Gloucester resident Chris Clifford is a finalist in Virginia’s 2011 Cox Conserves Heroes program sponsored by Cox Communications in partnership with The Trust for Public Land.

The winning Hero, to be chosen by an online public vote, will be awarded $5,000 to donate to the environmental non-profit of his or her choice. The four other finalists receive $1,250 each to donate to their non-profits of choice.

The finalists and their non-profits of choice are as follows: Chris Clifford, Park Partners, Inc.; Dan Baxter, Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission; Lillie Gilbert, Lynnhaven River Now; Charlie Harrelson, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Foundation; and Thomas Guss, Newport News Green Foundation.

Votes can be cast through April 4 at CoxConservesHeroes.com. The site also has videos featuring the finalists and their conservation projects. The 2011 Cox Conserves Hero will be announced in mid-April.

Last year, Clifford received the National Humanitarian Award from th...