Cox Communications, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), is seeking nominations for Arizona’s second annual Cox Conserves Heroes awards program. Nominations are being accepted at www.cox7.com/cox-conserves for volunteers in Metro Phoenix and Southern Arizona who are creating, preserving or enhancing outdoor spaces.

A total of $15,000 will be donated to local environmental nonprofits on behalf of the winner and two finalists.

A judging panel comprised of civic and environmental leaders will select three finalists who will then compete to be named Arizona’s 2013 Cox Conserves Hero. The winner will be chosen through an online public vote.

A nominee’s activity must be performed on a volunteer basis and may not be part of the individual’s paid job.

Nominations are accepted through May 20 at www.cox7.com/cox-conserves.

Arizona’s Cox Conserves Heroes Timeline:
Nominations:  Through May 20
Voting:  Late June
Winner Announcement: August

Melinda Gulick was named Arizona’s 2012 Cox Conserves Hero for her long-standing commitment to and passion for Arizona’s open space. By cultivating donors and working through complex financing models for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, she built important awareness among both corporations and citizens.

The program takes place in multiple Cox markets across the nation and has donated more than $280,000 to local environmental nonprofits. Since launching in 2008, the program has recognized 25 Cox Conserves Heroes and 72 finalists. For more information, visit www.CoxConservesHeroes.com or Facebook.