This paper begins with Minnesota's past at a time when we took our resources for granted. It correlates the evolution of early trails to modern interstate highways with the evolution of native prairie to today's restoration efforts along those road sides. Roadside development is documented along with vegetation approaches beginning with preterritorial times. As highway purpose changed in Minnesota, so did its roadside policy. The Minnesota Department of Transportation moved from a path of least resistance, to an agriculture approach, to an environmentally aware route. As a result, roadside vegetation changed from existing native prairie, to manicured front yards, to consciously chosen native plantings. The author then examines current minnesota strategies. The author concludes that the native plants we once took for granted are problem solvers for current and future road sides. Although standard plantings using exotic species continue to be the rule, more restoration using native species is being attempted. Because Minnesota's past parallels that of most states, Minnesota's present and future could be a model for many.
Abstract