Minnesota Department of Transportation EnvironMentor Systems
This project developed a comprehensive, multimedia "expert
system" on CD-ROM that enables novices and professionals to
become knowledgeable and successful in selecting appropriate
plants for challenging roadside sites and landscapes in
Minnesota. This interactive system helps educate users to avoid
common, costly, and hazardous mistakes in landscaping. It saves
time, money, and resources in making informed decisions that
contribute to improved success and more sustainable landscape
systems. The database correlates 650 woody and herbaceous plants
with up to 49 distinct fields of query information, multiple
color photos of each plant's distinguishing characteristics, and
Minnesota range maps for native woody plants. The project team
formed numerous collaborations and partnerships to develop this
product while ensuring cost-effectiveness and the opportunity to
make future project development self-sustaining. The efforts of
this group and the use of thi