Native plants play a critical role in facilitating important wetland functions, but the rapid expansion of Phragmites australis in many wetland systems has reduced native plant cover and compromised wetland habitats. Following P. australis control, passive recolonization of native plants is often slow or non-existent. In this presentation, which focuses on Great Salt Lake wetlands, we will explore how functional regeneration traits can be used to improve our ability to make targeted restoration decisions, such as which species should be sown, where seeds should be sourced, and what environmental conditions optimize seedling survival. This targeted approach provides valuable information on effective seed-based restoration methods to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands into the future.