2026/07/29 by Jes V. Braun, Annie L. Henry, Elana V. Feldman +2
paper · doi:10.1111/rec.70502
Abstract Introduction Best practices for lakeshore revegetation are underdeveloped, particularly with the highly variable water levels common in arid regions. Fluctuating water levels drive species establishment and determine what seeding density and planting arrangement are most advantageous. Objective We investigated strategies for lakeshore wetland revegetation in paired restoration experiments in 2021–2022 on the Utah Lake shoreline, Utah, United States. Methods We examined the effects of (1) seeding density (19‐species mix) on native and invasive plant cover, species richness, and species composition, (2) arrangement of plugs on the cover of planted species ( Distichlis spicata and Schoenoplectus acutus ), and (3) distance from shoreline on both seeded and planted cover at distinct hydrological zones following invasive Phragmites australis management. Results Seeding increased native cover and species richness, regardless of density. A higher seeding density led to reduced invasive species cover, but only in the first year. Seeded and unseeded plots closer to the shoreline had the highest native cover and lowest invasive cover compared to plots farther from the shoreline. Distichlis spicata and S. acutus plug planting had substantially higher cover in plots located nearest to and at intermediate distances from the shoreline compared to controls. Dispersed planting arrangements generally outperformed clumped arrangements. Conclusion Seeding or planting (in a dispersed arrangement) native species along or close to the shoreline, in a lower water year, increases native plant cover in lakeshores. In a low water year, dispersed versus clumped plug planting may be more effective in establishing vegetation.