ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications in partnership with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), today launched Cox Conserves Heroes-Orange County, a national awards program that honors local conservation efforts.

Nominations are open for volunteers who are helping to create, preserve or enhance our shared outdoor spaces. Nominee activities must be performed on a volunteer basis and may not be part of one's employment. Nominations will be accepted through July 27.

A judging panel, comprised of local civic and environmental leaders, selects three finalists who then compete to be named Orange County's 2012 Cox Conserves Hero. A total of $8,500 will be awarded to the finalists' nonprofits of choice.

Prize Packages:

• Orange County's Cox Conserves Hero: The winner's nonprofit of choice will receive $5,000, promotions through on-air public service announcements and 20 volunteer hours donated by Cox employees.
• Second Place: The finalist's nonprofit of choice will receive $2,500 and promotions through on-air public service announcements.
• Third Place: The finalist's nonprofit of choice will receive $1,000 and promotions through on-air public service announcements.

Orange County's Cox Conserves Heroes Timeline:

Nominations:  July 11 – July 27
Voting:  August 28 – September 8
Winner Announcement: Mid-September

To nominate an individual, visit www.coxconservesheroes.com.

The Cox Conserves Heroes program was created through a partnership between The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens and natural areas, and Cox Enterprises, a leading communications, media and automotive services company.

The program also runs in Atlanta, Arizona, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Seattle and Virginia.

About The Trust for Public Land:

The Trust for Public Land conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since 1972, The Trust for Public Land has completed 5,200 park and conservation projects, conserved more than 3 million acres, and helped generate $33 billion in state and local conservation funding. www.tpl.org

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 approximately 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; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity seven times, including the last six years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com/espanol y www.coxmedia.com.

SOURCE Cox Communications