CHESAPEAKE, Va., Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), today launched Virginia's 2nd Annual Cox Conserves Heroes program. Nominations are being accepted at CoxConservesHeroes.com for volunteers who are helping to create, preserve, or enhance our shared outdoor spaces. A total of $15,000 will be donated to local environmental nonprofits on behalf of the finalists.

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Judging panels comprised of local civic and environmental leaders will select one finalist from each of the areas: Roanoke, Hampton Roads and Fairfax County/Fredericksburg. The three finalists will then compete to be named Virginia's 2012 Cox Conserves Hero. The winner will be chosen through an online public vote.

A nominee's work must be done on a volunteer basis and may not be part of the individual's paid job. By improving our shared environment, these unsung heroes make Virginia communities better places to live, work, and play.

Nominations will be accepted through 5 p.m. EST on March 11 at CoxConservesHeroes.com.

Virginia's Cox Conserves Heroes Timeline:

• Nominations:  February 13 - March 11
• Voting:  Early April
• Winner Announcement: Mid May

Chris Clifford was named Virginia's 2011 Cox Conserves Hero and chose Park Partners, Inc. to receive $5,000. He helped construct fifteen athletic fields at local schools and parks, as well as a park entrance road and a wildlife habitat pond. Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission; Lynnhaven River Now; Newport News Green Foundation; y Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Foundation have also received donations through the Cox Conserves Heroes program.  

Para más información, visita  CoxConservesHeroes.com or find us on Facebook.

Social Media: #CoxConservesHeroes and #CoxConservesHero

About Cox Communications:

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone 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. 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 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. TPL began working in Virginia in 1987, and since then has completed more than 40 projects, protecting 18,000 acres of open space. 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, AutoTrader.com and Cox Media Group) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 50,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.

Cox Communications Virginia has partnered with the USO for cell phone recycling collections, as well as hosted multiple electronic waste (e-waste) recycling events. These events have collected more than 400,000 pounds of e-waste and engaged more than 2,000 residents.

SOURCE Cox Communications