Hi Wendy, thank you for using Ask Extension.

Lead Testing

Soil lead can move into leafy greens, root crops, and backyard‑chicken eggs through soil ingestion.  MSU does not do lead testing; however, they have produced a list of labs that can do the testing.  Penn State probably fits your test needs best, but you should review the list.  I have also included a sampling guide.  Here are the general thresholds of lead contamination used by universities:

Typical Extension Ranges
• 0–100 ppm → background / lowest concern
• 100–300 ppm → elevated; caution for leafy & root crops
• 300–400 ppm → high; restrict root crops, limit chicken foraging
• 400+ ppm → hazard threshold (EPA‑aligned) 

Testing for contaminants in soil, water and plants - Managing Soil Health

Environmental Soil Testing — Agricultural Analytical Services Lab — Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences

https://agsci.psu.edu/aasl/soil-testing/soil-fertility-testing/soil-sampling-instructions

Siberian Elms 

Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) sequesters CO₂ quickly because it is a fast‑growing tree, but it is a poor long‑term carbon sink due to its short lifespan, low wood density, and high breakage/decay rates. It is invasive.  The tree drops limbs, is very buggy, and produces many seeds that easily germinate.  According to many sources this tree does not have many good attributes.

Siberian elm | The Morton Arboretum

Phragmites

Here is some good general information on Phragmites.

egle-ais-guide-phragmites.pdf

In Washtenaw County the Jackson–Lenawee–Washtenaw Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (JLW CISMA) can be a great help in tackling this invasive.

Jackson, Lenawee and Washtenaw CISMA - Michigan Invasive Species Coalition

Contact Shikha Singh at<personal data hidden> or <personal data hidden>

Sending additional information would be helpful:

• A photo of the suspected Phragmites, 
    • The address or nearest road
    • The site type (ditch, shoreline, wetland, pond edge, upland)

Michigan's CISMAs can assist in many ways.

    •Species identification
    • Site visits (often free)
    • Management plans
    • Treatment coordination (DIY guidance or contractor referrals)
    • Cost‑share opportunities when available
    • Follow‑up monitoring guidance

I hope this is helpful.