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

Spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari)
Spotted eagle rays can grow up to 8 feet long not including their tails--and twice that long including them. Though generally shy around humans, their venomous tail spines can cause serious wounds.
(Sam Benson)

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.

--Wednesday, June 19, 7:00PM– 8:00PM
Evening Lecture
"Evening Lecture Series: Finding the Giant Squid"

--Wednesday, July 03, 10:00AM– 11:00AM
Parent-Child
"Puddle Stompers Pre-K (Parent Child Program): States of Matter"

--Wednesday, July 03, 1:30PM– 2:30PM
Parent-Child
"Puddle Stompers Pre-K (Parent Child Program): States of Matter"

--Saturday, July 06, 9:00AM– 11:30AM
All Ages
"Canoe Excursion (7/6/13)"

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