Artificial Stream Facility (IMAGE) Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies Caption Three months before the experiment, the team placed packets of dried maple leaves and quartz rocks in a local creek and left them to gather communities of algae, bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates. The colonized leaf packs and rocks were then placed in Cary Institute's artificial streams to mimic a natural stream ecosystem. Credit AJ Reisinger Usage Restrictions May be used to promote the press release this image is attached to. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.