Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Panelists: Zoe Johnson, Co- Chair, Annapolis City Dock Resiliency Workgroup Jason Toft, University of  Washington Chela Zabin, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) - San Francisco Branch Moderator: Kristen Minogue, SERC Tens of millions of Americans make their homes in coastal cities. How these cities adapt to rising seas will determine their futures in the 21st century. In our August webinar, three experts from cities on the East and West Coasts of the U.S. will share stories and ideas about how coastal communities can build resiliently in the face of sea level rise. Join us for...

Join us for explorations of SERC research with our Science Saturdays. Bring the family for a day of hands-on activities alongside Smithsonian scientists Saturday, Sept 12: Human Impacts on the Environment Come learn about how humans are impacting the environment but also what we can do about it. Event Location: Mathias Lab on SERC campus Cost: FREE and open to all Location: Mathias Lab on SERC campus. We’ll show you where to park when you get here. Directions can be found on our website. Bring: You are welcome to bring your own...

Journey into deep time and discover the surprising origin story of whales, at the finale of our 2020 Earth Optimism series! Featuring Nick Pyenson, curator of fossil marine mammals at the National Museum of Natural History.

Join us for explorations of SERC research with our Science Saturdays. Bring the family for a day of hands-on activities alongside Smithsonian scientists Saturday, Nov 21: Biodiversity Explore biodiversity in and around the Chesapeake Bay. Event Location: Mathias Lab on SERC campus Cost: FREE and open to all Location: Mathias Lab on SERC campus. We’ll show you where to park when you get here. Directions can be found on our website. Bring: You are welcome to bring your own lunch or snacks, food will not be available for purchase.

For over 200 years, Black men and women have kept the seafood and maritime industries alive on the Chesapeake Bay. Yet few history books have recognized their contributions. The Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation, created by Vince Leggett, has amassed a rich collection of artifacts, oral histories and over 40,000 photos documenting their experiences. On July 20, Leggett will share some of their stories. He will highlight voices from two of his books, Blacks of the Chesapeake: An Integral Part of Maritime History and The Chesapeake Bay Through Ebony Eyes....

Climate change isn’t just a problem for polar bears or future generations anymore – it’s affecting us here and now. In today's politically charged environment, are we still able to act on climate? In our series finale lecture, join Katharine Hayhoe as she untangles the complex science connecting our choices to future impacts and highlights actions underway right now to combat this critical issue. This webinar will be recorded! By signing up on Zoom, you'll be able to watch live and receive a link to the recording as soon as it's...

At our next Earth Optimism webinar, hear from Atiya Wells, founder of the nonprofit Backyard Basecamp in Baltimore City. Atiya will highlight the importance of equity in landscape design, creation and community cultivation. With their BLISS Meadows project, Backyard Basecamp has reclaimed 10 acres of vacant land in their neighborhood to be used for environmental education and community greenspace, and to help communities of color reconnect with nature.

On the journey from student to scientist, there are pivotal moments where women stop pursuing STEM careers – a phenomenon that researchers have dubbed “the leaky pipeline.” Stephanie Stack, chief biologist with the Pacific Whale Foundation, has first-hand experience balancing motherhood with a fulltime career in science. In a special bonus lecture, she explains the barriers that exist to women progressing in their STEM careers and how we can work together to improve this situation. This webinar will be recorded! By signing up on Zoom, you'll be able to watch the live event...

In 1843, Charles Dickens self-published “a ghost story of Christmas” and the first edition sold out by Christmas Eve. For years afterward, Dickens read a condensed version of his story more than 100 times to audiences in Europe and America. Local actors Lois Evans, Eric Lund, and Mark Hildebrand bring Dickens’ classic prose and characters to life with a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol! This story of transformation and magic appeals to all ages. Runtime is approximately 65 minutes. Donations are accepted. Light refreshments will be offered! Event Location: Woodlawn...

In 1843, Charles Dickens self-published “a ghost story of Christmas” and the first edition sold out by Christmas Eve. For years afterward, Dickens read a condensed version of his story more than 100 times to audiences in Europe and America. Local actors Lois Evans, Eric Lund, and Mark Hildebrand bring Dickens’ classic prose and characters to life with a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol! This story of transformation and magic appeals to all ages. Runtime is approximately 65 minutes. Donations are accepted. Light refreshments will be offered! Event Location: Woodlawn...