Old Christmas trees destined for the curbside have found their way to Jarry Park, creating a small forest.

Residents have been lugging their trees to the Montreal park to take part in a new temporary installation.

Called the “ephemeral forest,” the project was started by local community group Friends of Jarry Park in partnership with the borough of Villeray—Saint-Michel—Parc-Extension.

While giving trees a second life, the project also asks residents to decorate the trees with a wish on what they would like to see added to the green space.

Some of the notes already posted ask for new playground equipment for children.

Others ask for more permanent trees and vegetation in the park.

“I find it a very nice project. It’d be nice if there were more trees,” resident Angelo Meo said.

He hopes to see a small temporary farm animal exhibit added this summer.

“A mini-farm, especially for the kids, that would be nice.”

However, the project has blossomed into something bigger.

People have been leaving wishes for the new year, turning the space into a forest of hope.

Messages as big as “ending COVID-19” or as small as giving a hug have been left hanging on the branches.

“I didn’t know what else to do with my tree. It seems nice to give my tree a second life,” Alison Lee said.

Lee brought her small tree and said the project has found a way to bring the community together during a time of social distancing.

“I think this forest shows that the power of what happens when we come together,” Lee said.