Photography & Media Policy

Photography & Media Policy

Effective Date: July 30, 2026

McCutchanville Greenway Park & Nature Preserve (“McCutchanville Greenway,” “Greenway,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) regularly photographs and records activities, events, wildlife, landscapes, and visitors to celebrate our mission, document the growth of the Greenway, and share the beauty of our preserve with the community.

This Photography & Media Policy explains how photographs, video recordings, and other media may be created, used, and shared by the Greenway.


Purpose

Photography and videography help us:

  • Share the beauty of the Greenway
  • Promote conservation and environmental stewardship
  • Celebrate volunteers and community partnerships
  • Highlight educational programs and events
  • Recognize donors and sponsors
  • Document the history and growth of the Greenway
  • Inspire others to visit, volunteer, and support our mission

Images captured at the Greenway help tell the story of our organization and the impact of our community.


Photography at Public Events

The Greenway frequently photographs and records public activities, including:

  • Community events
  • Volunteer workdays
  • Educational programs
  • Nature walks
  • Fundraisers
  • Dedications and ceremonies
  • Family activities
  • Youth programs
  • Board and community gatherings

By attending these public events, visitors acknowledge that photographs and video recordings may be taken.

Unless otherwise requested as described below, attendance at public events constitutes permission for McCutchanville Greenway to use images or recordings in accordance with this policy.


How Images May Be Used

Photographs and videos may be used for lawful nonprofit purposes, including:

  • Our website
  • Social media platforms
  • Annual reports
  • Newsletters
  • Educational materials
  • Grant applications
  • Fundraising campaigns
  • Printed brochures
  • Event promotions
  • News releases
  • Community presentations
  • Historical archives
  • Other promotional materials supporting the Greenway’s mission

Images may be used without compensation to individuals appearing in the photographs or videos.


Children

The Greenway strives to use photographs of children responsibly and respectfully.

Photographs taken during public events may include children participating in activities with their families, schools, scouting organizations, camps, or community groups.

Whenever practical, the Greenway will avoid publishing identifying personal information about minors, such as full names, addresses, schools, or other sensitive information, unless a parent or legal guardian has provided permission or the information is otherwise appropriate for the specific circumstance.


Opting Out

We understand that some visitors prefer not to be photographed.

If you do not wish to appear in photographs or videos used by the Greenway, please notify a Greenway volunteer, event organizer, or photographer at the beginning of the event whenever practical.

While we will make reasonable efforts to honor such requests, we cannot guarantee that every image captured in a public setting can be avoided or removed, particularly in wide-angle crowd photographs or video recordings.

If you later discover an image of yourself on our website or official social media channels and would like to request its removal, please contact us. We will review requests individually and make reasonable efforts to accommodate them when appropriate.


Wildlife and Nature Photography

Wildlife and landscape photography are an important part of documenting the beauty and ecological value of the Greenway.

Visitors are encouraged to photograph nature while helping protect the preserve.

Please remember:

  • Observe wildlife from a respectful distance.
  • Never feed or disturb wildlife to obtain a photograph.
  • Stay on designated trails whenever possible.
  • Do not damage vegetation or habitats to capture images.
  • Respect seasonal restoration areas and posted closures.

Protecting wildlife and natural resources always takes priority over obtaining a photograph.


Visitor Photography

Visitors are welcome to take photographs for personal, educational, and non-commercial purposes while visiting the Greenway.

We encourage guests to share their experiences and help promote appreciation for nature.

When photographing the preserve, visitors should:

  • Respect the privacy of other visitors.
  • Avoid photographing individuals in a manner that could reasonably be considered intrusive or inappropriate.
  • Follow all posted park rules.
  • Avoid interfering with wildlife, volunteers, educational programs, or other visitors.

Commercial Photography and Filming

Commercial photography, professional filming, advertising, promotional shoots, drone productions, or other commercial media projects may require prior written permission from McCutchanville Greenway.

Examples include:

  • Commercial advertising
  • Product photography
  • Professional video productions
  • Corporate promotional materials
  • Television productions
  • Commercial drone operations
  • Photography workshops conducted for profit

Permission helps ensure that commercial activities do not interfere with visitors, wildlife, or conservation efforts.


Drone Photography

The use of drones must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

Drone use may be restricted or prohibited in certain areas of the Greenway to protect wildlife, visitor safety, and the peaceful enjoyment of the preserve.

Commercial drone operations require prior written approval.


User-Submitted Photos

We love seeing the Greenway through the eyes of our visitors.

By voluntarily submitting photographs, videos, or other media to the Greenway through email, social media, contests, or other means, you represent that:

  • You own the submitted content or have permission to share it.
  • The submission does not infringe upon another person’s rights.
  • You grant McCutchanville Greenway a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, reproduce, display, publish, and share the submitted content for nonprofit purposes related to our mission.

Whenever practical, we are happy to credit photographers for their work.


Copyright

Unless otherwise noted, photographs, videos, graphics, and other media published by McCutchanville Greenway are protected by copyright.

Many of the stunning wildlife images featured throughout our website have been generously contributed by talented photographers who support our mission.

These images may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from McCutchanville Greenway and, where applicable, the photographer.


Media Inquiries

Members of the news media are welcome to photograph and report on public events held at the Greenway.

To help coordinate interviews, filming, or access to specific locations, media representatives are encouraged to contact us in advance whenever possible.


Changes to This Policy

McCutchanville Greenway may update this Photography & Media Policy from time to time.

The most current version will always be posted on our website with the revised Effective Date.


Contact Us

Questions regarding this Photography & Media Policy or requests concerning photographs or videos may be directed to:

McCutchanville Greenway Park & Nature Preserve
PO Box 5, Inglefield, IN 47618

Contact Us