ATLANTA, Nov. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises y The Trust for Public Land announced Donna Shearer as the 25th Cox Conserves Hero. Created in 2008, Cox Conserves Heroes is an awards program that honors community volunteers who create and preserve outdoor spaces in local communities. The winners and finalists select environmental nonprofits to receive a donation in their honor.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121115/CL12695-INFO )

To date, more than $280,000 has been collectively donated to 76 environmental nonprofits.

"The 25 Cox Conserves Heroes should inspire us all with the variety of projects they're tackling," said Cox Enterprises Chairman Jim Kennedy. "Our company cares deeply about the environment and what we're leaving for future generations. The time people spend outdoors is such a treasure and should be appreciated. We're doing our part within Cox's operations, but I know it takes committed, inspiring volunteers to make a difference in the community. By celebrating their work, we're encouraging more people to volunteer and make a difference."

Cox Conserves Heroes' projects include revitalizing urban forests, conserving wetlands, creating athletic fields and parks, constructing public paths, planting community gardens, cleaning and restoring waterways, as well as educational programs around coastal issues and sustainable agriculture.

"Across the country, volunteers form the basis of the conservation movement," said The Trust for Public Land's President and CEO Will Rogers. "We are so pleased to be able to recognize some of these extraordinary volunteers who help make our work creating parks and protecting opens space possible."

Cox Conserves Heroes is part of Cox Conserves, the company's overall national sustainability program that is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year.

The 2012 Cox Conserves Heroes are: 

• Arizona: Melinda Gulick
• Atlanta: Donna Shearer
• Orange County (Calif.): Michael Beanan
• San Diego: Sally Nelson
• San Francisco Bay Area: Charlie Bowen
• Santa Barbara: Martin Camp
• Seattle: Laura James
• Virginia: Anne Little

For a full list of the Cox Conserves Heroes, please visit coxconservesheroes.com/our-heroes.aspx. In addition to the 25 Heroes, the program has recognized 72 finalists.

The program is presented locally by a Cox-owned TV station or Cox Communications cable system. Cox Communications has announced winners in Arizona; Orange County, Calif.; New Orleans; San Diego; Santa Barbara, Calif. and Virginia. Cox Media Group's Atlanta (Channel 2 WSB-TV), San Francisco Bay Area (KTVU Channel 2) and Seattle (KIRO 7) markets participate in the program.

Social Media:

• Embeddable Mash Up Video of Heroes: http://ow.ly/ffuF3
• Cox Conserves Heroes Infographic: http://ow.ly/ffvcU
• Facebook: facebook.com/CoxConservesHeroes

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' 50,000 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 50,000 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 and HomeNet Automotive subsidiaries). Additionally, Cox operates Kudzu.com.

SOURCE Cox Enterprises