ND-LEEF Phase II

Following the success of ND-LEEF Phase I, the University of Notre Dame is now expanding the initial facility to accommodate further research related to environmental change.

The University of Notre Dame Linked Experimental Ecosystem Facility (ND-LEEF) is a globally unique research site housing multiple experimental watersheds, each with a linked stream, pond and wetland system. Each watershed hosts cutting-edge ecological research in a setting that mimics nature, yet is highly controllable and replicable. Since its inception in spring of 2013, research and education has flourished with 40 published papers and conference presentations, and 2,000 outreach participants.

ND-LEEF Phase II will include the addition of two more identical watersheds to promote a controlled environment where experiments can be replicated using near identical conditions.

ND-LEEF at St. Patrick’s County Park is part of the Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative (ND-ECI), which conducts policy-oriented research designed to help decision-makers manage environmental challenges. One of ND-ECI’s nationally prominent projects includes working to prevent the migration of invasive Asian carp into the Great Lakes.