Channel 2 WSB-TV and The Trust for Public Land named Tom Branch as Atlanta's 2015 Cox Conserves Hero. Branch's nonprofit of choice, Park Pride, will receive $10,000 on his behalf. The three finalists were chosen by a judging panel and then competed in an online public vote to be named Atlanta's Cox Conserves Hero.

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.

The two runners-up each receive $5,000 for their nonprofits of choice. Alan Toney selected Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and Julie Burroughs chose Friends Group of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

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. Financial support from Cox Conserves Heroes has helped create community gardens, build trails, plant trees, provide environmental education, maintain parks, as well as create outdoor classrooms and certified wildlife habitats at area schools throughout Metro Atlanta.