Coppess Nature Sanctuary is a 32-acre woodland donated by Mrs. Frances Carpenter. It was the catalyst for the creation of the Darke County Park District in 1972. Her wish to preserve a portion of Darke County as it might have appeared in pre-settlement times is a lasting tribute to her family and a legacy to all Darke County residents.

Coppess Nature Sanctuary offers a splendid example of an Oak-Hickory forest and a glimpse of some of the great natural diversity of the Darke County region as it appeared 200 years ago. More than 38 species of woody plants have been identified. The forest floor plant community is also impressive, with more than 84 species of plants, including spring wildflowers such as Dutchman’s Breeches, Trilliums, Bloodroot, Mayapple, and Yellow Trout Lily.