Finalists Named for California's 2017 Cox Conserves Heroes Program, Public Asked to Vote

SAN DIEGO, June 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications and The Trust for Public Land are recognizing volunteers who are creating, preserving or enhancing shared outdoor spaces. Finalists for California's Cox Conserves Heroes program were announced today, and the public is being asked to vote for the winner now through June 23. To vote, visit CoxConservesHeroes.com and select the California area.

The finalist with the most public votes will receive $10,000 to donate to his or her environmental nonprofit of choice. The remaining two finalists will receive $5000 each to donate to their nonprofit of choice.

Finalists have already secured a $5,000 donation for their environmental nonprofits of choice, and are now competing for an additional $5,000 – bringing the total award to $10,000 for the winner's nonprofit of choice. The winner will be chosen through an online public vote.

California's 2017 Cox Conserves Heroes Finalists

Robert (Bob) Byrnes: Bob Byrnes leads the restoration efforts for the San Diego chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Byrnes dedicates his personal time to these efforts, while also dedicating time to encourage and train other volunteers. In 2017, Byrnes focused his efforts on four miles of the San Dieguito watershed, where he cut and treated Arundo donax (Salt Cedar). In total, the group removed 30 acres and freed willows, cottonwood and oaks.

Maria Martinez: Maria Martinez is a volunteer with Environmental Health Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to healthy and safe communities for all. Martinez has been a core member of Environmental Health Coalition's Community Action Team in San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood, where she educates her local community on environmental health and wellness best practices.

Azarel Garcia: Azarel Garcia has contributed more than 500 volunteer hours to teaching others about environmental conservation through various initiatives at the Living Coast Discovery Center. Garcia's dedication to the environment led him to start the Living Coast Discovery Center's Nature Club at Chula Vista High School, connecting students with nature through hikes, kayaking tours, and habitat restoration and cleanup projects.

In California, the Cox Conserves Heroes program has honored nearly 70 environmental volunteers and donated nearly $250,000 to their local nonprofits of choice.

In partnership with The Trust for Public Land, the national Cox Conserves Heroes program has donated nearly $800,000 to environmental nonprofits, and nearly 200 volunteers have been honored. The Cox Conserves Heroes program also takes place in Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington, and is part of the company's national Cox Conserves sustainability program that is celebrating its 10^th anniversary.

For more information, visit CoxConservesHeroes.com or Facebook.

Social Media: #CoxConservesHeroes and #CoxConservesHero

About Cox Communications:

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and home security and automation services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable 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 digital media advertising. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in broadband, voice and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For nine 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 11 times. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

About The Trust for Public Land:

The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come.  Millions of people live within a one-half mile walk of a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year.  To support The Trust for Public Land and share why nature matters to you, visit www.tpl.org.

About Cox Conserves:

Launched in 2007 by Chairman Jim Kennedy, Cox Conserves is Cox Enterprises' national sustainability program. Cox Conserves focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, as well as conserving water. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 60,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.

SOURCE Cox Enterprises