CHESAPEAKE, Va., May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), today announced Anne Little as Virginia's Cox Conserves Hero. As her nonprofit of choice, Tree Fredericksburg will receive $10,000.

Little was nominated for her work with Tree Fredericksburg, an organization she launched with the goal of planting and sustaining an urban forest in our city. She now has legions of volunteers dedicated to the cause- including many youth. Focused on a sustainable future for the region, Little leads the city's Clean and Green Commission and also supports the local Sierra Club.

Three finalists were selected to represent the Roanoke, Hampton Roads and Fairfax County/Fredericksburg areas and compete for the overall recognition of Virginia's Cox Conserves Hero. The winner was chosen through an online public vote.

Each of the finalists will receive $2,500 to donate to their environmental nonprofits of choice:

• Roanoke: Janet Scheid (Western Virginia Land Trust)
• Hampton Roads: Elyse Devereux (Virginia Living Museum)

Chris Clifford was named Virginia's 2011 Cox Conserves Hero and chose Park Partners, Inc. to receive $5,000. 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.  

Since Cox Conserves Heroes launched in 2008, more than $200,000 has been donated to local environmental nonprofits. The program also takes place in Arizona, Atlanta, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. 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 six 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 240 tons of e-waste and engaged more than 2,000 residents.

SOURCE Cox Communications