Keep ‘Picnic for the Planet’ Weird – In Austin!

Nature Conservancy and Whole Foods Markets Partner up to host Austin picnics

Austin, TX | April 14, 2011

Austin is one of the most BEAUTIFUL spots in Texas (perhaps the world?) to enjoy the great outdoors. Hike and bike trails, Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park--the list goes on.

We will be celebrating Picnic for the Planet with live music and a picnic on the plaza! Grab your favorite lunch and a friend and soak up some fresh air and sun.

What: Picnic for the Planet celebration at Whole Foods Market. Come one, come all for live music, free giveaways, tips on eating for a healthy body and healthy planet and special picnic box lunches to enjoy at the store to take to your favorite outdoor spot.

Where: Whole Foods Markets in Austin - 525 N Lamar Blvd and 9607 Research Blvd

When: Saturday, April 16, 12-3 pm

Why: In honor of Earth Day 2011 people around the world will be heading to their favorite picnic spot to enjoy good food in the company of great people for Picnic for the Planet. Created by The Nature Conservancy, Picnic for the Planet is a global celebration of the planet we live on, the food it provides and the people we share it with. In short, the planet does a lot for us — we should take it out for lunch!

Who: Come one, come all!

Visuals: Live band, store will be decked out in picnic-themed decorations, happy picnickers

Learn more: Sign up for ours or your own picnic at http://earthday.nature.org and join the conversation at http://www.facebook.com/natureconservancytexas

About The Nature Conservancy
The The Nature Conservancy of Texas (nature.org/texas) maintains more than 30 ecologically important preserves and conservation projects statewide and, with partners, has conserved more than 750,000 acres of land and water in Texas. The organization has also led significant marine habitat restoration efforts along the Gulf of Mexico that benefit terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and help protect human communities from hurricanes and tropical storms. In addition to a dozen initiatives benefiting Texas rivers and streams, the Conservancy also works with private landowners and municipalities, such as the cities of San Antonio, Austin and San Marcos, to protect critical freshwater resources like the Edwards and Trinity aquifers. Over the past 45 years, the Conservancy has worked with state and federal agencies to create and expand beloved public areas, including Enchanted Rock State Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.

About Whole Foods Market®
Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFMI), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health magazine. The company's motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s nearly 60,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 14 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2010, the company had sales of more than $9 billion and currently has more than 300 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.