National Ecological Observatory Network

October 2026

IN THIS NEWSLETTER

A Message from
Dr. Kate Thibault

Featured
Expert

NEON
Data in Action

Upcoming Events
& Opportunities

NEON
in the News

Featured
Resources

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the Loop

Hello NEON Community,

Some of us may be enjoying the warm glow of a fire as cooler weather rolls in, but what happens when that fire isn't in a fireplace? NEON data and samples provide the foundation to approach questions about fires in ecosystems, and other disturbances, through a comprehensive ecological lens. With more than 38 field sites having recorded controlled burns or wildfires since NEON sampling began, NEON field sites offer time series of data and samples collected pre- and post-disturbance (information about myriad site disturbances, like fires, is available in the Site management and event reporting (DP1.10111.001) data product (check out the tutorial to learn how to work with these data). Read the conversation with remote sensing scientist Dr. Keith Krause in the Featured Expert section to learn how he applies NEON data to reveal vegetation structure before and after a fire event.

The upcoming NEON Science Seminar offers another perspective on how NEON can be used to reveal ecosystem change and resilience. On Nov. 10, Dr. Chris Still of Oregon State University will present "Ecosystem responses to extreme heat: A tale of two forests" about his research comparing forests after a heat wave. The list of all upcoming seminars is available on the NEON Science Seminars webpage.

On the subject of change, as you visit the NEONscience.org website, you may notice the navigation menus look a little different. The website navigation has undergone a minor update to improve your experience. It may take a little time to orient to the new navigation. If you have trouble finding anything or have additional feedback, always feel welcome to Contact Us.

All the best,

Kate Thibault, Acting Chief Scientist and Observatory Director

Before and After the Fire – A conversation with Dr. Keith Krause

Wildfires can transform a forest in a matter of days, but the forest changes leading up to a fire and the recovery that follows can unfold over years or even decades. Dr. Keith Krause, remote sensing scientist with Battelle's Research Initiatives team applies his expertise in satellite imaging, airborne and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and field-based measurements to determine how to produce reliable measurements of change in vegetation structure. His work uses NEON's high-resolution Airborne Observation Platform (AOP) data to observe how vegetation changes over time, particularly before and after a fire, to help inform NASA's Surface Topography and Vegetation initiative.