WHAT WE’ VE ACHIEVED
Since 1957, the James M. Cox Foundation has been making the world a better place by supporting the communities we serve and helping protect the planet. With focus areas that include biodiversity, conservation and the environment; early childhood education; health; and empowering families and individuals for success, the Foundation continues to drive positive changes that will be felt for generations.
A FOCUS ON BIODIVERSITY Jim Kennedy, chairman emeritus of Cox Enterprises and chairman of the James M. Cox Foundation, has dedicated much of his life to the simple idea of leaving the world in a better place than he found it. This ethos is part of Cox in many ways and inspired Cox Enterprises Chairman and CEO Alex Taylor to work with Jim to create Cox Biodiversity.
The James M. Cox Foundation biodiversity grants will build on our sustainability efforts by driving solutions to protect our most beautiful and iconic North American animals and habitats. From migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, salmon and wild game to the places they call home— our goal is to protect and restore the habitat to help ensure it remains healthy and life-sustaining for years to come. Current biodiversity efforts are focused on working with organizations to help protect the Prairie Pothole Region and wild salmon.
PRESERVING THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION Across the Great Plains and southern Canada, a vast network of wetlands is dotted with shallow lakes, ponds and marshes—“ potholes” left behind by glaciers that retreated nearly 10,000 years ago. In more recent years, the Prairie Pothole Region has been drained or altered for agricultural use, and only an estimated 40 % to 50 % of the original potholes remain untouched. The landscape serves as critical breeding and feeding grounds for many species of migratory birds, including the endangered whooping crane, along with other wildlife species. It is imperative that we protect the remaining land.
“ When you fly over it, it’ s like these little diamonds that you can see when the sun is just right. I think of it as North America’ s Amazon,” said Jim Kennedy.“ It’ s a wonderful area and a great nursery for all sorts of animals.” Beginning with his early interest in waterfowl, Jim has dedicated 50 years as a volunteer for Ducks Unlimited, the largest private waterfowl and wetlands conservation organization in the world.
A recent $ 100 million gift from Cox Enterprises— made in Jim’ s honor— to Wetlands America Trust, which is managed by Ducks Unlimited, has accelerated work to preserve the Prairie Pothole Region.
“ This gift will have a transformational impact on our conservation and restoration efforts,” said Adam Putnam, chief executive officer of Ducks Unlimited.“ It’ s all headed straight to the prairies, where its impact on our communities can be the strongest.”
WHAT WE’ VE ACHIEVED
22K wetland acres secured
16K
additional wetland acres under negotiation
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