WEST MAUI – There are many ways to be “ocean-friendly,” and when it comes to managing pollution from land – primarily nutrients, sediments and chemicals – it really does matter how we as West Maui residents, business owners and employees manage our lawns, landscapes and the built environment around us.

A new program being managed by the West Maui Kumuwai campaign is seeking to enlist landscapers and condominium properties in Honokowai to highlight and support ocean-friendly practices.

West Maui Kumuwai will be participating in an upcoming public community event in Lahaina, which will provide an opportunity for interested landscapers as well as condo residents and managers to learn more about this program and other ways to get involved.

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative in conjunction with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host an Open House at the Kaunoa Senior Center in Lahaina (88 Pauoa St.), and invites all community members concerned about the health of West Maui’s watersheds and reefs to join this informational talk story session.

The evening will provide an informal setting to learn about the latest advancements in coral, sediment and watershed planning efforts, hear from community partners about the many opportunities to take part in West Maui stewardship efforts, and provide input on the Draft Strategies and Implementation Report for the West Maui watersheds of Kahana, Honokahua and Honolua.

For those interested in learning more about sustainable landscaping, West Maui Kumuwai coordinates a recognition program that showcases local businesses and maintains a listing of companies on its website that have taken a pledge to adhere to sustainable landscaping practices.

These landscapers are provided with marketing materials to share with clients and receive exposure through the program’s media efforts. For information, contact Campaign Manager Liz Foote at (808) 283-1631 or WestMauiKumuwai@gmail.com, and visit westmauikumuwai.org/resources/landscape-partners.