Description: The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is located near Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, on land donated by Robert Forest in 1965. Initially a field station, the center focused on environmental research, including the work of the Radiation Biology Laboratory. Today, the Center studies links between coastal zone land and water ecosystems. History of the Smithsonian
Description: Smithsonian Gardens was established in 1972 as the Horticultural Services Division of the Office of Plant Services to provide appropriate landscaping outside of Smithsonian museums and decorative greenery inside Smithsonian buildings. Today, Smithsonian Gardens is an accredited museum that provides living classrooms and urban sanctuaries for Smithsonian visitors.History of
Description: During debates about the Smithsonian’s founding, the idea of using James Smithson’s bequest for a botanic garden was included in several drafts of the bill considered by Congress. In 1850, President Millard Fillmore commissioned America’s preeminent landscape designer Andrew Jackson Downing to design plans for the National Mall, including grounds around the Smithsonian Castle,