MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - After other businesses began to drop the ball Harris Nature Center decided to pick up their slack.

There used to be several locations that offered ski and snowshoe rentals to Meridian Township residents, but lately businesses have ceased renting.

Harris Nature Center rents cross country skis and snowshoes to the public daily for an affordable price. The only information they ask of those interested in renting their equipment is their height, weight, and shoe size.

Many people rent the nature center's equipment to use on the surrounding trails, but others take the skis and snowshoes elsewhere.

"Our hope is that this enables more people to be able to come out and try skiing or snowshoeing that maybe wouldn't have done it otherwise," Harris Nature Center Coordinator Kit Rich said.

Rich believes it provides a fun and different way for people to explore nature.