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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

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Photo Contest: Nature's Winter Lights

Share your winter photos and show us where YOU find light in the darkest time of year. Finalists will appear on the SERC #12NightsOfSolstice social media campaign. Submit by midnight Dec. 14!
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)
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)
Global "BiteMap" Project Tracks Fish Appetites Around World

How hungry is the sea? To find out, scientists created the first global BiteMap by planting stakes with dried squid bait called squid pops underwater. (Photo: Brigitta van Tussenbroek)

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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Ecosystems on the Edge

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Shorelines Blog

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Upcoming 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

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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.