Our research focus

We address basic and applied questions related to wetland, plant, seed, invasion, and restoration ecology.
We address research questions related to:

1. Mechanisms and impacts of plant invasions in wetlands.
2. Restoration of wetlands: (a) control of invasive plants, (b) seed and seedling ecology to inform native plant restoration, (c) the importance of locally adapted and genetically diverse plant materials to native plant restoration, (d) the importance of plant diversity to restoration of wetland functions and services.
3. Interaction between hydrology and wetland plants: the impacts of intensive hydrologic management and drought on plant regeneration, habitat quality, and the ability of plants to support wetland functions.

Our research sites include brackish wetlands of the Great Salt Lake and Chesapeake Bay, riparian wetlands along the Platte River, and prairie pothole wetlands in MN and IA.

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Invasive plants

What drives the invasion of non-native wetland plants?  What are the best techniques for controlling wetland invasives?

Wetland plant restoration

What limits the restoration of wetland plant communities? ​

Restoration genetics

Can restoring genetically diverse plant populations enhance ecosystem functioning in wetland restorations?

Drought and water management

How do short and long-term drought, and intensive water management, affect wetland plant communities?