Different approaches can be taken during the process of restoring a degraded wetland to its pre-existing condition. The first, passive approach, involved removing factors causing degradation and allow nature to naturally rebuild the wetland. These approaches are most successful when a water source is accessible and when wetland plants and animals are in the proximity of the site. This method is cheaper and has a high success rate. The second approach, active approach, involves physical intervention in which degraded sites are restored by human processes that include re-contouring to a desired topography, adding water control structures, planting and seeding, invasive species removal, and adding soils to house native species. Severely degraded wetlands must use this expensive and time consuming approach (NOAA, 2003). To design a successful wetland restoration project, parameters, such as hydraulic analysis, soils, native and non-native plant species, and long term management, must be accounted for (Kentula, 2002).

The hydraulic analysis determines the type of wetland that can be established and the maintained wetland characteristics of the degraded site. It is important to analysis inflows and outflows of surface and ground waters to determine if existing water levels can maintain a wetland ecosystem. The basin topography is observed to ensure it can sustain yearlong standing water. The water quality of the water source is analyzed to ensure pollutants do not further degrade the site. 

The soils of the site are essential for the survival of wetland vegetation. Hydric soils are formed as a result of saturation or flooding for a long enough period to develop anaerobic conditions. Soils must be permeable and organic matter that stores nutrients critical to plant growth. Addition of soils from another wetland is a common practice for locations containing soils that cannot sustain wetland conditions. 

Wetland vegetation must endure unique and stressful conditions. Wetland plants vary from being submerged for long periods to being dry for long periods. Observing the native and non-native species present at the degraded site, as well as observing native wetland species in neighboring wetland environments, is essential in restoring a wetland. When choosing plant species, species that are adaptable to a range of water depths and rapidly stabilize the substrate increase the chance of creating a successful colonization. 

Once a wetland has been restored, it must be carefully monitored to ensure long-term success. Since most restoration agencies do not have the time to maintain the wetlands, restored systems are often designed to be self-sustaining. Self-sustaining systems function naturally, with little to no outside maintenance (Kentula, 2002).