The Center for Applied Ecology of Northern Kentucky University (NKU) provides professional, science-based, ecological services to the local community while offering practical, work experience to NKU students.  Established in 1999 as a nonprofit, outreach program, the Center serves the Northern Kentucky / Greater Cincinnati region. Committed to the wise use, protection, and restoration of native ecosystems and biodiversity, the Center seeks innovative solutions to address the region’s environmental concerns. In line with NKU’s mission of outreach and public engagement, the Center contributes to the vitality and quality of life of the surrounding community.

Our faculty and staff have academic training and professional experience in core environmental fields, including ecology, botany, forestry, environmental engineering, natural resources management, biogeochemistry, and geographic information systems. We provide technical services to industry, government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and private landowners. Working in partnership with public and private stakeholders, we have successfully completed more than 180 environmental projects while simultaneously providing NKU students with over 25,000 contact hours of employment, research, and internship opportunities.