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Merrell Supports the Texas Land Conservancy

Over three decades ago, Randy Merrell began making custom hiking boots. Today, his company offers a wide variety of footwear for outdoor living that can also be easily repurposed for work or fun around town. Merrell’s core values of comfort, durability, design and versatility, make them a great choice for all your outdoor adventures. If you don’t know Merrell, this would be a great time to try them out. For each pair of adult, full price Merrell shoes purchased at Whole Earth in-store or online between October 17th and November 3rd, Merrell will donate $5 to the Texas Land Conservancy.

The Texas Land Conservancy or TLC was founded in 1982 by Ned Fritz, known as the father of Texas conservation. Responding to the encroachment of development on natural areas in Texas, Fritz decided that there was a need for a land trust that would take on the preservation of small but important properties that were not large enough to be saved by other organizations. Using conservation easements TLC has preserved the physical and ecological integrity of wildlife habitat, native plant communities and scenic landscapes across the state for the benefit of present and future generations of Texans.

TLC protects open space across the state, however they focus on conserving land in six major watersheds, including the Llano, Pedernales, Brazos, Trinity, Neches, and the Medina rivers. These watersheds are under the highest threat for over-development, water pollution and water consumption. The Texas Land Conservancy is protecting our state’s land and water – from where the first drop falls, through our rivers, and on to the Gulf of Mexico.

Most of the 92,000 acres of property protected by the Texas Land Conservancy is not open to the public. Conservation easements limit development and provide for restoration and land management, but the land still remains in private hands. However, TLC has nine preserves that are open to the public. Two are in major Texas cities: Oak Cliff Nature Preserve in Dallas and Cibolo Creek Preserve in San Antonio. Throughout the year, some of the other protected properties are open to the public with guided hikes. You can learn about these special days by signing for the group’s emails or social media posts on their website.

TLC is one of our favorite environmental groups, one that we have supported for many years. We hope you’ll use this opportunity to purchase a new pair of versatile and comfortable Merrell shoes and at the same time support the Texas Land Conservancy.