#NationalParksWeek: Cox Conserves Heroes Making a Difference

Its #NationalParksWeek. Across the nation, volunteers are preserving local parks and helping create new outdoor spaces for their communities to enjoy. Here are some examples of how Cox Conserves Heroes are supporting local parks. View the videos to learn more about their projects.

Atlanta (2015):  Tom Branch transformed an overgrown space into Frazier Rowe Park. He has 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. His work is teaching future generations about community service and the importance of the environment. View his video.

San Diego (2013): As a member of the River Rescue team and San Diego River Park Foundation volunteer corps, Barbara Palan has worn a broad range of hats, from answering phones and serving as a native plant docent to leading hikes and planting trees. View her video.

San Diego (2012): Sally Nelson helped raise more than $20,000 for the San Diego River Field Station. She is a founding volunteer of the Park Patrol and the Gate Keeper programs that help keep the San Diego Riverbed, trail and community safe. View her video.

San Diego (2010): Mark Jorgensen has devoted hundreds of volunteer hours to help preserve land and habitat in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Mark was instrumental in creating Camp Borrego, where each year, more than 300 underserved fifth graders participate in the free three-day camp to learn about geology, paleontology, archaeology, astronomy, endangered species and global sustainability. Mark also led the charge in an annual field count of the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep. View his video. 

Santa Barbara (2012): Martin Camp volunteers for a local, urban farm to educate people on the importance of sustainable food and conserving land. From fixing aging farm equipment to building an education center, he is a hands-on volunteer who also inspires others to volunteer. View his video.

Virginia (2011): Chris Clifford created new fields and park amenities for Gloucester residents to enjoy. Chris helped construct fifteen athletic fields at local schools and parks, as well as a park entrance road and a wildlife habitat pond. After building the fields, he recruited volunteers to help seed, fertilize and cut the grass to maintain the areas. View 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. www.CoxConservesHeroes.com