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Merrell Gives Back to the Texas Land Conservancy

Whole Earth is excited to announce that Merrell is once again sponsoring a giveback event for the Texas Land Conservancy! From Thursday, September 16th through Sunday, September 26th, when you purchase a full-price pair of adult Merrell shoes at Whole Earth Provision Co., Merrell will donate $5 to the Texas Land Conservancy. The first 100 customers who take advantage of this opportunity when shopping in one of our brick and mortar stores will receive a $25 Whole Earth gift card for use on their next purchase, one per customer while supplies last.

Merrell has been popular with Whole Earth customers for many years. Company founder Randy Merrell began making custom hiking boots forty years ago. 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 have made them a go-to brand for well over a generation.  

The Moab, aka the Mother of All Boots, is one of Merrell’s most popular hiking shoes. There are a variety of men’s and women’s Moabs to choose from including hiking shoes and midrise boots that cover the ankle. Some are waterproof and come in regular or wide widths. All Moabs come with vents for breathability, a contoured footbed, an EVA midsole and Vibram soles which offer support, comfort, stability and grip.

Other Merrell shoes that may be of interest include the men's Jungle Moc and MQM Flex 2 hiking shoes, and the Women's Siren Traveller 3 Trail shoes. The Jungle Moc is another longtime Merrell favorite. A casual slip-on shoe, it has a contoured footbed and lots of cushioning for both comfort and support. The MQM Flex 2 combines the best features of a trail running shoe and a hiking shoe in one. It has a tear-resistant mesh upper, a cushioned midsole, and a grippy mountain grade outsole. The Siren 3 was created as a trail shoe but it's also a favorite for walking and everyday wear. Designed around the unique shape of a woman's foot, it features a sticky Vibram sole for traction even when it's wet and is cushioned for comfort.

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 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.

TLC focuses on conserving land in six major watersheds: 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 of rain falls, through our rivers, and on to the Gulf of Mexico.

Most of the over 112,000 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 six preserves that are open to the public. Three are in or near major Texas cities: Oak Cliff Nature Preserve in Dallas, Cibolo Creek Preserve near San Antonio and Winter's Bayou Preserve near Houston. 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 up 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 put the Merrell Moab or another pair of Merrell shoes to the test on your own outdoor adventures or for everyday wear and help to support the Texas Land Conservancy in their work to protect the land, water and wildlife of Texas for present and future generations. And remember, the first 100 customers who purchase a pair of adult, full price Merrell shoes in-store will receive a $25 Whole Earth gift card, one per customer while supplies last!