Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Research institute and nature reserve in Edgewater, United States
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is a research institute and nature reserve in Edgewater spanning about 2,650 acres along the Chesapeake Bay. The property contains coastal forests, wetlands, and marshes that support diverse plant and animal communities.
In 1964 Robert Lee Forrest donated a 365-acre dairy farm along the Rhode River to the Smithsonian Institution. This gift established the foundation for decades of environmental science research to continue at the site.
The center serves as a living classroom where visitors directly experience the natural world through hands-on observation and field-based learning. People come to understand how wetlands and forests support life and why protecting these spaces matters for the region.
The grounds feature hiking trails that can be explored independently or joined with guided tours to observe field research in action. Visitors should know the property is expansive and sturdy footwear helps when walking through the natural habitats.
Scientists here maintain an extensive database tracking invasive species that threaten coastal ecosystems across North America. This work helps specialists throughout the region understand which species cause problems and how to manage them.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
