Core Arboretum Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Mtn State Reviewer: As the owner has not responded to my prior note, this listing is archived for lack of maintenance.

Mtn State Reviewer
Geocaching.com Volunteer Cache Reviewer

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Hidden : 8/3/2003
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

3 miles of trails on 91 acres of open field, wooded hillside, and low, moist bottom land situated between Monongahela Boulevard and the Monongahela River.

Directions:

From downtown Morgantown, take US 19 North and WV 7 West approximately two miles to the stoplight at the WVU Coliseum. Take US 19 South and WV 7 East a very short distance to the gravel Core Arboretum parking lot.

From Interstate 79, take exit 155. Follow signs to WV 7 and US 19. Turn right onto US 19 South and WV 7 East. Proceed for 1.5 miles, passing straight through two intersections with traffic lights. Turn right into the Core Arboretum parking lot 0.1 miles after the second traffic light and immediately before a third traffic light. A blue sign on US 19 and WV 7 identifies the Core Arboretum.

Starting from the Core Arboretum gravel parking lot, the cache is to be found approximately .3 miles away. It is probably 10 steps away from the trail and no bushwhacking is necessary. It's across from some large boulders. Trust your GPS and stay on the trails. It was hidden in the forks of a fallen tree but had to be moved because a group of very unfriendly bees decided to claim it in the name of the queen. Please be mindful of the plants and wildlife. Especially the insects. If you see any trash, try and bring it out with you. There's a trashcan at the entrance near the gravel lot.

If you look at the trail map url below, you'll notice that Morgantown's rails to trails system goes through the lower end of the Arboretum. If you feel up to it you could always walk or bike in from either end of the railtrail and hike up the hill to the cache. Be warned though -- bikes are not permitted on all of the Arboretum trails.

For more info: (visit link)

Trail map: (visit link)

Morgantown rec trails: (visit link)

Other interesting things to see while you're caching:

Large rock overhang and waterfall nearby at N39 38.916 W079 59.082

Background:

A typical dictionary definition states that an arboretum is "a place where trees and other plants are grown for purposes of science, education, and display." Most of the Core Arboretum is natural woodland.

West Virginia University acquired the Krepps and Dille family farms in 1948 to provide space for University Expansion. Part of the Krepps farm, including a steep hillside, became what is now known as the Core Arboretum. Most of the lawn area planted with labeled trees was a farm field in 1948. The hillside forest, never clearcut, appeared much as it does today. There were signs of earlier agricultural activity on parts of the flatter land below the steep hillside.

Arboretum trail construction began in 1949, followed by the first specimen tree plantings in 1951. President Irving Stewart spoke at a 1954 ceremony that marked the official dedication and opening of the "West Virginia University Arboretum." The facility's name was changed to the "Core Arboretum" in 1975 in honor of Earl L. Core (1902-1984), distinguished botanist, prolific author, and the Arboretum's founder.

The WVU Department of Biology manages the Arboretum in support of the University's three functional areas; research, teaching, and service. The Arboretum is open from dawn until dusk every day of the year.

Three miles of trail provide access to approximately 50 acres of hillside and floodplain forest, as well as small lawn areas planted with specimen trees and shrubs. The Arboretum contains over 300 species of herbaceous plants and over 300 kinds of trees and shrubs. Observant visitors have spotted more than 150 species of birds.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ernq gur Fnaqfgbar Pyvssf cyndhr jura lbh ernpu vg. Gur pnpur ybpngvba vf zragvbarq va gur ynfg fragrapr. Nzzb obk.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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