecture of 2021! (Photo: Black Crested Gibbon by Joel Carnat)
2021 Summer Internships

We're recruiting for our 2021 summer intern team! Paid opportunities to do science, education and outreach virtually. Apply by Feb. 15. (Photo: Amy Hruska/SERC)
Interactive Virtual Field Trips

SERC's 1-hour virtual field trips will bring SERC science into your classroom or home. Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am-3pm. (Photo courtesy of Samina Soin-Voshell)
Seagrass Restoration Brings New Life to Virginia Bays

Thanks to scientists and volunteers, seagrass is flourishing in small Virginia bays where experts once thought it had vanished for good. And a host of environmental benefits returned with it.
Tagging Endangered Dusky Sharks

In a new study, SERC biologists tagged dusky sharks to track their journeys and discovered they are taking advantage of a natural refuge off the North Carolina coast. (Photo: Danielle Hall)

What's New

Sharks Tags Reveal Endangered Species Returning To Natural Refuge

Photo: Danielle Hall/Smithsonian Ocean Portal
Carbon Sensors in the Time of Coronavirus

Photo: Megan Wilkerson
Words From Our Director: Confronting Racial Inequality

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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, Jan 19

Evening Webinar - Beyond Pandas: The Wildlife of Southwest China

Lecture

Evening Webinar - Beyond Pandas: The Wildlife of Southwest China

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Location
Online - Zoom

Speaker: Bill McShea, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

Sign up to watch

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7:00PM - 8:00PM

Tuesday, Feb 16

Things You "Otter" Know

Lecture

Things You "Otter" Know

Tuesday, February 16, 2021 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Location
Online - Zoom

Speaker: Karen McDonald, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

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6:00PM - 8:00PM

Tuesday, Feb 23

Game Camera Workshop: How to Track Wildlife in Your Own Backyard

Game Camera Workshop: How to Track Wildlife in Your Own Backyard

Tuesday, February 23, 2021 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Event Location
Online

Learn how to set up and use game cameras to film wildlife around your home, with SERC educational specialist Karen McDonald!

View Event Details

5:30PM - 7:30PM

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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

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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.