Atlanta's 2011 Cox Conserves Heroes Finalists

Congratulations to Na'Taki Osborne-Jelks for being named Atlanta's 2011 Cox Conserves Hero. Her nonprofit of choice, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, will receive $5,000.

Connie Weathers

Connie founded Sustainable Norcross, a volunteer environmental advisory and action group. She also serves on the city’s Greenspace Commission and chaired the citywide Parks Master Plan Task Force. Connie is a constant advocate for greenspace, farmers markets and sustainable activities such as rain barrels and invasive plant removals. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: Sustainable Norcross

Greg Burson

For more than ten years, Greg has worked to make Stanton Park a safe haven for children of all ages. He tirelessly removed graffiti and hazardous materials, as well as made sure the park remained visible in the community and among elected officials. Solar panels in the park have resulted in cost neutral lighting. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: Park Pride

Lane Hurst

Over the past seven years, Lane has contributed over 1,000 hours to the Elachee Nature Science Center’s volunteer program. His work as an outreach educator reaches community businesses and schools, providing educational experiences to hundreds of children and adults. He’s a true naturalist who excites the public about Elachee’s mission and projects. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: Elachee Nature Science Center

Malcolm Barnard

Malcolm is leading the effort to have the City of Johns Creek become certified as a Community Wildlife Habitat. He leads the Johns Creek Wildlife Team and helped organize the first annual Johns Creek Earth Day celebration. He also volunteers with the Chattahoochee Nature Center as a docent and a nature hike leader. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: Johns Creek Community Wildlife Habitat

Na’Taki Osborne-Jelks

Na’Taki is spearheading efforts to revitalize a 26-acre urban forest preserve and nature center in the middle of a low-to-moderate income community in Southwest Atlanta. She has raised money and engaged hundreds of volunteers to manage the Outdoor Activity Center (OAC). She also led a 9-month visioning process to develop a new Master Plan to improve, enhance and ensure that the OAC meets the needs of the community. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: West Atlanta Watershed Alliance

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