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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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. See our COVID-19 Visitor Guide for where to park, updated maps and hours, and other safety info. Visitors: There is currently no drinkable water at our Reed Education Center while we test our well system, so we encourage bringing your own water to stay hydrated!

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Male, Female Cownose Rays Follow Different Migration Cues

Photo: Laura Patrick/SERC
Oyster Restoration Proves Its Worth on Camera
Words From Our Director: Confronting Racial Inequality

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black mangrove flowers

Ecosystems on the Edge

seagrass

Shorelines Blog

crane

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

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Oct 16

Public Canoe Trips

Public Canoe Trips

Saturday, September 18, 2021 - 8:00am - 12:00pm

Join staff from SERC for either a 2.5 or 4 hour, socially distanced, canoe trip. Sign up by emailing (SERCOutreach@si.edu).

View Event Details

8:00AM - 12:00PM
SERC Public Walking Tour: Saturday, October 16th

SERC Public Walking Tour: Saturday, October 16th

Saturday, October 16, 2021 - 10:00am - 11:30am

Event Location
Reed Education Center

Experience an insider's view of SERC on one of our free public tours. Learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air.

View Event Details

10:00AM - 11:30AM
Public Canoe Trips

Public Canoe Trips

Saturday, September 18, 2021 - 8:00am - 12:00pm

Join staff from SERC for either a 2.5 or 4 hour, socially distanced, canoe trip. Sign up by emailing (SERCOutreach@si.edu).

View Event Details

8:00AM - 12:00PM

View calendar of events

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.