Explore SERC

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Our trails are open for hiking, biking and canoeing Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We're only closed Sundays and federal holidays.

Behind the Scenes >>
An inside look at our research,
education and nature preserve

Internship Applications Open
Year-Round >>
Check deadlines, read stories of former interns and learn how to apply

Photo of the Week

Red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus)
While asserting their territory, male red-eyed vireos have been known to sing as many as 10,000 songs in a single day. But that hasn't protected their nests from being infiltrated by brown-headed cowbirds, a parastic bird that lays its eggs inside the vireo's nest. Unsuspecting vireo parents raise the cowbird hatchlings as their own, often at the expense of their own young.
(Tyler Bell)

News and Research

Invaders' Away-Field Advantage

Unlike sports teams, the worst invasive species have better luck away than at home, or so many ecologists thought. John Parker's latest research throws doubt on a once-common assumption. (Photo: NPS)


Washingtonian Green Awards Honor
SERC Director

SERC director and blue crab expert Tuck Hines received one of The Washingtonian's five annual Green Awards this May. The Green Awards single out environmental innovation, including--for Dr. Hines--34 years of work saving Chesapeake Bay.


Newborn Weddell seals have most developed mammal brains

At birth baby Weddell seal brains are already 70 percent their adult size. Proportionally, that makes them the most precocious mammals recorded to date. (Regina Eisert)


Education and Events

Full Calendar of Events

Click HERE to go to our public calendar.

--Saturday, May 25, 9:00AM– 11:30AM
All Ages
"Canoe Excursion (5/25/13)"

--Wednesday, May 29, 10:00AM– 11:00AM
Parent-Child
"Puddle Stompers Pre-K Program: Croak and Hop (10-11 am)"

--Wednesday, May 29, 1:30PM– 2:30PM
Parent-Child
"Puddle Stompers Pre-K Program: Croak and Hop (1:30-2:30 pm)"

--Wednesday, June 05, 10:00AM– 11:00AM
Parent-Child
"Puddle Stompers Pre-K (Parent Child Program): Parts of a Plant"

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
P.O. Box 28 • 647 Contees Wharf Road • Edgewater, Maryland 21037-0028 • 443-482-2200
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