Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future

Visitors: 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. We also advise bringing a filled water bottle, as our Reed Education Center is temporarily out of potable water while we replace the water tanks. See our COVID-19 Visitor Guide for where to park, updated maps and hours, and other safety info.

Staff Profile

Gary Peresta

Environmental Engineer

Research Labs

Biogeochemistry

perestag@si.edu

Phone

410-736-8121

Biography

Gary has been working in global change/CO₂ effects on the environment since 1985. Trained as an Ag Engineer, he worked with Peace Corp Jamaica and the USDA before coming to SERC in 1990, when he joined the CO₂ group under plant physiologist Bert Drake. He has been working with the Biogeochemistry Lab continuing research on the effects of global change on the marsh ecosystem. He also does regular station manager stints at the Smithsonian lab in Belize. He plays bass and other instruments in many musical projects. He enjoys travel, especially when it can be combined with music and/or science!