Photo of the Week

North American Orchid Conservation Center

Eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). These nonvenomous snakes are generally recognizable by three yellow stripes on a dark body. Some male garter snakes go through a "she-male" phase before mating and give off female pheromones--confusing other males who try to mate with them instead of "real" females.

Inside SERC >>

North American Orchid Conservation Center: A look at some of the most beautiful and imperiled orchids of North America, and what a team of ecologists led by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the U.S. Botanic Garden is doing to save them.

News and Research

Volunteer Archaeology at SERC's 18th-Century Plantation

Led by a professional archaeologist, volunteers are uncovering one household's environmental footprint over three centuries. Learn how you can join and unearth the history of the Homestead House. Zero experience required.

Oxygen, Acid and Oyster Death

The Bay's day-night oxygen and acidity swings are giving oysters more than whiplash. Marine ecologist Denise Breitburg tracks how they could impact a fatal disease.

Inside the Storm

The June 29 tempest covered 700 miles, doing damage to most places in a matter of minutes. What made such a destructive storm system possible?
(Image: MONGO)

Education and Events

Full Calendar of Events

Click HERE to go to our public calendar.

--Saturday, October 27, 10:00AM– 11:00AM
All Ages
"Introduction to Spiders"

--Saturday, October 27, 1:30PM– 2:30PM
All Ages
"Drawing Bones"

--Saturday, November 03, 1:00PM– 4:00PM
Adult
"Introduction to Botany for Adults"

--Wednesday, November 14, 10:00AM– 11:00AM
Parent-Child
"Puddle Stompers Pre-K Program: Turkey Tot"