'Tree Trek' weaves nature and personal stories into a local memoir

AITKIN — In 2020, Stephanie Mirocha became a Minnesota master naturalist. Her father, who regularly led "Tree Treks" in St. Paul's Como Park, inspired this achievement.

Mirocha's father died in 2019 and her new memoir, Tree Trek: A Daughter's Walk Through Grief, blends her personal story while highlighting the importance of nature in our lives.

"I have always loved trees. I've loved nature and this book is about a shared love for nature, that kind of bonded me with my dad," Mirocha said in a recent KAXE Morning Show interview.

Mirocha now leads Tree Treks herself at Como Park, where she tries to make each one unique. She said people show up because they want to learn more about different tree species. And just like her father, she maintains informational tags on 39 species throughout the park. Maps are available online for self-guided tours.

Tree Trek: A Daughter's Walk Through Grief is available from Holy Cow! Press.

Have you had a meaningful tree in your life? Tell us about it!