Scenic Hawaii Inc. has recognized the Kailua Bay Advisory Council with a Garden of Honor award in the Community Garden category for the Kaha Gardens project, located next to Kawai Nui Marsh.

The project replaced grass and invasive species along the streambank with native vegetation to demonstrate the benefits of native plants and the importance of proper stream-side vegetation, said Todd Cullison, KBAC executive director. Interpretive signs were also installed. The chosen plants filter pollutants, thrive on less water and provide native bird habitat.

The garden was done in partnership with the city Department of Parks and Recreation, state Department of Health Clean Water Branch, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Other participants are Hui Ku Maoli Ola, 'Ahahui Malama I Ka Lokahi, LET Academy, Hughes and Hughes Landscaping, students from local schools and community volunteers.

The park is a community effort and volunteers are needed to help maintain it. To volunteer call Cullison at 277-5611 or send e-mail to tcullison@hawaii.rr.com.

For information about the park visit www.kahagardens.com. The garden is located at 750 Kaha St.