<p>The northeastern bulrush (<i>Scirpus ancistrochaetus</i>) is a federally endangered, understudied sedge that occurs primarily in northeastern vernal pools, a keystone habitat. The objective of this study was to provide updated information on the population status of the northeastern bulrush at 14 historic sites in Pennsylvania and New York and expand upon existing knowledge of the plant’s germination requirements and soil seed bank characteristics. In 2022, the northeastern bulrush was identified at only two of the locations visited in Pennsylvania. Comparison of sites supporting the plant to those in which it was absent supports previous findings that the northeastern bulrush has very specialized niche requirements (i.e., small vernal pools with intermediate hydroperiods and open canopies). Our germination study reinforced the importance of intermediate hydroperiod. Achenes germinated while fully submerged in water, but seedlings only survived when transferred to well-drained potting soil. Soil seed bank analysis showed that seeds within the soil seed bank had not dispersed from beneath parent plants. Given the political and financial challenges of conserving an obscure endangered plant with specialized niche requirements and limited genetic diversity, we recommend a conservation-oriented restoration framework that involves assisted colonization of the northeastern bulrush in an integrated recovery plan that will benefit both the endangered species and its keystone habitat.</p>