The project is actually about 3 years old, said Paul Conry of Forestry and Wildlife. "There's another sign, but it's down by the bridge and not as visible."

It's a joint project, actually, with Kaneohe Ranch donating the wetlands along the road to Ducks Unlimited, a national conservation group, and DU teaming up with F&W to create a safe area for bird species to hang out.

"All those areas by the canal are actually wetlands areas and extensions of Kawainui Marsh," said Conry. "They seasonally flood. Some of the areas were opened up to make it easier for the birds, and then planted with pickleweed, which you find around mud flats."

You're likely to see endangered species such as Hawaiian stilts, and in the winter migratory ducks, or koloa, in these reserve areas. Even though these sanctuaries are in a suburb, don't go tramping around in there, even if you've got Tenzing Norgay to guide you -- the birds need a space they can call their own.

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