STRATHAM, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 20, 2006--As concerns about global warming and its impact on the environment increase, The Timberland Company is focusing its annual Earth Day activities on initiatives to help protect and preserve one of our greatest natural resources - water. Recent research suggests that if nothing is done to protect and preserve global waters, seven billion people in 60 countries will face moderate to severe water scarcity in the decades to come.

Continuing a tradition of global volunteerism, Timberland employees, along with community partners, consumers and retail customers, will celebrate Earth Day in 26 countries at 140 service locations from New York City to Hong Kong and Paris to Madrid by hosting and participating in community service events. The nearly 7,000 volunteers at Timberland's Earth Day events will serve an estimated 46,000 hours.

"Poor water quality has dramatic negative impacts on human health, natural habitats and bio-diversity; fortunately, it's an issue we can all help to improve," said Jeffrey Swartz, Timberland's President and CEO. "Although Timberland's commitment to environmental stewardship is year-round, Earth Day gives us an occasion to focus on the importance of our world's water supply and other natural resources, and our ability to better preserve them."

This year, Timberland's Earth Day projects are designed to help restore habitats that filter and store fresh water in communities where the company's retail stores, factories and distribution centers are located. Volunteers will also clean up debris along oceans and rivers to decrease the erosion of shorelines caused by pollution.
Examples of service events taking place around the globe include:

-- New York, New York: Reducing soil erosion along the banks of the Bronx River by removing invasive plant species and planting native vegetation.

-- Santiago, Dominican Republic: Increasing the potable drinking water supply by constructing a water filtration system.

-- London, England: Preserving the water quality of the Thames River by removing litter and pollution along riverbanks.

-- Hong Kong: Improving the local ecosystem and reducing soil erosion by clearing invasive plant species and planting native vegetation.

At 25 Earth Day events across the U.S., Timberland volunteers will be joined by local students as part of the company's "Adopt-a-School"
program. Now in its third year, the Adopt-a-School program is designed to inspire our next generation to think about issues of environmental sustainability and engage them in community service as a means to make a positive difference.

Timberland has launched several other recent initiatives as part of its corporate commitment to reduce its environmental footprint. The company has just completed a solar panel installation at its Ontario, California distribution center which will generate 60 percent of that facility's energy needs. Additionally, Timberland recently announced a new environmentally-friendly packaging and labeling initiative that will debut later this year, including boxes that use 100 percent recycled post-consumer waste fiber; soy-based inks and no chemical glues. Boxes will also feature a "nutritional" label to inform consumers about the environmental and community impact created by the manufacture of that product. Timberland's environmental stewardship is also translated through its product development, manufacturing and green building initiatives, distribution logistics and non-profit partnerships.

One of Timberland's non-profit partners is the Earthwatch Institute, the international volunteer organization dedicated to promoting the understanding necessary for a sustainable environment by engaging the public in scientific field research. For a limited time, Timberland is directing a percentage of sales of special Earth Day-branded products to Earthwatch. In addition, Earthwatch volunteers will share their strength and skills at several Timberland Earth Day events.

For more information about Timberland's commitment to corporate social responsibility or opportunities to serve within your community, please visit www.timberlandserve.com.

About Timberland

Timberland (NYSE: TBL) is a global leader in the design, engineering and marketing of premium-quality footwear, apparel and accessories for consumers who value the outdoors and their time in it.

Timberland(R) products are sold worldwide through leading department and specialty stores as well as Timberland(R) retail stores.

Timberland's dedication to making quality products is matched by the company's commitment to "doing well and doing good" - forging powerful partnerships among employees, consumers and service partners to transform the communities in which they live and work. To learn more about Timberland, please visit www.timberland.com.

Copyright Business Wire 2006

Timberland

Timberland

Timberland is a global outdoor work and lifestyle brand that’s on a mission to equip and inspire a new generation to step outside and move the world forward. Based in Stratham, New Hampshire, Timberland also has international headquarters in Switzerland and Shanghai. Best known for its original yellow work boot introduced in 1973 to take on the harsh elements of New England, Timberland today offers a full range of footwear, apparel and accessories made with eco-conscious innovation for people who share the brand’s passion for enjoying – and protecting – Nature.

At the heart of the Timberland® brand is the core belief that a greener future is a better future. This comes to life through a decades-long commitment to make products responsibly, protect the outdoors, and strengthen communities around the world. The brand has committed to plant 50 million trees worldwide by 2025, and has a bold vision for its products to have a net positive impact on Nature by 2030, giving back more than they take. To share in Timberland’s mission to step outside, work together and move the world forward, visit a Timberland® store, timberland.com or follow @timberland or @timberlandpro. Timberland is a VF Corporation brand.

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