Overview: In 2023, severe storms caused erosion and infrastructure damage at Lake Aliso and Leona Creek on Northeastern’s Oakland campus. In response, the university launched a comprehensive restoration initiative that treats the campus landscape as a living lab—combining engineering, ecology, and design to rebuild natural systems while creating new spaces for education and community use.
How it Works: The project includes stabilizing the spillway and creek banks, dredging sediment to restore water capacity, and reintroducing native plantings to strengthen wetland habitats. Trails, a pedestrian and cyclist bridge, and amphitheater-style eating are being added to transform the area into an accessible site for research, recreation, and community engagement. Students and faculty are actively involved in monitoring ecological health and testing restoration strategies on-site.
Expected Outcomes:
- Restore wetland habitat health and biodiversity at Lake Aliso and Leona Creek.
- Improve water quality and storm resilience through ecological design.
- Create educational and recreational spaces for students and community members.
- Establish a long-term living lab for studying ecological restoration and climate adaptation
Campus & Global Impact: Locally, the restoration protects critical campus ecosystems while offering hands-on research and outdoor learning opportunities. Globally, the initiative provides a model for how universities can respond to climate-driven infrastructure challenges through ecological innovation. By merging natural restoration with campus planning, Northeastern demonstrates how living lab projects can benefit both the environment and surrounding communities.
Related Sustainable Development Goals:
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