Printer-friendlyRoger Tory Peterson Institute
Enter the building, itself a work of art, for exhibitions on wildlife interpreted through art, photography, and writing. Peterson Field Guide excerpts will help you name and understand plants and animals along the trail through forest, field, and marsh.
Description: The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is a national organization dedicated to instilling in children an appreciation and understanding of the natural world. 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.
Viewing Information: Since the Institute's major wildlife emphasis is on interpretation through art, photography, and writing, visitors should visit the building - an architectural work of art in itself. Frequent exhibitions (for which a fee is charged) feature the work of Dr. Peterson and other wildlife artists. 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.
Directions: Take the New York State Thruway (I-90) Exit 59 and then South on Route 60 to Jamestown. From NYS Route 17 take Exit 12 and then South on Route 60 1 mile to Jamestown. 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.
Closest Town: Jamestown
Ownership: Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History
Telephone: (716)665-2473
Size: 27 acres
