Surrounding all of campus, benefits of the Cofrin Arboretum extend to the campus and to community members. More than 6 miles of trails are open to the public for passive recreation such as hiking, biking, bird-watching, cross-country skiing, and simply meandering
The Cofrin Memorial Arboretum includes examples of several natural ecosystems found in northern Wisconsin. Some, like Mahon Woods, existed before the arboretum was created. Others, like the Oak Savanna were restored important ecosystems that had been destroyed when the area was converted to agricultural fields. Some features, like many of the ponds and the Keith White Prairie were constructed as outdoor laboratories for UW Green Bay students and faculty.