The Wishing Tree

In Northeast Portland, OR, a unique tradition takes root in the form of a horse chestnut tree, known locally as the Wishing Tree. 

Located at the corner of Northeast Morris Street and 7th Avenue, this tree has become a repository for the hopes and dreams of the community. The tradition began in 2013 when Nicole Helprin, a resident and mother of two, decided to hang a few wishes on the tree before leaving town. Upon her return, she found the tree adorned with numerous wishes from others, turning it into a symbol of collective aspiration.

By February 2014, Helprin formalized the tradition by posting instructions on a wooden clipboard, inviting passersby to write their own wishes on provided tags and hang them on the tree. The wishes range from the whimsical to the heartfelt, with desires for love, happiness, and even simple pleasures. The tree's branches are rarely bare, as the community continuously replenishes the tags, making it a living testament to the hopes of those who visit.

Visitors to the tree will find blank tags and markers available, encouraging anyone to contribute their own wishes to this growing collection of dreams.