The new sign points out the components of the Wahikuli Rain Garden.

LAHAINA – Thanks to an interpretive sign installed by volunteers on Dec. 18, visitors to Wahikuli Wayside Park will no longer mistake a recently installed rain garden for a grouping of native plants.

The sign points out the components of the rain garden makai of the park showers, and serves as an introduction to rain gardens and how they work.

Park visitors are encouraged to check out the rain garden and new sign, which further serves as a resource for homeowners who may be interested in building their own.

A rain garden is an affordable and effective way to capture and filter water from impermeable surfaces – think roofs, driveways and roads – before it reaches storm drains or the ocean.

Many everyday activities can cause excess water, from over-watering plants to washing cars.

The Wahikuli Rain Garden was installed in March 2013.

West Maui Kumuwai is currently offering homeowners, schools and businesses the chance to install a rain garden on their own property.

For more information, visit www.westmauikumuwai.org or call Tova at 214-4239.