The Institute fulfills this mission through teacher training, forums, exhibitions, publications, and awards for nature educators. It is named for the famous artist, naturalist and author, and is located in the city of his birth. An interpreted trail provides guidance to the visitor on plant and animal identification using the Peterson Field Guides. Trails wind through a variety of habitats including forest, field and marsh. Warblers can be seen in the trees in the spring and woodpeckers throughout the year.
Bluebirds nest in boxes in the openings.
Great blue and green herons feed in the marsh where muskrats also make their home. A special viewing site is a butterfly garden designed by Virginia Peterson. This garden attracts a variety of butterflies and ruby-throated hummingbirds throughout the growing season. In Jamestown, turn left at Buffalo Street, left at Falconer Street, and left at Curtis Street. Westbound on I-90, use exit 59 to Route 60 South and follow directions above.