What is The ToolBox?
The ToolBox is your central source for Michigan-based environmental knowledge! Everyone is welcome!
The ToolBox is both a physical box and an associated website. It is a community resource designed to give you the power to make a difference.
In the physical ToolBox, you will find:
A library containing books and field guides
A native seed exchange
A binder with introductory information and environmental brochures, pamphlets, etc.
A journal to share local wildlife and plant sightings and stories
On this website, you will find links to field guides, organizations, projects, places, and people that form a network of environmental action across Michigan.
The Plants, Wildlife, Water, and Sustainability pages are divided into the subsections Resources, Field Guides, Books, and Organizations. At the top of each page, you will find links to introduce you to each topic.
Use the Projects page for ideas on how to apply what you've learned and jumpstart your environmental stewardship journey.
Visit the Communities tab to find locations of physical ToolBoxes and learn about environmental subjects tailored to your area.
Want to see what parks and preserves are near you? Check out the Places to Visit page.
The story behind The ToolBox
We (the Allens) have resided in our corner of Michigan for five generations.
We have benefitted from the waters, forests, and wildlife for many years. It is time to return the favor.
For too long, we have not prioritized the needs of biodiversity in this special place.
We believe we each have a responsibility to practice conservation and environmental literacy in our daily lives.
We hope The ToolBox can be the platform from which we can collectively steward our natural heritage together.
Please join us on this journey!
Meet Adrianna Allen, The ToolBox's creator and curator
Adrianna is the fifth generation of the Allen family to call her corner of Michigan home. Trained as a scientific illustrator and a conservation biologist, Adrianna recognizes that science communication plays a vital role in Michigan conservation. She believes that most people want to protect their environment and that all they lack are the tools and resources to do so.
Meet the Allens, The ToolBox's home base
The Allen family is on a mission to learn how to be better stewards of our environment. Although we have a history of stewardship, from our annual Earth Day litter pickup to testing our lake's water quality in the 70's, we realize now that more needs to be done. We are doing our best to learn how to live sustainably and build a relationship of reciprocity with nature. One of our large-scale, long-term projects is to transform our lawn back to native plant species. Like everyone, we sometimes feel like life's other responsibilities can make progress feel slow. We know though that each change we make, no matter how small, makes a difference.
Contact
Have a comment or question? Email us at thetoolboxcommunity@gmail.com