Check out a Illinois Department of Natural Resources Tote for your classroom or homeschool lesson.

What are DNR Tote?

These totes are full of materials that will help you teach a group about the natural world. They are put together by Illinois Department of Natural Resources and shared around the state. You can borrow them for up to 2 weeks at a time.

The Nature Institute houses the following totes:

  • Illinois Trees
  • Illinois Insects
  • Prehistoric Illinois
  • Illinois Birds

DNR Tote Rental Policy

Fill out this form. You should receive a confirmation email within 2 business days. The email will give you a pickup time. You cannot pick up a tote until you have received a confirmation email. Pick-ups will only be scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. We require a $30 check for deposit, which will be returned with the return of the backpack. Bring a photo ID and a $30 check with you when you pick up the pack. If the pack is not returned within 21 days of rental, it will be considered lost and your check will be deposited. 

Rent your tote today!

Use the green button to rent a kit for your classroom.