Channel 2 WSB-TV and The Trust for Public Land are recognizing volunteers who are creating, preserving or enhancing shared outdoor spaces. Tom Branch, Julie Burroughs and Alan Toney have been selected as finalists for Atlanta's 2015 Cox Conserves Heroes program, and the public is being asked to vote now through October 26 at wsbtv.com/coxconservesheroes.

A total of $20,000 will be donated to local environmental nonprofits on behalf of the three finalists. Each finalist has secured a $5,000 donation for his or her environmental nonprofit of choice. The finalists are now competing for an additional $5,000 – bringing the total award to $10,000 for the winner's nonprofit of choice. The winner will be chosen through an online public vote.

Atlanta's 2015 Cox Conserves Heroes Finalists

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. His nonprofit of choice is Park Pride.

Julie Burroughs has volunteered thousands of hours at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – assisting with river cleanups on land and water. As a trail crew leader, she has worked on building and repairing hiking and bike trails, as well as teaching others trail building skills. She also started an Environmental Club that is comprised of more than 50 students that connect others with nature. Her nonprofit of choice is Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy, Friends Group of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Alan Toney is protecting fragile aquatic ecosystems and the local community from water pollution and waterborne diseases. Through his volunteer work with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper's Neighborhood Water Watch, Toney has collected more than 500 water samples to help the organization track water quality and detect pollution. He is measurably improving and protecting the health and quality of life for river users. His nonprofit of choice is Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.

Atlanta's 2015 Cox Conserves Hero will be announced in November. The previous recipients of Atlanta's Cox Conserves Heroes award are Bob Scott, John Gordon, Donna Shearer, Na'Taki Osborne-Jelks, Angel Poventud and Don Wells.