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Order If Our Trees Could Talk

The perfect gift for the nature lover on your list.

"If Our Trees Could Talk: Discovering the Urban Forest of Sioux Falls" highlights Sioux Falls' urban forest, showcasing its historical trees and their significance to the community.

Written by Paul De Jong with contributing author Mike Cooper, and photographed by Paul Schiller. Every copy sold supports the Arboretum's programs and tree conservation efforts.

Get Your Copy

Featured Trees

The book highlights century-old bur oaks, rare blue beech, and ancient ginkgo trees found throughout the city — including specimens in the Cathedral Historic District, McKennan Park, Riverview Heights, Maplewood, and Tuthill and Tomar Parks. Each tree represents a unique aspect of the community's history and beauty.

About the Contributors

Paul De Jong, author, brings 40 years of experience in landscape gardening to this book. Despite the challenges of Parkinson's disease, Paul has fulfilled his dream of documenting these trees.

Mike Cooper, contributing author, draws on 33 years in urban planning and parks development to provide historical context for Sioux Falls' tree evolution.

Paul Schiller, photographer, is an award-winning photographer who captures the trees across all four seasons, enhancing their visual stories.

Supporting the Arboretum

All proceeds from the book support the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum's programs and tree conservation efforts — a 155-acre nature preserve in East Sioux Falls featuring walking trails, prairie meadows, woodlands, and over 500 tree and shrub plantings.

Order Your Copy

$20 per copy, plus $1 per copy to cover online processing fees. If you choose not to have your order shipped, please pick it up at the Arboretum during business hours.
If you would like to order more than two copies, please contact our office for custom orders. Phone: (605) 367-4414

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Prefer to buy in person? The book is also available at:

Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum
1900 S. Perry Place, Sioux Falls, SD
Ace Hardware
41st & Minnesota, Sioux Falls, SD