Cox Conserves Heroes
Our Great Places Have Many Heroes
Launched in 2008 by The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, Cox Conserves Heroes honors individuals who work to create, preserve and improve the shared outdoor spaces in our communities. Whether these unsung heroes are taking up the mantle to organize for a landscape, overcoming a threat to a beloved park, or gathering neighbors and inspiring others to act on behalf of a place near and dear to our hearts, each Hero's story reflects a new vision for a better place. By showcasing these extraoridinary individuals, we hope to inspire more people to take an active role in neighborhood conservation.
To see more past winners and learn how the program works, visit coxconservesheroes.com.
2011 Heroes
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Na'Taki Osborne-Jelks, Atlanta
Na'Taki is spearheading efforts to revitalize a 26-acre urban forest preserve and nature center in the middle of a low-to-moderate income community in Southwest Atlanta. She has raised money and engaged hundreds of volunteers to manage the Outdoor Activity Center (OAC). She also led a 9-month visioning process to develop a new Master Plan to improve, enhance and ensure that the OAC meets the needs of the community. Environmental nonprofit of choice: West Atlanta Watershed Alliance
amount donated: $5,000
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Naftali Moed, San Francisco Bay Area
Naftali had a vision for an organic vegetable garden to teach fellow high school students about the value of organic gardening and sustainable agriculture. Under his leadership, the vision has become a reality with 10 garden beds, a chicken house and an outdoor classroom space. The garden is a living lab for science classes and a source of food for the nutrition classes. Environmental nonprofit of choice: Pie Ranch
amount donated: $5,000
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Isabel Herrera, San Diego (Youth)
Isabel translates awareness of coastal issues into action. Over the last three years, she has inspired over 1,500 people to protect the ocean. She teaches families about endangered sea turtles and how they can take simple actions toward protection, such as using canvas bags instead of plastic, as well as water supply and how to limit water usage and improve its quality. Environmental nonprofit of choice: Ocean Discovery Institute
amount donated: $10,000
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Denise Stillinger, San Diego (Adult)
Denise brings 25 years of volunteerism to wetlands conservation. She actively protects the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and its watershed by leading nature walks, picking up debris and serving on the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy’s board. Most importantly, she introduces children from inland communities to the reserve in hopes of inspiring future acts of conservation. Environmental nonprofit of choice: San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy
amount donated: $10,000
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Chris Clifford, Virginia
Thanks to Chris, Gloucester residents have new fields and park amenities 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. Environmental nonprofit of choice: Park Partners, Inc.
amount donated: $5,000
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Upcoming 2012 Heroes
Arizona - Vote for a Hero through February 13.
