Channel 2 WSB-TV, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, today launched Atlanta's 2016 Cox Conserves Heroes to honor local environmental volunteers. Nominations are being accepted now through August 26 at wsbtv.com/coxconservesheroes for volunteers who are creating, preserving or enhancing outdoor spaces. Nominee activities must be performed on a volunteer basis and may not be part of one's paid job.

A total of $20,000 will be donated to local environmental nonprofits on behalf of the winner and finalists. A judging panel of civic and environmental leaders will select three finalists who will compete to be named Atlanta's 2016 Cox Conserves Hero. The winner will be chosen through an online public vote, which will take place in October.

Types of volunteer activities considered include:

-Advocating for or educating others on the importance of parks and open space

-Beautifying a public place

-Creating a community garden

-Connecting people with nature

-Helping to protect land for public use

-Helping provide public access to a previously inaccessible place

-Volunteering at a local park

-Water conservation/protection-related projects

Previous recipients of Atlanta's Cox Conserves Heroes award are Tom Branch, 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 and maintain parks, as well as create outdoor classrooms and certified wildlife habitats at area schools throughout Metro Atlanta.

The national Cox Conserves Heroes program was created in 2008 through a partnership between The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, the parent company of Channel 2 WSB-TV. The partnership stems from Cox Enterprises' national Cox Conserves sustainability program that focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, conserving water and inspiring eco-friendly behavior.