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Public Programs

Calendar of Events

For Adults

For Kids

All Ages

Special Events

Directions

Pet Policy




Open to the public
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Saturday year-round,

with the exception of national holidays.

Pet Policy

Current Programs (pdf)


Canoe Program Restored!
Thanks to the many friends who rallied to help us after a summer storm destroyed most of our canoes and the canoe shed. more>>

Please Check In: For information, safety and security reasons, all visitors are asked to check in and out at the Reed Education Center. We also ask that you leave your pets at home because we are an active research facility and an environmental protection site.

What Can You Do Here?
In addition to exploring the trails, you can participate in a wide range of organized activities for all ages and interest levels! Check out our calendar of events to see a monthly listing of all offerings, or follow the links below specific event listings.

Self-guided walking Trails:
Pick up your trail map at the Reed Education Center when you sign in and explore our two self-guided nature trails: the Discovery Trail and the Java History Trail.
Visitors are encouraged to call in advance of their arrival: (443) 482-2200. Individuals with special needs or groups wishing to visit SERC should contact the Education Office at (301)238-2737.

Guided and Self-guided Canoe/Kayak Trails:
During summer and fall, SERC presents guided canoe trips along Muddy Creek for the whole family. Sign up for one of these two-hour tours and learn about the ecology of Chesapeake Bay wetlands. See our calendar of events for trip dates and times which are usually on Saturdays, April through October. Minimum age: 6 years. Costs: $12/adult, $6/children 13 and under.

You may also apply for a launch permit and explore our canoe and kayak trail on your own during our public hours. Find out more>>

Programming for Adults:
Follow the link for a calendar listing:

  • Evening Lectures
    Held every month for a general audience.
  • Weekly Science Seminars
    Geared toward the working scientist and provide an opportunity for SERC research staff and their colleagues from other institutions to present current work. These seminars are held during the work day and are open to the public.
  • Other Adult Programming
    Lunch-time talks for the general public and book club are two monthly events designed for adults.

Programming for All Ages:

  • Events for Everyone: Fun and informative programs for everyone. Families and individuals of all ages will enjoy creating animal track castings, designing plankton, night-time owl searches and Saturday canoe tours of Muddy Creek.

Events for Kids:
Follow the link for a calendar listing.

  • Kids Only
    Drop-off programs for school-aged children include readings, crafts and other fun activities.
  • Parent-Child
    Usually geared toward the pre-school child and held during the week day.
  • Home-School Programs
    Fun educational programs on the Chesapeake Bay to support a home-school curriculum..
  • Summer Camps
    Week-long camps for school-aged children.
Programs for Organized Groups :
Our outreach program offers a variety of programs that can be tailored to the needs of your club or school group. See what's available>>

Other Ways to get involved:

Volunteer Opportunities:
Trained volunteers of all skill levels and interests participate in SERC activities from working with school trips to taking measurements of water quality. Volunteer Opportunities include assisting research staff in the field or laboratory, assisting education staff in the Reed Center, and leading outside educational activities.

Educational Opportunities:
SERC conducts education programs for students and teachers, teacher training, and school tours. Special tours for adults and children's groups are also available.

Donors:
Become a Friend of SERC and help support SERC's environmental research and education programs. Please contact our Outreach Coordinator Karen Mcdonald for details.