Events List Navigation
June 2019
Natural Solutions to Climate Change
A Smithsonian Environmental Research Center monthly evening lecture. Some of the most powerful solutions to climate change are right at our fingertips. Changing how we manage our land—through methods like sustainable farming, reforestation and restoring wetlands—could save up to a fifth of U.S. carbon emissions each year. That’s more powerful than taking every car in the U.S. off the road. Speakers: Susan Cook-Patton (The Nature Conservancy) and Ariana Sutton-Grier (University of Maryland), two scientists who helped highlight 21 “natural climate solutions”…
Find out more »SERC Public Tour
Experience an insider's view of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. During your tour, you'll walk across the marsh boardwalk and visit the beaver pond and weir, where scientists monitor stream pollution. You'll also go inside the Mathias Lab, the Smithsonian's first building to earn LEED-Platinum, the highest sustainability ranking given by the U.S. Green Building Council. Tours…
Find out more »SERC Science Saturday
Learn about marine biodiversity with marine biologists and learn about SERC research. Bring the family for a day of hands-on activities alongside Smithsonian scientists. No preregistration required. No food will be available for purchase, but you are welcome to bring your own lunch or snacks. Free. Information
Find out more »SERC Public Tour
Experience an insider's view of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. During your tour, you'll walk across the marsh boardwalk and visit the beaver pond and weir, where scientists monitor stream pollution. You'll also go inside the Mathias Lab, the Smithsonian's first building to earn LEED-Platinum, the highest sustainability ranking given by the U.S. Green Building Council. Tours…
Find out more »July 2019
CLIMATE CHANGE & OUR FOOD SUPPLY–FOLLOWED BY GREEN DRINKS
Tread Lightly on the Earth: Climate Change & You July 2019 Climate Change and Our Food Supply Townhall Discussion & Green Drinks Annapolis Tuesday, July 16, 2019 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Mathias Laboratory Atrium Smithsonian Environmental Research Center 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater Annapolis Green and Presenting Sponsor *Hannon Armstrong invite you to the second in a year-long series of townhall-style talks on Climate Change. The talk will focus on the effect of Climate Change on our food supply. The talk…
Find out more »August 2019
Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards Academy Info Session
Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards Academy is a great opportunity to learn how to solve environmental problems in your community and find a local network of energized leaders. WSA's hands-on, research-based certification course gives Stewards the tools to implement change in their communities, turning knowledge into action. Want to get off the sidelines and make a real change? Master Watershed Stewards serve Anne Arundel County communities by installing landscape projects that reduce pollution and organizing campaigns to encourage habits that make a…
Find out more »SERC Science Saturday
Discover how the atmosphere interacts with land and water. Bring the family for a day of hands-on activities alongside Smithsonian scientists. No preregistration required. No food will be available for purchase, but you are welcome to bring your own lunch or snacks. Free. Information
Find out more »September 2019
Tri for the Chesapeake
Swim, bike and run through the scenic SERC campus, at a Tri For The Chesapeake sprint triathlon. See what your body is capable of doing, as you push your personal limits for a good cause. Participants will experience Chesapeake Bay ecosystems firsthand by taking part in a 1/2-mile swim, 10-mile bike ride, and 3.1-mile (5k) trail run, OR a 5k-run, 10-mile bike ride and 5k-run through the forested campus. This is a great beginners race, as the scenic course provides enough of a challenge…
Find out more »Chesapeake Music Festival
Celebrate the Bay’s rich heritage in a festival dedicated to Chesapeake folk music! Enjoy songs and storytelling from local bands, while taking in the view from SERC’s 18th-century mansion ruins overlooking the Rhode Rivera and the Bay. No dogs allowed (except service dogs). Food, beer and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. This is a zero-waste event, so we encourage participants to bring reusable water bottles. Tickets: $20 per car; $30 at the gate. Purchase tickets
Find out more »Owl Net Project
A Smithsonian Environmental Research Center monthly evening lecture. Speaker: Melissa Acuti, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. No preregistation required. This talk will take place in the Schmidt Conference Center. Details to come.
Find out more »November 2019
SERC Science Saturday
Learn about microbes that are invisible to the naked eye and how DNA is uncovering some of the Bay's greatest secrets. Bring the family for a day of hands-on activities alongside Smithsonian scientists. No preregistration required. No food will be available for purchase, but you are welcome to bring your own lunch or snacks. Free. Information
Find out more »January 2020
Earth Optimism Lecture: How to Recycle More and Recycle Right
In the kickoff lecture of the SERC 2020 Earth Optimism Lecture Series, Richard Bowen, the recycling program manager for Anne Arundel County, will answer questions about what can and can't be recycled in the county and break down the different services the county offers to help residents recycle more effectively. Come get an inside look at what happens to the items we throw out. Can't make the talk? Visit Anne Arundel County Recycling and Waste Reduction Division for more info on how to recycle…
Find out more »February 2020
Earth Optimism Lecture: The Science of Restoring a Stream
When it comes to cleaning up Chesapeake Bay, restoring streams has become an increasingly popular solution. But not all restorations work alike. SERC nutrient ecologist Tom Jordan will reveal where restorations are doing best, and what his team has learned from SERC's own stream restoration on Muddy Creek. The talk will be held in the Schmidt Conference Center. Light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. Details | Information about all the lectures in the series
Find out more »March 2020
Earth Optimism Lecture: Global Trade, Ballast Water and Invasive Species on Ships – CANCELED
Invasive species have been crossing to new shores in the hulls of ships, unseen, for centuries. But in the late 20th century, scientists and managers began discovering more of them inside the ballast water ships carry for balance. In this talk, SERC marine biologist Greg Ruiz will highlight some of the latest efforts to track and clean up ships' ballast water and prevent future invasions. The talk will be held in the Schmidt Conference Center. Light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. Details | Information about…
Find out more »April 2020
Earth Optimism Lecture: Stories From Four Decades of Forest Science – CANCELED
On the eve of Earth Day, join SERC for a special lecture on how forests are shaping the planet. SERC forest ecologists Sean McMahon and Jess Parker will break down decades of forest research at SERC and across the U.S., and highlight the many ways forests are improving the health of our planet and its people. The talk will be held in the Mathias Laboratory. Light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. Details | Information about all the lectures in the series
Find out more »October 2021
SERC Public Walking Tours
Take a tour of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the gem just south of Annapolis. Experience an insider's view of SERC and learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. Registration is required. Click here to learn more. Tour dates in October are October 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
Find out more »SERC Public Walking Tours
Take a tour of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the gem just south of Annapolis. Experience an insider's view of SERC and learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. Registration is required. Click here to learn more. Tour dates in October are October 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
Find out more »SERC Public Walking Tours
Take a tour of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the gem just south of Annapolis. Experience an insider's view of SERC and learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. Registration is required. Click here to learn more. Tour dates in October are October 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
Find out more »SERC Public Walking Tours
Take a tour of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the gem just south of Annapolis. Experience an insider's view of SERC and learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. Registration is required. Click here to learn more. Tour dates in October are October 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
Find out more »SERC Public Walking Tours
Take a tour of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the gem just south of Annapolis. Experience an insider's view of SERC and learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. Registration is required. Click here to learn more. Tour dates in October are October 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
Find out more »SERC Public Walking Tours
Take a tour of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the gem just south of Annapolis. Experience an insider's view of SERC and learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. Registration is required. Click here to learn more. Tour dates in October are October 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
Find out more »March 2022
Maryland Day: Guided Contee Farm History Hike on the SERC Campus
Join Scenic Rivers Land Trust staff for a free, in-person guided hike of the conserved Contee Farm portion of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater during this Maryland Day event. Learn the history of the land and take in spectacular views of forest, farmland, and the Rhode River. All ages welcome, but be aware that we will be hiking through fields and on unpaved paths. Pets are not permitted on the SERC campus. Length: 2-4 miles. Registration is required.…
Find out more »July 2022
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Public Tour
Experience an insider's view of SERC on a free public tour led by a volunteer docent. Learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. You'll walk along the waterfront, cross marsh boardwalks and hike through the forest, while learning about SERC’s cutting-edge research projects on Climate Change and other issues where the land meets the sea. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and involve about 1/2…
Find out more »Public Canoe Trip at Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Join staff from SERC for a fun canoe trip around the Rhode River. Sign up by emailing SERCOutreach@si.edu. Pre-registration is required. Trips are limited to 18 people. Cost: $18 age 8 to 13; $20 age 14 and up Details
Find out more »Salt Water Marsh Canoe Excursion at Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Join SERC for a run canoe trip around the Rhode River Salt Marsh. This event is for ages 8 and up. Cost: $18 for ages 8 to 13; $20 for ages 14 and up. Pre-registration is required at least 24 hours in advance. Maximum: 4 people per party. Click here to register.
Find out more »August 2022
Public Canoe Trip at Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Join staff from SERC for a fun canoe trip around the Rhode River. Sign up by emailing SERCOutreach@si.edu. Pre-registration is required. Trips are limited to 18 people. Cost: $18 age 8 to 13; $20 age 14 and up Details
Find out more »Scenic Paddle Tour at SERC
Join Capital SUP for an adventure tour of the Rhode River Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SRC) property, followed by a pint at the Old Stein Inn in Edgewater. Learn more and register
Find out more »November 2022
Fall Foliage Hike at SERC
Sponsored by the Scenic Rivers Land Trust, this hike at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center will take place on a conserved portion of the campus in Edgewater. More details to come. Scenic Rivers Land Trust is a GreenGive Partner
Find out more »September 2023
SERC Public Tour
Starting at SERC's Reed Education Center, experience an insider's view this Anne Arundel County jewel. Learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. The free outdoor hiking tour will be led by volunteer docents. You'll walk along the waterfront, cross marsh boardwalks and hike on paths through the forest, while learning about SERC’s cutting-edge research projects on climate change and other issues where the land…
Find out more »The Mysterious Migrations of Cownose Rays
Cownose rays are enigmatic, and sometimes controversial, summertime inhabitants of Chesapeake Bay. SERC’s Fisheries Conservation Lab has been tagging cownose rays and tracking their long-distance migrations since 2014. Speaker Dr. Matt Ogburn, head of the Fisheries Conservation Lab, will reveal some of the discoveries from this nine-year tracking effort. Their studies have uncovered the rays’ overwintering habitat, documented the different migration patterns of males and females, and revealed the environmental cues that help rays know when to start migrating. These…
Find out more »SERC Public Tour
Starting at SERC's Reed Education Center, experience an insider's view this Anne Arundel County jewel. Learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. The free outdoor hiking tour will be led by volunteer docents. You'll walk along the waterfront, cross marsh boardwalks and hike on paths through the forest, while learning about SERC’s cutting-edge research projects on climate change and other issues where the land…
Find out more »SERC Public Tour
Starting at SERC's Reed Education Center, experience an insider's view this Anne Arundel County jewel. Learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. The free outdoor hiking tour will be led by volunteer docents. You'll walk along the waterfront, cross marsh boardwalks and hike on paths through the forest, while learning about SERC’s cutting-edge research projects on climate change and other issues where the land…
Find out more »SERC Public Tour
Starting at SERC's Reed Education Center, experience an insider's view this Anne Arundel County jewel. Learn about SERC’s long-term environmental research on marshes, trees, water quality, and the impacts of carbon dioxide on our land, water, and air. The free outdoor hiking tour will be led by volunteer docents. You'll walk along the waterfront, cross marsh boardwalks and hike on paths through the forest, while learning about SERC’s cutting-edge research projects on climate change and other issues where the land…
Find out more »October 2023
What’s for Dinner? Reconnecting Our Food with Our Climate
Our food systems have become increasingly fragile in the face of climate change, ongoing conflicts and the long-tail of the COVID-19 pandemic. More frequent—and more intense—extreme events challenge food production, storage and transportation. At the same time, how we grow, process, package and transport our food often harms the environment, further accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss. Fixing this requires bridging the gap between food policies and climate policies. Speaker: Dr. Jessica Fanzo, Director of the Food For Humanity Initiative,…
Find out more »January 2024
Climate Extremes: What’s the Forecast for Invasive Species?
photo by Julia Blum The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center presents this talk aspart of its Virtual Science Talks: Life on a Sustainable Planet. As the planet heats up, non-native species all over the United States are pushing north to follow the warmer weather. But the simple narrative doesn't end there. Dr. Andy Chang, lead marine biologist for SERC's California branch, has tracked the movement of species introduced by human activity to San Francisco Bay and the California coast for the…
Find out more »