Friends of Massapequa Preserve, a newly formed not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting, preserving and restoring Massapequa Preserve, will host their first major community project, an Earth Day Paint-Out and cleanup April 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed to help "paint-out" the graffiti on the old New York City pump house by the bikeway, south of Sunrise Highway, as well as clean up the garbage and litter surrounding the pump house and nearby woods.

"A lot of our members have indicated that they would like to volunteer to help out," said Richard Schary, president of the Friends of Massapequa Preserve. "Here is the perfect chance for members and non-members alike."

The paint-out is sponsored by the Nassau County Graffiti Task Force, with the Nassau County Police Department supplying the paint and helping to supervise the event. Local public officials have also been invited to lend a hand.

"Get a sense of pride by helping to take back the Preserve;" Schary stated. "We invite all concerned community members to come and join us."

Volunteers should bring gloves, wear old clothes, long sleeves and pants. Park along the south side of Sunrise Highway, across the street from the east end of Massapequa LIRR station. From the Preserve entrance on Sunrise Highway, walk south through the woods for about a quarter of a mile, along the paved bikeway, to the pump house. Rain date is May 6 at 10 a.m..

For more information call 541-2461.