Powder Valley has 112 acres of oak hickory forest. The name comes from the historical use of the general vicinity for manufacture and storage of explosive powder used in the Civil War and World War II.

The area has three trails, one of which has interpretive signs and is disabled accessible. Naturalists conduct interpretive programs on numerous conservation topics for schools, homeschool families, civic groups, and the general public.

Not-for-profit groups with a conservation mission statement may apply to use the nature center classrooms as meeting room space on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on the 1st through 4th Tuesday evening each month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on a space available basis. 

The nature center has two levels of exhibits related to backyard wildlife and conservation practices in urban areas.