Terms of Use

Website and Content

This website and the text, images, maps, illustrations, photographs, videos, documents, educational materials, virtual tours, field-trip information and other digital resources available through it are provided by or through the Geodiversity Education Foundation for educational and informational purposes.

Opinions, interpretations and recommendations expressed in individual resources may reflect those of the author or authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Geodiversity Education Foundation.

Although reasonable efforts are made to provide useful and accurate information, geoscientific knowledge, physical locations, property access, trail conditions, regulations and other information can change. Users should independently verify the accuracy, relevance, currency and suitability of information before relying upon it.

The Foundation does not warrant that this website or its content will always be available, error-free, complete, current or free from viruses or other harmful components.

External Links

This website may contain links to websites, resources and services that are owned or operated by third parties. These links may be provided because they contain information or resources relevant to geoscience, education or Foundation activities.

The Geodiversity Education Foundation does not control external websites and does not guarantee or assume responsibility for their content, accuracy, availability, security, privacy practices or terms of use. The inclusion of a link does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the external website or its operator.

When you follow a link to another website, your use of that website is subject to the policies and terms established by its operator.

Copyright and Use of Content

Unless otherwise stated, content available through this website is protected by applicable copyright, intellectual property and other laws.

You may view, print, download or save reasonable portions of website content for your own personal, educational or non-commercial use, provided that copyright notices, acknowledgements, trademarks and other proprietary notices remain intact.

Substantial reproduction, republication, modification, distribution or commercial use of website content, including photographs, maps, illustrations, figures, graphics, videos and other substantial materials, is prohibited without prior permission from the appropriate rights holder.

To request permission to reproduce Foundation content, please use our contact page.

GeoExplore, GeoHubs and Field-Trip Guides

The Geodiversity Education Foundation provides virtual tours, GeoRoutes, GeoHikes, Urban GeoWalks, GeoPaddles, GeoHub experiences and other exploration resources for educational and informational purposes.

Safety

The Foundation does not guarantee the safety, accessibility or suitability of any field site, route, trail, waterway, outcrop or other location identified through the website.

Anyone choosing to physically visit a location is responsible for assessing current conditions, weather, terrain, accessibility, traffic, water conditions and other potential hazards before and during their visit. Visitors are also responsible for using appropriate clothing, safety equipment and good judgement.

Particular care should be taken around roads and highways, unstable or loose outcrops, cliffs, escarpments, steep terrain and bodies of water. Avoid unnecessary climbing, remain on established paths where available, maintain a safe distance from hazards and do not travel alone.

Visitors should carry appropriate supplies and emergency information and ensure that another person knows where they are going.

Accuracy of Field Information

Reasonable efforts are made to provide accurate and useful information in our field-trip and exploration resources. However, the Foundation cannot guarantee that descriptions, directions, access information, site conditions or other details remain accurate or current.

Users are responsible for verifying current conditions and determining whether a location is appropriate to visit.

Private Property and Access

Some locations described through our resources may be located on or near private property. Property ownership, boundaries and access conditions can change over time.

It is the visitor's responsibility to determine whether access is legally permitted. Never enter private property without the permission of the property owner or other appropriate authorization.

Visitors must comply with posted signs, closures, restrictions, park or conservation-area rules and all other applicable requirements at the location being visited.

Geological Collecting

The Geodiversity Education Foundation encourages the preservation of geological outcrops, exposures, fossils and other natural features for education, scientific study and future generations.

We encourage visitors to take photographs rather than samples and to avoid using rock hammers or other tools to damage, remove or alter geological features.

Visitors are responsible for complying with all applicable laws, regulations, collecting policies, protected-area rules and requirements established by landowners or property managers.

Assumption of Risk

Outdoor exploration involves inherent risks. These may include, but are not limited to, uneven or unstable terrain, falling rocks, cliffs, water hazards, changing weather, wildlife, vegetation, traffic, remote locations and other natural or human-made hazards.

By choosing to physically visit a location described on this website, you accept responsibility for assessing and managing the risks associated with your visit.

Limitation of Responsibility

To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Geodiversity Education Foundation is not responsible for loss, injury, damage or other consequences arising from reliance on website content, use of external resources or a user's decision to visit a location described through the website.

Nothing on this website should be interpreted as a guarantee that a particular location, route or activity is safe or suitable for any individual.

Changes to These Terms

The Geodiversity Education Foundation may revise these Terms of Use from time to time to reflect changes to our website, resources, programs or practices.

Updated terms will be posted on this page and the “Last updated” date will be revised. Continued use of the website following an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms of Use.