The Ecology Center has seven bins available for loan for free to educators. Bins may be loaned for up to two weeks by picking them up and signing them out of the Ecology Center,  Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For questions about the program and bin availability, please email ecologycenter@cityofevanston.org or call 847-448-8256.

These bins are made available by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The Field Trip Bin (Grades PreK-3rd)

The Field Trip Pack bin includes materials to encourage nature exploration by early childhood students and their teacher, magnifying glasses, binoculars, a compass, field guides, sampling equipment, field trip tips and suggested activities are just some of the pack components.

Illinois Trees Resources Bin(Grades PreK - 10th) 

The Illinois Tree bin includes many items to help you teach about trees, forest and forestry careers.  Books, posters, forestry tools, tree "cookies,"  real leaves, CD-ROMS, tree seeds, videos and DVDs, lumber samples and activities are among the tree- related contents of this trunk.

Illinois' Amphibians and Reptiles Field Bin

(Grades K-10)

Amphibians and reptiles are fascinating creatures!  The Illinois Amphibians and Reptiles Field bin  can help you learn about and observe these animals in their natural environment.  It is a great resource for teachers, homeschooling educators, scout and youth group leaders, day care staff and families. Binoculars, magnifying glasses, field guides, observation equipment, a headlamp, frog call recordings, field trip tips and many other hands-on items are included in the pack.

Illinois Insects & Spiders Resources Bin

(Grades PreK-8th)

Insects and spiders fascinate students. Encourage them to learn more about these organisms by using the resources in this bin. Books, CD-ROMs, student activities, field guides, posters, insect/spider observation equipment and a video are just some of the items included. The activity Crime-Solving Insects shows how insects can be used in forensic science. 

Aquatic Illinois Bin (Grades 5-9)

The Aquatic Illinois bin includes many items to help you teach about the biological, historical, chemical and other aspects of water. books, poster, water-sampling tools, CD-ROMS, videos , DCD and activities are among the contents of this trunk.

Illinois Invasive Species Resource Bin

(Grades 7-12)

With this resources bin, you and your students can learn why invasive species are detrimental, how they arrived in Illinois and what actions can be taken to control them. Field guides, lessons, books, DVDs, specimens, replicas and other items are included.

 Illinois Wild Mammals Bin (Grades K-Middle School)

Are you teaching about mammals? Borrow an Illinois Wild Mammals resources bin to supplement your lessons. Each trunk is filled with field guides, CD-ROMs, a DVD, fur samples, skulls, track and scat replicas, lessons, activity sheets, posters and other items.

For questions, email ecologycenter@cityofevanston.org or call 847.448.8256.