The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) provides science-based knowledge to meet critical environmental challenges. SERC leads objective research on coastal ecosystems—where land meets the sea—to inform real-world decisions for wise policies, best business practices, and a sustainable planet. Visitors can hike and paddle Monday through Saturday, 8 am - 5:30 pm. Our Woodlawn History Center, just past the security kiosk, is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.