We often think of floods and wildfires as natural disasters. They can be natural events. But, both the cause and consequences of disasters are rarely natural alone – they are shaped by decades of decisions, how we understand risk, and whether we choose to study and interpret the signature of the landscape.

Science cannot eliminate uncertainty, but it can improve judgment. And better judgment leads to better stewardship.

That's one of the reasons Field Notes exists.

This is a place to explore the observations, questions, and lessons that emerge from years spent investigating landscapes after floods and wildfires, advising clients through consequential decisions, and participating in conversations about the future of our communities. The essays here encourage us to serve as stewards of the places we inherit so that we can make them stronger for those who follow.