Cox and The Trust for Public Land named Bob Byrnes as California’s 2017 Cox Conserves Hero. California Native Plant Society, Byrnes’ nonprofit beneficiary, will receive $10,000. Byrnes was among the three finalists who were nominated by the public then chosen by local judging panels and went to compete in an online public vote for the title of California’s Cox Conserves Hero.
Byrnes leads the restoration efforts for the San Diego Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Not only does he invest his personal time to the organization’s efforts, he also sets aside time to encourage and train other volunteers on best practices. Byrnes and his team of dedicated volunteers spend countless hours removing invasive plants that could potentially harm wildlife.
The two runners-up will each receive $5,000 for their nonprofits of choice. Maria Martinez selected Environmental Health Coalition as her nonprofit of choice; Azarel Garcia chose Living Coast Discovery Center.
The Cox Conserves Heroes awards program was created through a partnership with The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, the parent company of Cox Communications.
Published in the September 2017 Edition of American Recycler News