The City of Joondalup is excited to collaborate for a second year with the City of Stirling, the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) and other local governments for the WA Tree Festival from Saturday 6 April 2024 – Sunday 5 May 2024.
The WA Tree Festival brings local councils and the community together to help share the value of trees collectively, so that we can all work to protect and improve our urban tree canopy in the Perth metropolitan area.
Trees are essential in a warming climate – they cool us down, provide habitat for wildlife, and make our neighbourhoods look and feel better. By highlighting the benefits of trees and understanding the issues we face around tree canopy loss, we can improve our urban tree canopy.
Trees for nature
Urban tree canopy provides critical support for biodiversity, which in turn supports us. Greater biodiversity supports disease resistance, carbon sequestration, and food security, but it also supports plants, animals, and microorganisms in our ecosystems.
Many threatened species, such as our beloved Carnaby Black Cockatoos, are at risk of becoming extinct due to habitat loss and loss of trees. Trees provide a habitat for our fauna.
Trees for cooler suburbs
The urban heat island effect is caused by concrete and hardstand surfaces heating up the surface temperature and making the air hotter. Trees can substantially lower daytime temperatures in our suburbs by providing shade and transpiration. This means trees can help mitigate the effects of a warming climate due to climate change.
Trees for health and wellbeing
Trees strengthen our mental and physical health. A connection to nature has been shown to support happiness, health, and wellbeing. Trees also help us relax, reducing stress and blood pressure and improving mood. Time spent in nature also improves cognitive function and enhances our learning abilities.
What’s on?
Branch out and explore the trees in your local area and our urban areas through events and programs that the City is running throughout the month to celebrate the importance and the values of trees.
WA Tree Festival Walking Trail and CompetitionNeil Hawkins Park
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Free street treesAll locationsFREE | No bookings required The City will supply and plant trees on residential verges for free. Green your neighbourhood with up to three new trees from the City’s Preferred Street Tree Species List, or you can also apply for approval to plant your own verge tree. Visit the City’s website for further details. |
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Nature Play PassportsAvailable at all Joondalup Libraries
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Noongar Cultural Coastal WalksHillarys Marina Lake
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Discovery Session: Recycled Seed Paper
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Discovery session: Recycled Seed Paper
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Discovery session: A Biodiverse Urban ForestWoodvale Library
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Discovery session: Capturing the Essence of TreesJoondalup Library
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Discovery Session: Native Animal RescueWhitford Library
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Discovery Outbound: Botanic Gardens WannerooWhitford Library
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All Natural Wall Hangings – School Holiday ProgramWoodvale Library
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Worms, Worms, Worms – School Holiday ProgramWhitford Library
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Nature Prints – School Holiday ProgramDuncraig Library
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Story time under the treesAll libraries
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What trees are flowering in Djeran?
April and May form the Noongar season of Djeran, which is represented by the colour green and is the time of the year when the cooler weather begins.
If you are visiting any of the City’s natural areas during the WA Tree Festival in Djeran, keep an eye out for Marri and Banksia flowering, as well as the Casuarina’s red ‘rust’ and seed cones forming. It’s also a time where feasts of Bayou (seeds) from the City’s emblem, the Djiridji or Zamia Palm, were traditionally eaten after being collected and stored for treatment in the previous season of Bunuru.
While travelling along the streets in our local neighbourhoods, you will also see the bright and vibrant blooms of the Red Flowering Gums.
Eats and Drinks
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of the WA Tree Festival in Djeran and explore the diverse culinary options after enjoying its natural areas. From casual cafes serving breakfasts and lunches to a range of pubs, bars and restaurants offering a diverse range of flavours and drinks. Refer to the map below to discover the options available.
