Your National Cox Conserves Hero is … Phil Pryde

When something positive happens for the environment, it’s worth celebrating. And one cause for celebration is the selection of Phil Pryde from San Diego, Calif. as our first-ever National Cox Conserves Hero. Thanks to Phil, The San Diego River Park Foundation will receive $50,000 from Cox Enterprises.   

Phil Pryde has been involved with local conservation groups for 48 years, currently serving on the Board of Directors for The San Diego River Park Foundation and the Anza-Borrego Foundation. He has shaped conservation work in the San Diego region in many ways, including preventing construction of dams on local rivers, supporting the creation of the county’s first USFS Wilderness Area and helping make changes that allowed conservation groups to acquire or otherwise protect federal lands. 

“I’m truly honored to accept this award,” said Pryde. “The San Diego River is an important part of the community here and you can be sure I’ll continue to help protect it. I want to thank Cox Enterprises and the Trust for Public Land for their generosity. These funds will be put to good use by the San Diego River Park Foundation so that everyone can continue to enjoy the river.” 

The Cox Conserves Heroes program is celebrating 10 years of recognizing community members who work tirelessly to create, preserve or enhance outdoor spaces. First the program honors standout environmental volunteers from local markets in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington. Winners from these markets are awarded $10,000 to donate to their nonprofit of choice. These individuals then go on to compete in the national competition. 

In partnership with The Trust for Public Land, the Cox Conserves Heroes program is part of Cox Enterprises’ national Cox Conserves™ sustainability program. Through the Cox Conserves Heroes program, the James M. Cox Foundation has donated $860,000 to environmental nonprofits and honored more than 200 volunteers since the program’s launch.