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.

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.