Volunteers care for native plants under the highway and above the cemetery at Hanakao‘o. The planted area is part of an erosion and polluted runoff control project by the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative. PHOTOS BY LIZ FOOTE.

LAHAINA – On the morning of Saturday, Sept. 10, a community cleanup will be held at Hanakao’o (Canoe Beach) as part of the International Coastal Cleanup and “Get the Drift and Bag It,” coordinated locally by Malama Maui Nui.

All are invited to join a team of volunteers who will be taking care of the area with native plants above the Hanakao’o Cemetery, the surrounding area and beach.

The native plants were planted in 2013 as an erosion control project under the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative.

Debris routinely accumulates in this area from the highway above, so a cleanup around the plantings as well as the nearby beach will benefit the coast.

Meet at the site by the cemetery (Hanakao’o/Canoe Beach, below the highway) at 8:30 a.m. Drinks and refreshments will be provided, and cleanup supplies will be provided by Malama Maui Nui and the West Maui Kumuwai campaign.

Participants should bring sun protection and a water bottle. Those wishing to collect and take home some clippings of native plants for their own gardens should bring an appropriate container. For more information, e-mail westmauikumuwai @gmail.com, visit the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WestMauiKumuwai) or website (www.westmauikumuwai.org), or call/text Campaign Manager Liz Foote at (808) 283-1631.