Established in 1956, Powdermill serves as a field station for long-term studies of natural populations, and now forms the core of the museum's Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystems. The reserve encompasses 928.17 hectares, which includes forests (~891 hectares), fields (~21 hectares), developed land (~17 hectares), and ponds and streams (~0.36 hectares).[3]
^ abMartin, Amanda K.; Hughes, Daniel F.; Sheridan, Jennifer A. (July 15, 2021). "Changes in an Amphibian Community at Powdermill Nature Reserve, Southwest Pennsylvania, Over a 37-Year Period". Annals of Carnegie Museum. 87 (2). doi:10.2992/007.087.0204.