Planting Fields Arboretum

Planting Fields Arboretum will improve its ability to inventory, track, maintain, analyze, and map its living collections through Geographic Information System (GIS) and improve methods to share collections information with a wider audience. The 409-acre arboretum consists of 200 acres of cultivated gardens and more than 200 acres of woodlands. Collections are arranged in two dozen gardens featuring more than 23,000 individuals representing 1,700 species of trees and woody plants. By linking all plant-related information and historical site information in a GIS, the arboretum will be able to document and map collections in one system, reducing the amount of time and labor needed to generate updated records and publish maps. This will also result in increasing the accuracy of information and providing analytical tools for evaluating the collections' health and performance, and the ability to easily exchange information with regional, national, and international horticultural networks. Additionally, the project will improve and increase signage to properly interpret collections and share information with visitors.