A core collector for collecting aeration cores lifted from a ground surface by a ground aerator machine includes a skid plate having a bottom surface opposite the ground surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface. The skid plate has a plurality of openings in the skid plate extending between the top surface and the bottom surface at a proximal end of the skid plate. The plurality of openings are spaced apart from each other based on a spacing of extraction tines of the ground aerator machine. The core collector has at least one core clearing member. Aeration cores are deposited directly onto the top surface of the skid plate. The at least one core clearing member is configured to clear the aeration cores from the proximal end of the skid plate toward the distal end of the skid plate.
