Thank You to the 2016 Cox Conserves Heroes

Through the Cox Conserves Heroes program, Cox Enterprises and The Trust for Public Land recognize environmental volunteers who are creating or preserving outdoor spaces. The program provides financial contributions to the volunteers’ nonprofits of choice and takes place in Arizona, California, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington.

This year’s Cox Conserves Heroes have built trails, maintained parks, advocated for conservation, addressed coastal issues, educated on the importance of native species, removed litter and raised funds to protect marine life. Overall, the program has named 53 winners.

The 2016 Cox Conserves Heroes:

• Arizona: Shawn Redfield serves as a fulltime volunteer trail director along the 800-mile path from Mexico to Utah. He connects people with land by engaging and inspiring volunteers of all ages to care for the Arizona Trail. He replaces gates, conducts trail work and installs signage among many other activities to ensure visitors have a positive experience. His nonprofit of choice is Arizona Trail Association.
• Atlanta: Linda Cotten Taylor believes that park maintenance and improvement is everyone’s duty versus just a few individuals. She brought this belief to life by securing funding to make improvements at Chapel Hill Park that include a playground, fishing pier, fitness stations and signage. In addition to being the park’s lead fundraiser, she facilitates volunteer cleanups and works with the Parks Department on security issues. Her nonprofit of choice is Park Pride.
• Boston: Adam Crellin-Sazama is creating a better future for the planet and inspiring his fellow teenagers to make a difference. He created a movement called Youth United for Animals and the Planet and advocates on the important role zoos play in animal conservation. While volunteering at the zoo, he cares for animals and educates visitors on conservation and climate change issues. His nonprofit of choice is Zoo New England.
• California: Lee Heller advocates for outdoor recreation for individuals and their companion animals. Recognizing that Summerland Beach was being impacted by leaking and abandoned oil wells, she organized a coalition of concerned stakeholders to address the issue. Thanks to Heller's advocacy, the State Lands Commission is currently working toward future remediation opportunities. Her nonprofit of choice is Environmental Defense Center.
• Louisiana: Rory McCracken is passionate about Louisiana’s gulf and its marine life. At only 17, he’s spent nearly half his life leading the charge to conserve and protect. He’s designed t-shirts and written books to raise awareness, as well as donated the proceeds to help benefit restoration and conservation efforts. One beneficiary of his support is Audubon Louisiana’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue program. His nonprofit of choice is Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF).
• Orlando: Shanta Barton-Stubbs is connecting students with gardening and healthy living. Through the New Image Youth Center, students created a community garden where they grow and harvest fresh fruits and vegetables. The program also includes cooking and exercise classes to encourage healthy, active lifestyles. Her nonprofit of choice is New Image Youth Center.
• Virginia: Alan Ford is passionate about the environment and local habitats. He educates the public about native and invasive plants and the importance of watershed management. Ford has volunteered thousands of hours across multiple environmental organizations to protect and restore the environment. His nonprofit of choice is Potowmack Chapter.
• Western Washington: Helen Hoenig started picking up trash while walking from her house to the health club. It evolved into a passion for picking up trash. Her yellow trash bags and neon safety vest are easy to spot, and Hoenig’s resolve to keep Washington green has made her a colorful local celebrity after being named Grand Marshall of the Duvall Days parade. Armed with her yellow bag and trash grabber, she continues to pick up litter and people's spirits. Her nonprofit of choice is Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust.

To learn more about the program, visit www.CoxConservesHeroes.com.