As a researcher, much of my expertise has developed in applied problem solving as it pertains to native plant establishment. Whether working with recent disturbances, either natural or anthropogenic, or long-term degraded sites, the paradigm of the ‘Target Seedling Concept’ holds true as a means of maximizing success of revegetation efforts. To apply this concept successfully, there is a need to understand the ranges of tolerance of plants across environmental conditions, as well as the range of conditions that exist on a site.This has led to emerging research in native plant regeneration in a changing climate; in particular, developing a broader understanding of the ranges of tolerance of plants to environmental extremes including cold and hot temperatures, and the quantity and timing of moisture availability. As soil moisture is depleted and replenished differently from the pattern at which those plants established and/or evolved, success of current restoration/revegetation practices, as well as the likelihood of natural reestablishment, becomes less predictable. My research program is uniquely positioned to answer some of those questions, particularly as they relate to management and restoration needs.