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Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

The Reed Education Center and surrounding trailheads are closed to the public until early April 2023 for maintenance. Our trails are open but only accessible from the trailhead near the main campus. Parking is available in the gravel lot on the main campus. Read Plan Your Visit for information on where to park, updated maps and hours, safety, and more.

The Woodlawn History Center is open Fri. & Sat. with extended hours from 10am-2pm!

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What's New

Creating a “Living Seawall” in San Francisco Bay

Photo: Corryn Knapp/SERC
GalNEMO Database Tracks Non-Native Species in the Galápagos

Photo: Inti Keith/Charles Darwin Foundation
Smithsonian and Chesapeake Bay Foundation Announce New Oyster Restoration Partnership

Photo: Sarah Wade/SERC

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White flowers of downy rattlesnake plantain orchid

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, Feb 21

Saving the Darkness: How To Put A Dimmer on Light Pollution and Bring Back the Night Sky

Lecture

Saving the Darkness: How To Put A Dimmer on Light Pollution and Bring Back the Night Sky

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Speaker: Dr. Kelsey Johnson, University of Virginia

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7:00PM - 8:30PM

Tuesday, Mar 21

Growing Climate-Resilient Gardens in the City

Lecture

Growing Climate-Resilient Gardens in the City

Tuesday, March 21, 2023 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Speaker: Holly Gallagher, National Wildlife Federatoin

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7:00PM - 8:30PM

Visiting Hours

SERC is open for hiking and paddling Monday through Saturday, 8:00am-5:30pm. We are closed Sundays and federal holidays.

Our Woodlawn History Center, located just past the security kiosk, is open Fridays and Saturdays, with extended hours from 10:00am-2:00pm.

Plan your visit!

SERC 50 Anniversary Icon

50 Years of Discovery

For half a century, SERC scientists have taken on environmental issues on the Chesapeake Bay and around the world and, uncovered new ways to protect the planet. Learn more about SERC’s history and discoveries.