John and I both came into a lot of time recently. We moved on from our days jobs and entered into every 20-something’s favorite phase of life: what the hell do I do now? Everyday is a new day with an abundance of free-time. One can either lay in bed until 11:30am staring at the ceiling after the endless scrolling of social media just doesn’t cut it anymore (me) or you can get up and do, just do things, learn things, and be productive in any way you can (John). Thank goodness for John because his thirst of knowledge inspires my own. We have in common a love of the outdoors and an immense appreciation for nature. So, with that thirst, and that appreciation of nature, we ventured out on a brisk January Day to walk around the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland.  

WHAT WE SAW: Indoors, at the Reed Education Center, you can see the local forest and aquatic fauna up close and personal. We met the pet terrapin, saw blue crabs, and many types of fish. We also got to see a stuffed otter and white tailed deer.

WHAT WE DID: Upon entering, the gate manager provides you with a hiking tail map or a boating trail map.  We hiked trails closest to the water. We left the education center and followed the Java History trail to the Connection Trail, to the Discovery Trail and back. The trails are well kept, scenic, and not too strenuous. There are fun and educational things to read, especially along the Java History Trail. Walking around at SERC is perfect for families, couples, or if you’re in the mood for some solitude and reflection.  Later that evening, after we got a bite to eat in the arts district of Annapolis.  We went back to SERC and sat in on one of their evening lectures. I’ve always been slightly interested in marine biology, but I was still weary of how interesting the lecture would be. I associate lectures with long-winded monotone voices, and extensive graphs I can’t comprehend. However, the lecture was interesting and I gained a lot of knowledge about the Chesapeake Bay and how data collection and analyzing certain fish is helping grow their populations.

If you have a thirst for knowledge and a love of the outdoors, I highly recommend exploring what SERC has to offer. There is something for everyone!

Thanks so much for reading, please tag me on Instagram (@felicialee) if you take this walk yourself! Comment on this post YOUR favorite place to explore in the DC, MD, VA area. I’m always looking for new places, and more Fitbit steps!

~ Felicia