URBAN forests are set to take centre stage in Samson Park this month as a community festival brings people together to officially launch the month long 2026 WA Tree Festival.
The Samson Tree and Wildlife festival, to be held at Sir Frederick Samson Memorial Park on April 11 brings the community together to protect the trees.
The free event highlights the importance of urban greenery in local neighbourhoods.
City of Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver, a regular volunteer with the Friends of Samson Park, says “urban trees are essential for creating cooler, greener and more resilient neighbourhoods.
• The Samson Park shindig kicks off the WA Tree Festival.
“They support biodiversity, provide habitat for wildlife including our iconic Carnaby’s black cockatoos, and contribute to the health and wellbeing of our community.”
Mr Lawver said the event was a great way for the community to come together and celebrate natural spaces that make Fremantle such a special place.
The event is in partnership with East Fremantle, highlighting the importance of collaboration between towns.
East Fremantle mayor Tony Natale says the festival is a “fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about our urban forest and discover practical ways they can help care for the environment”.
Melville council also is upping the ante for the the WA Tree Festival, with its libraries being transformed into urban forest oases where kids and families can attend tree-inspired events during April and May.
Melville mayor Katy Mair said the City would also be launching its native plant giveaway in the coming weeks to help re-leaf and rewild Melville with 9,000 free native plants available for residents to plant in their gardens.
“We are committed to protecting and enhancing our urban forest canopy through active tree planting programs and saw nearly 6,000 trees planted last financial year along verges and in commercial areas, which often suffer under higher temperatures during the summer months,” Ms Mair said.
The Samson Park festival starts with a Welcome to Country and cultural walk followed by wildlife presentations, children’s storytelling and drawing, forest bathing, and a range of hands-on environmental workshops.
Groups such as the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre, WA Wildlife, as well as local author James Foley and Noongar elder Trevor Walley will help bring the festival to life.
The festival runs Saturday April 11 from 11am to 4pm.
by APRIL HANCOCK