Core Arboretum

Core Arboretum
West Virginia University Arboretum
Trail in Core Arboretum
Country United States
State West Virginia
County Monongalia
Elevation 997 ft (303.9 m) [1]
Coordinates 39°38′44″N 79°58′39″W / 39.64556°N 79.97750°W / 39.64556; -79.97750Coordinates: 39°38′44″N 79°58′39″W / 39.64556°N 79.97750°W / 39.64556; -79.97750 [1]
Area 91 acres (36.8 ha) [2]
Acquired 1948 [3]
 - Established 1998 [3]
Owner West Virginia University [3]
Topo map USGS Morgantown North
Nearest city Morgantown, West Virginia
Location of Core Arboretum in West Virginia
Website: Core Arboretum

The Core Arboretum is a 91-acre (37 ha) arboretum owned by West Virginia University and located on Monongahela Boulevard in Morgantown, West Virginia.[2] It is open to the public daily without charge.[3]

The Arboretum's history began in 1948 when the University acquired its site. Professor Earl Lemley Core (1902-1984), chairman of the Biology Department, then convinced President Irvin Stewart to set the property aside for the study of biology and botany.[3] In 1975 the Arboretum was named in Core's honor.

The Arboretum is now managed by the WVU Department of Biology, and consists of mostly old-growth forest on steep hillside and Monongahela River flood plain. It includes densely wooded areas with 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of walking trails, as well as 3 acres (12,000 m2) of lawn planted with specimen trees.[2]

The Arboretum has a variety of natural habitats in which several hundred species of native WV trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants may be found. Some of the large trees are likely over 200 years old. The Arboretum is well known as a superb site to see spring ephemeral wildflowers from late March to early May. Varied habitats and riverside location also make the area an excellent site to observe birds and animals.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 "Core Arboretum". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. 1997-03-11. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
  2. 1 2 3 "The Core Arboretum". West Virginia University Department of Biology. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Arboretum History". West Virginia University Department of Biology. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
  4. ↑ "Home | Core Arboretum | West Virginia University". arboretum.wvu.edu. Retrieved 2015-12-02.

See also


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