The Core Arboretum was part of the Krepps Farm until 1948, when West Virginia University purchased land for the Evansdale campus. The WVU Department of Biology manages the 91 acre arboretum as a place for research, study, exercise and quiet recreation. Three miles of arboretum trails provide access to 300 kinds of trees and 300 species of herbaceous plants. 180 species of birds have been seen at the arboretum. The Arboretum is named for distinguished botanist Earl L. Core (1902–1984), a member of the faculty of the Department of Biology from 1928 to 1972.