Cox Conserves Heroes - Atlanta: The Finalists

Don Wells is Atlanta's 2009 Cox Conserves Hero. As Don's environmental nonprofit of choice, Mountain Stewards received $5,000. The money funded an Outdoor Classroom for the Clear Creek Middle School. More of the classrooms are being planned to connect students with nature. A second project funded by the donation was the construction of a 34 ft long x 6 ft wide footbridge spanning a wetland and small creek.

Ms. Angelou Ezeilo

Angelou founded Greening Youth Foundation to meet an unmet need in her community: environmental education and youth training to cultivate future stewards of the environment. She implemented education programs in various Atlanta-area elementary schools with Eco-Forces and helped create Green Day, a school challenge that led to recycling and the construction of outdoor classrooms. She has exposed hundreds of children to the importance of conservation, recycling and sustainable living. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: Greening Youth Foundation

Mr. Don Wells

Don is an avid advocate for conserving - and enjoying - the open spaces of the North Georgia Mountains. He designed and managed the creation of new recreation facilities at no cost to the state and involved counties. He also contributed to the creation of the Amicalola Falls handicap access trail, 18 miles of scenic trails and an interactive trail designed for a therapeutic riding program. Don makes it possible for people of all ages to enjoy the North Georgia Mountains. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: Mountain Stewards

Mr. Doug Williams

Doug was a major participant in and contributor to the vast transformation of East Lake Park from a haven for crime to a community meeting place. He assisted in the creation of a new playground and encouraged park landscaping and community tree planting. Doug is currently researching the possibility of windmills and rain barrels as eco-friendly additions to the park. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: Park Pride

Ms. Evonne Blythers

Evonne developed a local hiking series called “Wild in the City” that encourages a diverse network of people to get outside and experience nature in a budget-friendly way. The program connects people to the land and to each other to protect the natural terrains of Georgia. Evonne has devoted many hours to planning and conducting hikes, as well as working as a member of the Keeping It Wild Steering Committee. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: Keeping It Wild

Ms. R.R. Harris

Ms. Harris formed the “Friends of Collier Heights” to revitalize her community’s greenspace and to refurbish Collier Heights Park. She led the community to raise funds for a toddler’s playground and Georgia’s first complete LifeTrail outdoor exercise system for senior citizens. Her work to enhance community greenspace is an inspiration to others improving neighborhoods. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: Park Pride

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