#GlobalRunningDay: Cox Conserves Heroes Connecting Runners with Nature

Today is Global Running Day. Across the nation, volunteers are creating and preserving trails. Whether running, walking, hiking or cycling, these trails connect people with nature. The Cox Conserves Heroes volunteer in many different ways. Here are a few that have made an impact through trails. Check out their videos to learn more about the projects.

Atlanta’s 2015 Cox Conserves Hero: Tom Branch transformed an overgrown space into Frazier Rowe Park. He coordinated hundreds of volunteers to create a trail system and lead a forest restoration. The workdays bring families together and help the community participate in intergenerational activities like hiking, gardening, bird watching and outdoor enjoyment. Watch his video.

Atlanta’s 2014 Cox Conserves Hero: Bob Scott puts his lawnmower to use to create and maintain a new trail leading people to Peachtree Creek. Scott is building an urban refuge in the heart of metro Atlanta and sharing trail maps with neighbors to encourage outdoor activity. He brought neighbors together through a Georgia Conservancy Greenspace Visioning program, and they now have a shared goal to connect the BeltLine and Emory through five miles of walking trails. Watch his video.

Atlanta’s 2009 Cox Conserves Hero: Don Wells is an avid advocate for conserving - and enjoying - the open spaces of the North Georgia Mountains. He designed and managed the creation of new recreation facilities at no cost to the state and involved counties. He makes it possible for people of all ages to enjoy the North Georgia Mountains. Watch his video.

Louisiana’s 2013 Cox Conserves Hero: Bart Everson's volunteer service has been critical in creating a rail-to-trail opportunity in the heart of New Orleans. The 3.1 mile trail links the French Quarter, Tremé, Mid City and Lakeview to create a safe non-motorized transportation route. An annual hike of the route has grown from 3 to 400 participants. Watch his video.

Virginia’s 2015 Cox Conserves Hero: Heidi Ketler has volunteered more than 2,000 hours with the Blue Ridge Parkway by clearing trails, cleaning overlooks and building community connections. She has engaged more than 200 volunteers and helped remove more than 2,500 pounds of trash and 1,800 pounds of recyclables from the Parkway. Watch her video.

Virginia’s 2014 Cox Conserves Hero: Brian Batteiger builds new trails and prevents erosion on older trails. His work enables outdoor exercise and connects hikers and mountain bikers with areas such as Carvins Cove. His volunteer work with Pathfinders for Greenways extends beyond trail building to include website development, equipment maintenance and volunteer recruitment. Watch his video.

Virginia’s 2013 Cox Conserves Hero: Bill Gordge has helped maintain Roanoke’s section of the Appalachian Trail for three decades. He helped design, build and expand the local trail network, while also teaching crews and students about sustainable trail construction. His goal is to get people of all ages outdoors to appreciate the beauty of nature. Watch his video.

Created in partnership between Cox Enterprises and The Trust for Public Land, Cox Conserves Heroes recognizes environmental volunteers and makes donations to local nonprofits on their behalf. The public nominates volunteers using a brief online form. Next, a panel of local environmental leaders selects three finalists who are profiled on video. The public then watches the videos, gets inspired and votes for their favorite. It's our way of honoring the unsung heroes in our communities and supporting the organizations that matter to them.

Cox Conserves Heroes takes place in Arizona, California, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington.