Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

We’re breaking out the festive fare on Night 4 of #12NightsOfSolstice! Robert Killian captured these frozen pine cones near Bull Run, Virginia, and we think they would look amazing as a star topper on any Christmas tree. What winter nature scenes most inspire you—plants, animals or landscapes? Vote for the People’s Choice finalists in our #12NightsOfSolstice photo challenge at https://lnkd.in/eERcapq7 Photo: "Evergreen Ever Iced" © Robert Killian

🎵 Dashing through the snow…yeah, my other friends are gray! 🎶 This rare albino northern gray squirrel made quite a sight for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it. “An albino [squirrel] in the snow is cuteness on steroids,” says Barbara Saffir. “So when it snowed on the National Mall a few years ago, I rushed there in hopes of capturing this white-on-white winter wonderland.” Our #12NightsOfSolstice celebration, featuring winter nature pics created by you, will continue for nine more nights. But you can see bonus photos by voting for the People’s Choice winners through Dec. 29: https://lnkd.in/eERcapq7 📸 by Barbara J. Saffir

Welcome to Night 2 of our #12NightsOfSolstice celebration, featuring inspirational winter nature pics created by you! Bright red cardinals are a typical source of cheer during the cold winter months. But this one caught the judges’ attention because of one tiny additional detail—the bit of birdseed in its beak, adding an extra jolt of hope. “It is inspiring to see this bird looking so healthy, retaining its brightly colored plumage and finding food to survive the harshness of winter,” said photographer Chris Crowe. We’ll share more winter photos every night through Jan. 1. Want to vote for the final two winners? View the eight People’s Choice finalists at https://lnkd.in/eERcapq7 📸 by Chris Crowe

Happy winter solstice! ❄️ ⭐ Tonight begins our #12NightsOfSolstice celebration…featuring winter nature pics submitted by YOU! (Tip: Scroll to the bottom to vote in the People’s Choice category.) This year’s theme is Life From the Frozen Earth, and these “ghost trees of Yellowstone” capture the haunting yet hardy spirit of the season. “The ghost trees of Yellowstone represent the dormant life of winter,” says photographer Tammy Tideswell. “They are a testament of survival in the harshest of winters as they bear the weight of several feet of snow in sub-zero temperatures.” This year, Nights 11 and 12 will feature People’s Choice winners! Voting is live now through Dec. 29. Cast your vote for your favorite winter still at https://lnkd.in/eERcapq7 📸 by Tammy P. Tideswell

In the event of a government shutdown, SERC will remain OPEN through at least Thursday, Dec. 26. Please note that we are closed on Dec. 25. Visit si.edu for updates.

We're #hiring! Our SERC Marine Invasions Research Laboratory is looking for two technicians to join their team: a zooplankton analyst and a marine engineer/biologist. Join a team of enthusiastic scientists at all career stages and gain experience doing marine biology in the field and lab. Apply by Jan. 14. Get the full details at https://lnkd.in/eyeTmUM8

Visitors: The SERC campus will be closed the following Saturdays for our annual forest management: Dec. 14, Dec. 28, Jan. 11 and Jan. 25. We will also be closed on Dec. 25, but open for normal hours the rest of the winter. For maps, hours and other information, visit https://lnkd.in/ekeGvfZm 📸 by Nicole Campbell

Is that your future calling? Our education team is hiring two paid #interns this spring! Get hands-on experience working with children and adults. You'll learn to lead school field trips, engage with volunteers and gain a deeper understanding of life in Chesapeake Bay. Apply for the #internship by Jan.15: https://lnkd.in/ekTC5ZHV

A toast 🥂 to our incredible security team, whose extra hours enabled us to be open on #Thanksgiving this year! Our ability to keep the SERC campus open on Sundays and most holidays is largely thanks to their commitment to safety and public service. The team enjoyed a small Thanksgiving feast on campus while they were away from their families. SERC will be open for visitors every day except Christmas in 2025. (We're also closed on Christmas this year.) We wish our security staff a joyful and safe holiday season. We're grateful for you on all 11 national holidays and every day in between. 📸 by Lieutenant TRE C Taylor

This #GivingTuesday, be the change our planet needs! At the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, we’re protecting coastal ecosystems that support 70% of the world’s population and countless species. Your gift fuels: Groundbreaking research for a resilient future; Hands-on education for the next generation of environmental leaders; Real-world solutions for global conservation challenges Join us in making waves of impact! https://serc.si.edu/donate 📸 SERC MarineGEO technician Emily Anderson, by Maggy Benson