Effective Date: November 1, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to the website of the Buckeye Trail Association (the “Organization,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). We are committed to protecting the privacy of our supporters, volunteers, and website users. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of personal information we collect through buckeyetrail.org (the “Site”), how this information is used and protected, and the choices you have regarding your personal data.
This Privacy Policy is incorporated by reference into our Terms of Service. By accessing and using our Site, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information to support our nonprofit mission, process donations, and provide you with a relevant and user-friendly experience. The information we collect can be categorized as follows:

  • A. Information You Provide Directly to Us:
    Donor Information: When you make a donation, we collect personal information such as your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number. Payment information (like credit card details) is collected and processed by our secure third-party payment processor and is not stored on our servers.
    Communications: When you sign up for our newsletter, contact us with an inquiry, or register for an event, we collect your name, email address, and any other information you choose to provide.
    User-Generated Content: If you submit content to our Site, such as in a forum or photo gallery, we collect the information you provide in such submissions.

  • B. Information Collected Automatically:
    Usage Data: Like most websites, we automatically collect information about how you interact with our Site. This may include your IP address, browser type, operating system, pages viewed, links clicked, and the dates and times of your visits.
    Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies (small text files stored on your device) and similar technologies to help operate our Site, analyze site traffic, and improve your experience. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for purposes that are aligned with our nonprofit mission, including to:

  • Process and acknowledge your donations and send you tax receipts.
  • Communicate with you about our work, events, and opportunities to get involved.
  • Operate, maintain, and improve the functionality of our Site.
  • Respond to your questions, comments, and requests.
  • Analyze website usage to understand our community’s needs and enhance our content and services.
  • Protect the security and integrity of our Site and comply with legal requirements.

4. How We Share Your Information

We are committed to protecting our supporters’ privacy. We do not sell, rent, or trade our donor lists or the personal information of our website users with other organizations. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

  • With Service Providers: We engage trusted third-party vendors to perform functions on our behalf, such as payment processing, email distribution, and data analysis. These vendors are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only to provide the services we have requested.

  • As Required by Law: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in the good-faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with a legal obligation, protect and defend our rights or property, or protect the safety of our users or the public.

  • With Your Consent: We may share your information for other purposes with your explicit consent.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the personal information we collect from loss, misuse, and unauthorized access or disclosure. However, no internet or email transmission is ever fully secure or error-free. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

6. Your Data Rights and Choices

You have certain rights and choices regarding your personal information:

  • Opt-Out: You may opt out of receiving promotional emails from us by following the “unsubscribe” link provided in those emails.

  • Access and Correction: You may request access to the personal information we hold about you and ask that we correct, amend, or delete it by contacting us using the information below.

  • Cookie Control: Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings preferences.

7. Children’s Privacy

Our Site is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it.

8. Links to Third-Party Websites

Our Site may contain links to other websites not operated or controlled by us. This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party site you visit.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the revised version on this Site. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please email info@buckeyetrail.org.