Who we are
This policy describes how Maryland Natives (“we,” “us”) handles information when you visit this website and related pages (the “Site”). We are a non-profit organization focused on environmental conservation and education about Maryland's native trees and plants.
Information we collect
- Information you send us. If you email us at trees@marylandnatives.com, we receive your address and the contents of your message.
- Usage and performance data. We use Vercel Analytics and Speed Insights to understand aggregate traffic and performance (for example, page views and load metrics). These services may process technical data such as IP address (often in truncated or aggregated form), device type, browser, and general location derived from IP.
- Cookies and similar technologies. We and our partners may store or read cookies and use local storage where needed for Site operation, analytics, and advertising as described below.
Google AdSense and advertising
We use Google AdSense to show ads on the Site. Google and its partners may use cookies or similar technologies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our Site or other websites, and to measure ad effectiveness. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visits to our Site and/or other sites on the Internet.
You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings, or the opt-out page for third-party vendors that participate in the Digital Advertising Alliance. You can also learn how Google uses data when you use our partners' sites or apps at Google's partner sites policy.
How we use information
We use collected information to:
- Operate, maintain, and improve the Site;
- Respond to your messages;
- Understand aggregate readership and performance;
- Display and measure advertising through Google and related services, where enabled.
Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. We share data with service providers that help us run the Site (such as hosting and analytics) and with advertising partners as described above, in accordance with their privacy policies and applicable law.
Your choices
You can control cookies through your browser settings (blocking or deleting cookies may affect Site features or ad behavior). For European Economic Area users, consent mechanisms where required may be presented by Google or other partners when you first interact with ads or tracking.
Children
The Site is intended for a general audience. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have received such information, please contact us and we will delete it.
Changes
We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will change when we do. Continued use of the Site after changes means you accept the updated policy.
Contact
Questions about this policy: trees@marylandnatives.com or our contact page.