Published on Monday, 16 March 2026 at 8:00:00 PM
Urban forests, Carnaby’s black cockatoos, and wildlife conservation will take centre stage when the Samson Tree & Wildlife Festival hosts the launch of the 2026 WA Tree Festival in Fremantle next month.
The free community event will be held at Sir Frederick Samson Memorial Park on Saturday 11 April from 11am to 4pm, bringing together families, environmental organisations and community groups to celebrate the vital role trees play in supporting wildlife and creating cooler, greener neighbourhoods.
The festival will also mark the official launch of the 2026 WA Tree Festival, a month-long statewide initiative that encourages communities to value and celebrate trees.
City of Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver, who himself has been a regular volunteer with the Friends of Samson Park, said the Samson Tree & Wildlife Festival was a wonderful opportunity for the community to connect with nature while learning more about the importance of urban forests.
“The Samson Tree & Wildlife Festival is a great way for our community to come together and celebrate the trees, wildlife and natural spaces that make Fremantle such a special place to be,” Mayor Lawver said.
“Urban trees are essential for creating cooler, greener and more resilient neighbourhoods. They support biodiversity, provide habitat for wildlife including our iconic Carnaby’s black cockatoos, and contribute to the health and wellbeing of our community.
“We are proud to host the launch of the WA Tree Festival and to work alongside Local Governments and organisations across Western Australia to help grow and protect our urban forest.”
The event is presented in partnership with the Town of East Fremantle and supported by a range of local environmental organisations and community groups.
Town of East Fremantle Mayor Tony Natale said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to protecting and enhancing urban tree canopy across neighbouring communities.
“Trees play an essential role in creating healthy and liveable communities while also supporting native wildlife,” Mayor Natale said.
“The Samson Tree & Wildlife 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.”
Festival highlights include a Welcome to Country and cultural walk with Trevor Walley, wildlife presentations from Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre and WA Wildlife, children’s storytelling and drawing with local author and illustrator James Foley, forest bathing experiences and a range of hands-on environmental workshops.
Live music will run throughout the afternoon, with families also able to enjoy a sausage sizzle hosted by the Fremantle Rotary Club.
Community organisations including Friends of Samson Park, BirdLife Australia, WA Wildlife, the Wetlands Centre, the City of Fremantle Urban Forest team and other local sustainability groups will host information stalls and activities throughout the day.
The 2026 WA Tree Festival runs from 11 April to 10 May and features a diverse program of community events and activities hosted by local governments and partner organisations across Western Australia.
Since launching in 2022, the WA Tree Festival has encouraged communities to come together to celebrate the value of trees in urban areas and support the growth and protection of urban forests.
The 2026 WA Tree Festival is sponsored by the Government of Western Australia, with the support of WALGA and Perth NRM.
Event Details
Samson Tree & Wildlife Festival
Saturday 11 April 2026
11am to 4pm
Sir Frederick Samson Memorial Park
Sellenger Avenue, Samson
Free community event. All welcome.
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