Arizona Trail director Redfield named Cox Conserves Hero

Shawn Redfield, director of the 800-mile Arizona Trail, has been named Cox Communications' and The Trust for Public Land's Arizona 2016 Cox Conserves Hero.

The Cox Conserves Hero program, sponsored in Arizona by the Desert Botanical Garden, honors volunteers in eight states. Redfield was one of three finalists for this year's award.

In addition to being honored by the program, the Arizona Trail Association received $10,000 on his behalf. The two runners-up, Dennis McClung and Tim Flood, each received $5,000 for Garden Pool and Audubon Arizona nonprofits, respectively.

Redfield was honored for his volunteer work on the Arizona Trail that stretches from Mexico to Utah. Among his accomplishments are inspiring volunteers to work on the trail, replacing 24 gates and installing signage along the trail to enhance visitors' experiences while hiking. He is the 50th winner of the award.  

Other volunteer projects by the 50 Cox Conserves Heroes include planting 3,500 trees, removing 1,400 tons of litter, protecting 30 beaches, and creating and maintaining 850 miles of trails.

Cox Enterprises' Chairman Jim Kennedy started Cox Conserves in 2007. It is the company's national sustainability program, with a focus on reducing waste, reducing energy consumption and saving water.