CHESAPEAKE, Va., April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), announced that Chris Clifford is Virginia's 2011 Cox Conserves Hero.  Sponsored in Virginia by Casey Auto Group, Cox Conserves Heroes honors individuals who are creating, preserving or enhancing outdoor places for everyone to enjoy.

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Clifford was nominated for the program, selected as a finalist by local environmental leaders and ultimately named as the Hero after receiving the most votes in an online public poll. Clifford has selected Park Partners, Inc. to receive the $5,000 award.

Due to Clifford's efforts, Gloucester residents have new fields and park amenities to enjoy. He helped construct fifteen athletic fields at local schools and parks, as well as a park entrance road and a wildlife habitat pond.

"My focus for this project is the future generation of kids," said Clifford. "Can we keep the kids outdoors and playing sports? That's the long-term goal."

Each of the other four finalists received $1,250 to donate to their environmental nonprofits of choice:

• Dan Baxter (Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission) 
• Lillie Gilbert (Lynnhaven River Now) 
• Thomas Guss (Newport News Green Foundation) 
• Charlie Harrelson (Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Foundation)  

"Cox is elated with the success of the program – particularly with this being our first year of offering the program. Hampton Roads has a rich treasure of environmentalists and citizens who truly care for the long-term protection and enhancement of the environment. We are proud of Mr. Clifford as well as the runners up in the program," says Gary McCollum, Cox Virginia's SVP and GM.

The premiere episode of a 30-minute program honoring Virginia's 2011 Cox Conserves Hero and the finalists will be aired on Cox 11 on Sunday, May 8 at 7 p.m. Encores episodes will air on Cox 11 as follows:

The Cox Conserves Heroes program was created through a partnership between The Trust for

Public Land and Cox Enterprises, the parent company of Cox Communications, to honor everyday

conservationists. The program also runs in Atlanta, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. Since the

program launched in 2008, nearly $125,000 has been donated to local environmental nonprofits.

For more information, visit CoxConservesHeroes.com or find us on 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 wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves more than 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 new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for six years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity, and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. 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 (TPL) is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since 1972, TPL completed close to 4,000 land conservation projects in 47 states, protecting 2.8 million acres. TPL has helped states and communities craft and pass over 380 ballot measures, generating $36 billion in new conservation-related funding. TPL began working in Virginia in 1987, and since then has completed more than 40 projects, protecting 18,000 acres of open space.

About Casey Automotive Group

Casey Auto Group was founded in 1958 as a single franchise dealership by the late Arthur M. Casey. Today the Casey organization is still a family owned and operated business headed by Arthur S. Casey, and represents 9 new car franchises:  Chevrolet, Honda, BMW, Volkswagen, Subaru, Mazda, Toyota, Scion and Kia all located on the Peninsula.  

SOURCE Cox Communications