Volunteers care for the native plants above the cemetery at Hanakao’o Beach Park through an erosion and polluted runoff control project by the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative. PHOTO BY LIZ FOOTE.

LAHAINA – On the morning of Saturday, April 6, a community cleanup and native plant care workday will be held at Hanakao’o Beach Park (Canoe Beach) as part of Earth Month.

All are invited to join a team of volunteers who will be taking care of the native plants above the Hanakao’o Cemetery that were planted in 2013 as an erosion control project under the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative.

Debris have accumulated in this area from Honoapiilani Highway above, and the plants could use some attention.

Both a cleanup and plant care will be occurring as part of the event.

Volunteers have the option of choosing either or both projects.

Volunteers should meet at the site by the cemetery at 8:30 a.m.

Water, refreshments, and cleanup and some gardening supplies will be provided by the West Maui Kumuwai campaign.

Bring sun protection and any favorite gardening tools.

For those wishing to collect and take home some clippings of native plants for their own gardens, bring an appropriate container.

For more information on this Hanakao’o Beach Park workday, e-mail westmauikumuwai@gmail.com, visit the Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/WestMauiKumuwai/events or call or text Campaign Manager Liz Foote at (808) 283-1631.

West Maui Kumuwai (WMK) is focused on reducing land-based sources of pollution that can harm the ocean.

The campaign offers ways in which individuals and properties in West Maui can take action to curb these pollutants at home, in their yard or through community projects.

West Maui Kumuwai coordinates an Ocean-Friendly Property and Ocean-Friendly Landscaper program.

By asking individuals and businesses to pledge their commitment by supporting the work of community groups and non-profits, and by sharing the stories of everyday ocean heroes, WMK is committed to protecting our ocean and unique West Maui way of life.

For more information about West Maui Kumuwai, visit its website at www.westmauikumuwai.org and social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) pages.

This collaborative effort is made up of Maui community members, individuals from non-profits, state and federal agencies, and local businesses.

West Maui Kumuwai, which supports the efforts of the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative, is currently funded by the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.