VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 1 WINTER 2024
COMMUNITY
BY JUDY COLBERT “The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is a hidden gem, with trails and a beautiful spot to visit. We have a world-class research center in our backyard,” says Karen McDonald, the Center’s STEM Program Coordinator. This 2,650-acre “off-the-Mall” learning site of the Smithsonian Institution offers a huge variety of learning, teaching, relaxation, and activity options. “About 9,000 children and adults visit the Edgewater facility each year to walk or hike on one or more of the four trails that vary from one to almost two miles. The trails wander through woods or along the Rhode River and Muddy Creek,” says McDonald. SMITHSONIAN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER: A HIDDEN TREASURE
“More than 225 bird species have been spotted [here]. We also have a boat launch for non- motorized boats (kayaks, canoes) which is rare in this area because most of the Bay area property is privately owned,” McDonald notes. A water trail map is available to help you explore the marshes and waterways. SERC also offers public canoe days, when they supply canoes and guided tours (fee applies). Swimming is not allowed. Painters come to capture the sights. A number of picnic tables are available around the Reed Center, and inside the covered picnic pavilion. Because 200 scientists are doing active research and work in the 16 labs , pets are not allowed. Among the fascinating studies they’re tackling is the 60-acre BiodiversiTREE, a 100-year study on the effects of repopulating former cropland with 20,000 trees in plots of a single tree species versus multiple species. “The Reed Education Center has fish tanks with native fish and two diamondback terrapins. Built by William Sellman in 1735, Woodlawn House is the oldest building in the Smithsonian still in its original location. During your visit, you will be able to explore the 1735, 1841, and 1970s wings of the house, encounter histories of the enslaved and free people who occupied the land, and see some of the hundreds of artifacts unearthed by citizen scientists,” says McDonald. Kristen Goodhue, SERC Science Writer and Media Relations Coordinator, notes that the center will see a fifth trail added this year and they’ll be working on events to celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2025.
Photo courtesy of Sandy Biello
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) 647 Counters Wharf Rd, Edgewater, MD Mon-Sat. 8:00 AM-5:30 PM +1 (443) 482-2200 | https://serc.si.edu
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