Core Arboretum

Imagine a quiet green oasis spanning 37 hectares, nestled right in the middle of an energetic university campus. The Core Arboretum is a unique natural site belonging to West Virginia University, located in Morgantown, USA. This place harmoniously combines the functions of an open-air scientific laboratory and a picturesque park for residents to relax.

Named after the famous botanist Earl Core, the arboretum is renowned for its rich biodiversity, featuring over 300 species of woody plants and more than 250 species of herbaceous plants. The territory includes steep wooded slopes and the Monongahela River floodplain, where fragments of old-growth forest with trees over 200 years old have been preserved.

The Core Arboretum is especially valuable for nature lovers due to its collection of native and exotic plants. Every day, visitors can enjoy walks along well-maintained trails for free, studying the regional flora or simply seeking solitude in the shade of ancient oaks and maples while observing the changing seasons in this living museum of nature.

For those planning a visit to the Core Arboretum, the following contact information will be useful. You can always check the details of upcoming events or visiting rules on the university's official website.

The main reason visitors come here is to immerse themselves in the world of nature. The hiking trails total about 5.6 km (3.5 miles). These paths wind through dense forest and the river floodplain, offering varying difficulty levels — from flat pathways to sections with a significant incline. Information signs are placed along the way to help you identify rare species of shrubs and trees.

If your visit coincides with the period from late March to early May, you will witness a stunning sight — the blooming of spring ephemerals. The entire forest floor is covered in a vibrant carpet of wildflowers. Additionally, this site is considered one of the best in the region for birdwatching, with over 180 recorded bird species, and the proximity to the river attracts many woodland inhabitants.

For those looking for a peaceful rest, the arboretum features well-kept lawns perfect for a picnic and comfortable benches along the trails. Educational events and lectures are sometimes held in a small forest amphitheater. Whether you are visiting for serious botanical research or just want to spend time with your family, the atmosphere of the old forest will give you a sense of complete tranquility.

This natural sanctuary is conveniently located on Monongahela Boulevard in Morgantown, right next to the West Virginia University Coliseum. Situated between a busy road and the river, the arboretum is an ideal destination for walking or cycling directly from the university campus.

If you plan to arrive by car, follow Monongahela Blvd — visitor parking is available near the entrance. For those preferring public transport, the PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) system is an excellent option, with stations located within walking distance of the grounds. A taxi or rental car trip from Morgantown Municipal Airport takes only about 10–15 minutes.

For those who enjoy a leisurely stroll, the walk from the city center takes 20 to 30 minutes. The area is integrated into the city's pedestrian trail network, making a visit to this site an easy and accessible addition to any traveler's itinerary.

The history of this protected area began in 1890 when Professor Charles Frederick Millspaugh proposed establishing an educational nature base at the university. However, the idea didn't come to fruition until decades later. In 1948, Earl Lemley Core, then chairman of the biology department, convinced the administration to set aside the steep slopes of the former Krepps farm for this purpose, land that had originally been intended for campus expansion.

Earl Core was more than just an administrator; he was a distinguished botanist who dedicated over 40 years to studying the region's flora. His passion for science and nature allowed him to transform ordinary farmland into a unique open-air research laboratory. In 1975, the arboretum was officially named in his honor as a sign of recognition for his immense contributions.

A major milestone occurred in 1998 when the university finalized the territory's boundaries and established a dedicated endowment fund to support and develop the garden. Today, the site serves not only as a recreational zone but also as a significant scientific center, having hosted dozens of master's theses and hundreds of botanical studies valued by the global scientific community.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and natural diversity of the Core Arboretum, the average visitor will need between 1 and 3 hours. A quick walk along the main trails takes about an hour, but if you plan to examine the tree collection in detail and capture some beautiful photos, it is better to set aside more time.

For birdwatching enthusiasts or botany lovers, a visit can easily stretch to half a day. This is especially true in the spring when the blooming of ephemerals creates incredible landscapes that are hard to leave behind. A leisurely pace will allow you not only to cover all 3.5 miles of trails but also to relax on the benches while contemplating the flow of the Monongahela River.

The Core Arboretum is open to visitors daily and year-round. You can enjoy a walk through the woods from 06:00 to 21:00, which is convenient for both early morning runs and watching the sunset by the river. Admission to the grounds remains free for all visitors.

Please note that operating hours may change slightly depending on the season or university events. Before your visit, it is recommended to check the official university website to ensure that all trails and facilities are accessible.

Exploring the surrounding area after a walk in the shade will help you get a full sense of this college town's atmosphere. Just a few minutes' drive or a pleasant walk away, you will find historic landmarks as well as cozy spots to relax and discuss your visit.

Key campus sites and the historic center, reflecting the state's rich cultural heritage, are located nearby. Below is a list of interesting places in the immediate vicinity of the arboretum: