Terms of Service

Rhizome Restoration · rhizomerestoration.org

Last updated: August 2026

Introduction

These Terms of Service govern your use of Rhizome Restoration and the services available at rhizomerestoration.org. By creating an account you agree to these terms. If you do not agree please do not use the platform.

Rhizome Restoration is an independent youth-led platform developed in partnership with the EcoRestoration Alliance. Our mission is to mobilize students and community members to restore native plant ecosystems through education, certified garden projects, and community action.

Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old to create an individual account on Rhizome Restoration. Users under 13 may participate through a teacher or club advisor who has created an educator account on their behalf.

By creating an account you confirm that you are at least 13 years old. If you are between 13 and 17 years old you confirm that a parent or guardian is aware of your account and has had the opportunity to review these terms and our Privacy Policy.

Your Account

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account and password. You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account. You agree to provide accurate information when creating your account and to keep that information up to date.

You may not create an account on behalf of another person without their knowledge. You may not share your account with others.

If you believe your account has been compromised please contact us immediately at rhizomerestoration.org/contact.

Acceptable Use

Rhizome Restoration is a platform for genuine ecological restoration activity. You agree to use the platform honestly and in good faith.

You agree not to submit false or fabricated evidence for garden certifications or action submissions. Submitting photos or descriptions that misrepresent your actual activities is a violation of these terms and will result in account suspension.

You agree not to attempt to manipulate the certification system, badge system, or quiz system through technical means or by circumventing the intended processes.

You agree not to use the platform to harass, threaten, or harm other members.

You agree not to upload content that is illegal, offensive, or unrelated to native plant restoration.

You agree not to use the platform for commercial purposes without explicit written permission from Rhizome Restoration.

Content You Submit

When you submit photos, descriptions, or other content to Rhizome Restoration you grant us a non-exclusive license to display that content on the platform for the purposes of operating the service. This includes displaying your garden photos in the certified gardens gallery and on the national map.

You retain ownership of content you submit. We will not sell your content or use it for commercial purposes without your permission.

You confirm that any photos you submit are your own and that you have the right to share them. Do not submit photos that include identifiable people without their permission.

Certifications and Badges

Rhizome Restoration certifications and badges represent genuine achievements reviewed by our team. We reserve the right to revoke certifications or badges if we determine they were obtained through false or misleading submissions.

Certifications are issued for educational and recognition purposes only. They do not constitute professional credentials or academic qualifications. We make no guarantee about how third parties such as colleges or employers will regard our certifications.

The certificate verification system at rhizomerestoration.org/verify is provided to help members share their achievements. We are not responsible for how third parties interpret or act on that information.

The EcoRestoration Alliance Partnership

Our science curriculum and garden certification standards are developed in partnership with the EcoRestoration Alliance. ERA co-certification marks on certificates indicate that the curriculum content was developed in collaboration with ERA. Final curriculum standards are subject to ongoing expert review and formal partnership agreement.

Privacy

Your use of Rhizome Restoration is also governed by our Privacy Policy available at rhizomerestoration.org/privacy. By using the platform you agree to the collection and use of information as described in that policy.

Intellectual Property

The Rhizome Restoration name, logo, curriculum content, and platform design are the property of Rhizome Restoration. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without explicit written permission.

The curriculum content draws on the published research of Douglas Tallamy, the National Wildlife Federation, the EcoRestoration Alliance, and other credited sources. Full citations are available at rhizomerestoration.org/resources.

Disclaimers

Rhizome Restoration is provided as is and as available. We make no warranties about the availability, accuracy, or reliability of the platform.

The ecological information provided through our curriculum is based on current scientific research and is intended for educational purposes. We are not responsible for outcomes resulting from planting decisions made based on platform content. Always verify native plant species appropriateness for your specific location using trusted local resources.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Rhizome Restoration shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the platform.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. We will notify registered members of significant changes by email. Continued use of the platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

Contact

If you have questions about these terms please contact us at rhizomerestoration.org/contact.