ATLANTA, Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises announced that nearly $180,000 has been donated to 54 different environmental nonprofits through the Cox Conserves Heroes program.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070925/CLTU013LOGO-a )

Created by Cox Enterprises and The Trust for Public Land (TPL), Cox Conserves Heroes is an awards program that honors everyday volunteers who work to create and preserve shared outdoor places in local communities. The winners and finalists select environmental nonprofits to receive a donation in their honor. Since the program launched, a total of 17 individuals have been recognized as Cox Conserves Heroes.

The program is presented locally by a Cox-owned TV station or cable system and has taken place in Atlanta (Channel 2 WSB-TV), New Orleans (Cox Communications), San Diego (Cox Communications), San Francisco Bay Area (KTVU Channel 2) and Seattle (KIRO 7). The program continues to grow and expanded to include Cox Communications systems in Phoenix and Hampton Roads, Va. in 2011.

"Cox is a role model for all corporations seeking to adopt sustainable business practices; we couldn't ask for a better partner," said Will Rogers, TPL President.  "Recognizing the extraordinary conservation efforts of ordinary people inspires us all to become more involved in making our communities better places to live, work and play. We are grateful to each and every Cox Conserves Hero and finalist for their efforts." 

The 2011 Cox Conserves Heroes' projects included revitalizing urban forests, wetlands conservation, creating new athletic fields and parks, as well as educational programs around coastal issues and sustainable agriculture.

The 2011 Cox Conserves Heroes and their environmental nonprofit beneficiaries are: 

• Atlanta: Na'Taki Osborne-Jelks (West Atlanta Watershed Alliance)
• Hampton Roads, Va.: Chris Clifford (Park Partners, Inc.)
• San Diego (Youth Winner): Isabel Herrera (Ocean Discovery Institute)
• San Diego (Adult Winner): Denise Stillinger (San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy)
• San Francisco Bay Area: Naftali Moed (Pie Ranch)

"The goal of Cox Conserves Heroes is to recognize and thank the volunteers who spend countless hours creating or preserving outdoor areas for everyone to enjoy," said Cox Enterprises Chairman Jim Kennedy. "At Cox, we're working on reducing our environmental impact through various operations programs, and we also partner with organizations such as The Trust for Public Land to inspire others to act. Together, we can all make a difference."

To learn more about the Cox Conserves Heroes, finalists, and their environmental nonprofits of choice, visit www.CoxConservesHeroes.com or find us on Facebook.

About Cox Conserves

Cox Conserves is Cox Enterprises' national sustainability program that seeks to reduce the company's energy consumption by embracing alternative forms of energy, conserving natural resources and inspiring eco-friendly behavior. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Manheim, Cox Media Group and AutoTrader.com) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 60,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.

About The Trust for Public Land

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since 1972, TPL has completed 4,250 land conservation projects in 47 states, protecting 3 million acres. TPL has helped states and communities craft and pass more than 380 ballot measures, generating $34 billion in new conservation-related funding.  

About Cox Enterprises

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of nearly $15 billion and more than 60,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications, Inc. (cable television distribution, telephone, high-speed Internet access, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Manheim, Inc. (vehicle auctions, repair and certification services and web-based technology products); Cox Media Group, Inc. (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers, advertising sales rep firms, Valpak and Cox Digital Solutions); and AutoTrader.com (online automotive advertising and Kelley Blue Book, vAuto, HomeNet Automotive and Vin Solutions subsidiaries). Additionally, Cox operates Kudzu.com.

SOURCE Cox Enterprises