Tools & Resources — Rent or Borrow
Rent tools for invasive species control and planting projects on your property. Educational materials are also available to borrow, free of charge.
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Invasive Species Control
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Uprooter
Rental Rate: $18.00 / 5 Days
The Uprooter is a hand tool that pulls small trees and woody invasive plants out by the root instead of cutting them. Clamp its jaws around the base and use the lever to pop it free, so it won't grow back like a cut stump would. A chemical-free way to clear invasives like buckthorn or autumn olive.
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Herbicide Injector
Rental Rate: $22.00 / 5 Days
A device used to inject herbicide directly into the stems of invasive plants like Japanese knotweed. This method provides targeted control while limiting impacts on surrounding vegetation. Instructions for safe use are provided with each rental.
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Pump Sprayer
Rental Rate: $7.00 / 5 Days
A 2-gallon hand pump sprayer for applying herbicide to smaller infestations or spot-treating individual plants. You pump the handle to build pressure, then use the adjustable nozzle to switch between a straight stream or a wider cone spray. A simple, lightweight option for treating invasives like garlic mustard on a smaller scale.
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Hand Tools
Rental Rate: $18.00 / 5 Days
Basic hand tools like rakes and shovels are available to help with removal and site cleanup after treating invasive plants.
They're useful for clearing debris, digging out roots, or prepping small areas for planting.
Planting Tools
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Soil Probe
Rental Rate: Free
A soil probe is used to check soil moisture and compaction before planting. Push it into the ground to see how deep and how easily it goes, which helps you judge if the soil is ready to plant or needs loosening first. A simple way to plan planting without digging test holes.
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Broadcast Seeder
Rental Rate: Free
A hand-crank spreader used to evenly seed or feed a lawn or planting area. Fill the hopper, turn the crank as you walk, and it distributes seed evenly instead of scattering it by hand. Good for covering a small lawn or planting site consistently.
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Tree Planting Bar
Rental Rate: $5.00 / Day
A tree planting bar (also called a dibble bar) is used to plant tree seedlings quickly without digging a full hole. Push the blade into the ground, rock it to open a slot, then insert the seedling and close the soil around the roots with your foot. A fast, simple way to plant bare-root seedlings by hand.
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Tree Auger Bits
Rental Rate: $5.00 / Day
A tree planting auger is a large drill bit that attaches to a power drill or auger machine to bore a planting hole quickly. It works well for planting larger numbers of seedlings or in tougher ground where digging by hand would take too long. A faster option when you have a lot of ground to cover.
Educational Resources
All items in this section are free to borrow — perfect for teachers, scout troops, or community groups looking to bring conservation topics into the classroom or a group event.
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Groundwater Flow Model
The groundwater flow model shows how water moves through soil and rock into aquifers, and how pollutants can travel into groundwater. A helpful visual for understanding where drinking water comes from and how it can become contaminated. Includes a resource kit with supporting materials.
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Stream Monitoring Kit
A stream monitoring kit is used to check the health of a local stream, testing things like water clarity, temperature, and signs of pollution. It's a hands-on way to learn how to read a stream's condition over time. Great for classroom lessons or citizen science projects.
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Stream Table
A stream table is a hands-on model that simulates how flowing water shapes land over time, showing erosion, sediment movement, and stream channel formation. It's a great way to visualize how streams change course and why erosion control matters. Popular for classroom demonstrations.
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Septic System Model
A septic system model shows how a household septic system works, from the tank to the drain field, and how wastewater is treated and filtered before returning to the ground. It's a helpful visual for homeowners or students learning how septic systems function and why proper maintenance matters.
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Forestry Tote
The forestry tote includes samples of different wood types, a piece of bark showing emerald ash borer damage, and a preserved emerald ash borer specimen with information about the pest. It's a hands-on way to learn about local trees and the invasive insect threatening them. Good for lessons on forest health and invasive species identification.
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Fish Print Kit
The fish print kit includes rubber fish molds that can be inked and pressed onto paper to create a print of the fish. It's a fun, hands-on activity for kids to learn about local fish species while creating their own artwork. Great for classroom activities or nature programs.
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Wildlife Tote
The wildlife tote includes animal skulls, skins, tracks, feathers, and other specimens representing local Michigan wildlife. Since the tote holds a large variety of items, a full list is available to browse so you can request specific pieces for your program.
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Soybean School Kit
The Soybean School Kit is a classroom resource designed for 3rd through 5th grade students, connecting agriculture and soybean production to science lessons. It includes lesson plans, presentation slides, hands-on materials, a related storybook, and small take-home items for students. Great for teachers looking to bring an agriculture-focused unit into their classroom.