The ToolBox also contains a growing library of Michigan/Great Lakes field guides that can be checked out. 

Visit the "Field Guides" sections of the Plants, Wildlife, and Water pages to explore suggested field guide options.

Whenever possible, we purchase our field guides through the local nature center or a used book store.

The binder's purpose is to introduce people to The ToolBox and guide them to the resources of this website (yourtoolbox.org).

It is meant to provide pedestrians passing by The ToolBox with basic information on what The ToolBox is and what resources are offered.

Print this introductory Canva document and include it at the beginning of the binder.

In addition to the introductory Canva document, you can also include brochures, pamphlets, etc. about local environmental issues and organizations.

Brochures and pamphlets are chosen based on their relevance to a particular area. For example, the original ToolBox is located in a lake community, so information on shoreline stewardship is included. 

Use this premade collection of documents to get you started! Feel free to add or remove pages you feel may be relevant to your area. Try to keep all information clear and simple, using QR codes to direct people to more in-depth information.

Binder materials are printed on recycled paper. The materials have QR codes and people are encouraged to take pictures of pages of interest. This means all materials stay in the binder to cut down on paper waste.

Here are links to some great resources for free downloaded materials:

• Xerces Society: Publication Library

• Cornell Lab: Seven Simple Actions to Help Birds

• Pollinator Partnership: Native Pollinator Garden Recipe Cards

• Homegrown National Park: Social Tools

• Woody Invasives of the Great Lakes Collaborative: Landscape Alternatives

• Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council: Resource Library

• Michigan Natural Shorline Partnership: Resources

The journal offers your community a chance to share their environmental stewardship journey. 

Leaving handwritten notes and messages helps us to see each other and find common ground.

You may wish to provide a box with the journal so visitors can write notes at home to leave in The ToolBox.

Here are a few prompt ideas to incorporate in the journal:

• Progress: Share how you are supporting habitat and wildlife in your yard.

• Memories: How has the ecology of the area changed over time? Do you have a treasured nature memory?

• Concern: Are you worried about the future of our environment?

• Fun: Do you have a favorite animal or plant?

Please use The ToolBox's logo on the outside of your ToolBox so people can identify a familiar visual.

Below you will find a Google Drive link containing the logo materials for The ToolBox. 

Please provide a list of places to visit and any associated website addresses in the following format:

1. Name of Place (web address) 

Examples of places to visit:

• Parks

• Nature centers

• Preserves

Please provide a list of local organizations and any associated website addresses in the following format:

1. Name of Organization (web address) 

Examples of local organizations:

• Watershed groups

• Conservation districts

• Land conservancies

• CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area)

Please provide links for to up to 3 Canva documents and/or StoryMaps detailing environmental topics in your community in the following format: 

1. Title of Topic (web address) 

2. Title of Topic (web address) 

3. Title of Topic (web address) 

Examples of environmental topics:

• Invasive species of local concern (you can use this Canva template as a guide)

• Local watershed details/maps and water quality concerns

• Habitat fragmentation/connectivity maps

• Details on native species important to the area

Please provide clear, well-lit photos (jpg file format) of the interior and exterior of your ToolBox.

Google Forms image upload maximum size is 10MB, with a limit of 5 photos.

Canva can be used to label aspects of your ToolBox (see the About page for examples).