Excellence in Environmental Research
CD-ROM Expert System for Selection of Roadside Landscape Plants

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 this "expert system" have influenced improved transportation and the general landscaping plant selection, restoration, and management in Minnesota.

Project Contributors Minnesota Department of Transportation EnvironMentor Systems       Michael Max