PHOENIX, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), is seeking nominations for the Cox Conserves Heroes awards program. The program thanks volunteers who are creating or enhancing outdoor places for everyone to enjoy.

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

The program is seeking nominations for volunteers in both Metro Phoenix and Southern Arizona. Eligible nominees cannot receive financial compensation for their conservation work.

Nominations are being accepted now through November 30 at Cox7.com/coxconserves.

Finalists will be selected by a judging panel comprised of local civic and environmental leaders, and a total of $14,000 will be donated to their environmental nonprofits of choice. Videos will profile each finalist, and the public will vote on the winner.

The online public voting and winner announcement will take place in early 2012.

Since Cox Conserves Heroes launched in 2008, nearly $180,000 has been donated to local environmental nonprofits. The program also takes place in Atlanta, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Virginia. Para más información, visita  www.CoxConservesHeroes.com or find us on Facebook.

Acerca de Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves more than 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for five years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity, and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com/espanol y www.coxmedia.com.

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 nearly 5,000 land conservation projects in 46 states, protecting 3 million acres. TPL has helped states and communities craft and pass over 382 ballot measures, generating $34 billion in local conservation funds. In Arizona, TPL has conserved more than 250,000 acres including inholdings within the Aqua Fria National Monument. www.tpl.org

About Cox Conserves

Launched in 2007, Cox Conserves is the company's national sustainability program that seeks to reduce Cox Enterprises' 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.

In Phoenix, Cox Enterprises generates alternative energy through its solar installations at Cox Communications and Manheim. Cox Communications also is a past recipient of the International Citrix Innovation Award for its "green" call center program. Additionally, the company collects waste materials and sells them to recycling companies. The proceeds are given to local charities and help fund grants for youth-oriented education and development programs run by area nonprofits. www.coxconserves.com

SOURCE Cox Communications