Archives October 31st 2005 Until April 5th, 2006:

October 31st, 2005: Hi, I found your website, and I figures it was a good place to go to find out what kind of mushroom this was that I found in my back yard. We live in Bryans Road, Maryland and I have never seen anything like it, especially with the grass growing thru the mushroom.Jodee Warner Bryans Road, Maryland Not sure the name of them 

This is a Ganoderma species. -Chris M

November 1st, 2005: We seem to have several groups of these; all growing in mulch/woodchip earth. Could you tell me what they are, and if they are dangerous to dogs. Our golden trys to eat everything she sees. I hope the picture opens for you. New camera and loading program. Thanks in advance for your help. Mar Jo Murphy

You have: http://morelmushroomhunting.com/phallus_revenelii.htm. - Chris M

November 2nd, 2005: I believe these to be Honey Mushrooms.  One picture is of some kind of Fungus growing on a small Oak tree.  Can you identify it?  These were found near Ft Leonard Wood, MO in the Mar k Twain National Forest .   I really enjoy your Web Site.    Jim King

Yes, you do have honey's there, enjoy!- Chris M

November 3rd, 2005: Kelby  Giant, Pear, Gem studded and Stump Puffballs, Honey Mushrooms, Brick Tops, Big Laughing Gym, Maitake, Sulphur Shelf, Beefsteak polypore, Mica Inky Caps. - general location: Muttontown, Long Island, New York. Growing Conditions: In nature preserve, growing on decaying woods or on forest soil

November 3rd, 2005: Hi, I picked these white, huge mushrooms today (Nov.2) in Orangeville, Ontario. In a mixed forest, not totally shady. Dry today but rainy earlier this week. They smell like oyster mushrooms. They had each separate stalks, and grew from the ground, not on wood. They are so white, and were perfect before the pics were taken, broke up a bit. Can I eat these? They are really big, and smell good. No rings around stalks. Please help identify!!! THANKS A LOT!!!!!!!!!!

November 11th, 2005: hugh,  hen - general location: columbus, OH. Growing Conditions: base of a silver maple. Additional Comments: I thought the hens were done for the year, but I found a nice one today at the base of my next-door neighbor's maple tree -- exact same spot as last year, but about a week earlier. I also saw one that was too far gone on an oak about 15 yards from the door to my office; I must have walked by it 100 times without even thinking to look. I've also seen a few hypsizygus tessulatus on elms lately, but they're not much to speak of as far as eating goes

November 12th, 2005: kris c., Laetiporus sulphureus-chicken of the woods, - general location: central indiana. Growing Conditions: GIANT patch of chicken of the woods with large rosette (40 lbs easy) at bottom of large 25 foot stump. Additional Comments: please e-mail me...i'll forward pix of this and an l. cincinnatus that was very close to that large! It was the most perfect, huge, beautiful mushroom I've EVER seen!

Very impressive mushrooms there! - Chris M

November 13th, 2005: Charlie 4,  chanterelle - general location: Mendo, Ca. Growing Conditions: The rain has returned to Northern Cali! For the last few months, we have just been locating tons of Oysters and Chickens.  Finally, the real pop has started- We went to second growth conifer mixed with redwood, oak, and bay, less than 1000 ft elev.  We returned homw with 25 lb White Chanterelle, 15 lb Gold Chantrelle, 10 lb. Pig's Ears (we had to leave at least 5000lbs due to maggots..), 7 perfect Ceps (baby porcini), and one giant (1.5 lb) Porcini.  Also identified (but not taken) witches butter, death caps, fly agarics, few russulas, sulfur tuft, random agaricus, lots of small coral clusters, turkey tail, and tons of LBM's.  Seems Like the Bolete season is starting late or might not ever flush, hopefully towards SF  Bay things will even out.

November 15th, 2005: Anthony, California, found King Boletes. Anthony Tassinello - general location: Mendocino Coast, Northern California. 
Growing Conditions: In the tall grasses and among the coastal pine tree duff.Additional Comments: Season is in full swing but we could use a little rain and a little less competition!

November 17th, 2005: Hugh,  oysters - general location: Columbus, OH. Growing Conditions: on cottonwood and other trees along the banks of the Olentangy river. Additional Comments: I found several large batches of nice thick late fall oysters along the river, most in good shape. I do believe the fall variety are the same species as the summer oysters [I often find them on the exact same trees at different times], but they are much thicker and meatier and, to my tastes, much better for cooking

November 18th, 2005: tim ward,  Ringless Honey - general location: Ormond Beach FL . Growing Conditions: in yards & parks their around by the millions

November 21st, 2005: Going through my pics, I noticed this photo of oysters going through a transition. In the background are summer variety, bright white, and in the foreground are a darker thicker fall variety. I always figured they were different species. Goes to show there is so much to learn. These were found early October at Mohican S.P. I would assume the darker color absorbs more warmth and the thicker flesh protects them from colder fall temperatures. Chris Ott

November 26th, 2005: I found a couple of cool mushrooms yesterday and today -- a big lion's mane about 15 feet up on a maple,  frozen solid. I had to get a big long branch and whack it repeatedly to knock it down, but it was in good shape and nicely preserved. I also found a big batch of
thick oysters, also frozen solid. I had to stomp them off the log with my boot. But they were fine when they thawed. Hugh, Ohio

December 2nd, 2005: hugh,  oysters - general location: Columbus, OH. Growing Conditions: on hackberry, cottonwood and other trees along a river. Additional Comments: I've found several large batches of big thick late fall oysters in the past few days. Some were frozen solid but thawed nicely. I haven't seen many blewits yet this fall, which is unusual.

December 8th, 2005: Chris M found Pluteus cervinus in Central Georgia. This is about the only fungi I have seen in 6 weeks. Been very dry.

December 11th, 2005: Guy,  landscape morel - general location: Natomas Sacramento, California. ..Growing Conditions: Each week since Novemenber we find 3-6 2-3 inch morels on the North side of our house in the tan bark among the bushes.  This is a brand new  housing development on the very north end of Natomas, previously it was farm land.

You are very lucky indeed! Rarely are these seen in the Fall, usually they begin to pop in Southern California in January. Keep us posted! -Chris M

December 16th, 2005: Chris M found Hericium erinaceus, Red Russula and Pluteus in Central Georgia. I hate to make anyone envious, but here in the deep south, I can usually find edibles in every month of the year.

December 25th, 2005: white oyster mushrooms  - general location: North of San Francisco, MUIR Woods. Just off of the boardwalk area. Growing Conditions: Moss covered log. The moss is really immature ferns. There are still a lot that were just out of reach. The log was completely covered with the fern moss but the musrooms had the taste of being grown on eucalyptus. I didn't know oysters could grow on it but since it was covered with moss I guess that was the effect. They tasted like breath mints but with the distinct oyster mushroom flavor. But they seemed very nutritious... The fern covered log / dead tree sticks straight up and is just off the main boardwak about a 1/4 mile along the trail on the other side of the stream. There are some other mushrooms you may see out there but many are LBMs which are dangerous. Always clearly identify what you eat, otherwise you are risking your life. Additional Comments: Hey, e-mail me if you want to go a huntin' in CA.   Junior Mycoman.

January 1st, 2006: frank methmann  general location: carpinteria,ca. Growing Conditions: under a lavatera bicolor that I was removing. i found 2 purple mushrooms.I took pictures. I don't know what king they are, perhaps the pigment is from the host tree flowers that fell to the ground. Never seen purple mushrooms before.   Additional Comments: if you are interested, i would like to send the pictures for your input on these unusual mushrooms. No. I didn't eat them!

You have a Cortinarius species there, very beautiful color!- Chris M

January 1st, 2006: Happy New Year Chris!  Jessica and I went on a hike in the Franklin County Ohio woods today. Recent moisture and well above average temps brought out some super-thick Fall Oysters. And while back home in WV for Christmas, I spotted some tree ears, deadly Galerina autumnalis, and Hypholoma sublateritium. Tempura fried oyster mushrooms, a good way to start the new year. Many thanks from Chris Ott 

January 3rd, 2006: Chris M found Cortinarius, Hygrophorus, Russula, Amanita citrina, Sulphur Tufts, and Pluteus here in Central Georgia.

January 4th, 2006: Hey Chris, Hope everything is good and that you had a nice Christmas. Can you tell me what this is? I'll try to get a better picture today. Strange stuff in my yard. Bob Welker , Tifton, GA

You have: http://morelmushroomhunting.com/clathrus_columnatus.htm - Chris M

January 5th, 2006: Roger R   Oysters,   - general location: Jan. 4th I found a handfull of oyster mushrooms on a dead log in a privet bottom in Rockdale Co. Ga. They were not white like the others I have found in the past. These were tan in color. Beautiful little shrooms though.

January 6th, 2006: Chris m found Lepista nuda, Oysters, and had the earliest tick sighting I have ever seen here in Central Georgia!

January 12th, 2006: Woofer, did pretty good on hedgehogs, got a couple buckets of them, A few chanterelles also. The yellowfeet were to soggy and all the matsuatke i found were all to old, It was wet and rainy. But still a lot of fun to get out and about. Only bad thing about the PNE coast. Is that its staright up and down and soaking soaking wet over there, Its a hunt everyone should try at least once. Now Just waiting for black trumpets to start coming up. Found these over on coast between Crescent City california to the Chetco River in Brookings Oregon. people who only pick here in the rogue valley areas do not know how easy we have it here. Over on the coast. the mountains are pretty much staright up and down, and its usually pouring rain. But it was fun anyways.

January 13th, 2006:  Chris M, Found Deadly Galerina, Oysters, Pluteus, and a few others in Central Georgia.

January 16th, 2006: Christian Schwarz , landscape morel - general location: San Diego, California Growing Conditions: In wood-chipped planters around the Scripps institution to oceanography. Additional Comments: These mushrooms were growing in the same planter as some specimens of Volvariella speciosa, a little gray Mycena, and Bolbitius vitellinus

January 17th, 2006:  Hello Chris, Found a few good Oysters today in Monroe County, MS. Found them growing on a couple dead oak trees located on a wooded hillside just above a creek. I also found a large cluster of them a week ago growing on a dead oak standing in the middle of town just off Main Street. I had to wait until nightfall to harvest them in order to avoid any strange looks from passing motorists. LOL! I have also been finding lots of fresh Russulas in the area mostly under oaks or pines. I have included a picture of today's Oysters. ((SCOTT))) 

January 18th, 2006: Chris M found more Fawn Mushrooms, and Oysters, also some Pigs Ears, and Small Puffballs growing on a log in Central GA.

January 22nd, 2006:  found these todat behind the house. They have no discernable characteristics of anything iv'e seen? Don't you just love it when us ametures ask you to identify one mushroom out of a zillion? Roger R GA 

January 23rd, 2006: Hello Chris,  A friend of ours took this picture last weekend in Central Alabama. He said they were up to twelve inch's across. He thinks they are Oyster mushrooms could you please confirm I.D. ?  Thanks,  Scott Hogan

Nice fruiting of: http://morelmushroomhunting.com/pleurotus_ostreatus.htm, -Chris M 

January 23rd, 2006: Hi, I just wanted to let you know that your site with the detailed information and wonderful pictures which your site displays were very helpful to me.  I was able to identify a mushroom that just popped up in our back yard as Clathrus columnatus.  I assumed it was a mushroom but I was not sure as no one in my family had seen one like it before.  My grandson found it yesterday.  The item was identified by your pictorial listings. I live in North Biloxi, Mississippi. Anne. Glad that our new species list was such a big help to you! - Chris M

January 25th, 2006: Chris M, numerous Red Russulas found in Macon GA. as well as see creeping Phlox starting to bloom!

January 29th, 2006: This just in from San Jose,Calf. My 12 year old daughter just call to say that Morel's are showing up around there and she found her frist one today in the back yard!!!! Go Amanda, Mad morel

January 30th, 2006: Hello Chris. Found this monster of a Hericium erinaceus today! This one had to have been at least 12". Also, there was a smaller one growing next to it that looked more like Hericium americanum. I attached a photo of the mushroom with a ruler for scale, however, this is only half of it. I left the other half attached where it was found. I didn't want to disrupt any future fruitings. It was found growing on the side of a fallen dead oak? in a heavily wooded area on a river bank in Monroe County, Mississippi. I have found several others in the area in the past, but this is the largest. ((SCOTT)))

February 1st, 2006: Tina, I have no idea - general location: Land O Lakes Florida USA, Just north of Tampa. .Growing Conditions: Field, new housing development-back yard. Additional Comments: Orange in color seperate fingers-spotted in the ground like a bulb-opens up, horrible smell.
Have found up to 3 inches long, strange maybe not a mushroom/fungus.  Thought a first it was my neighbors golf balls exploded, then perhaps my puppies were pooping some freak thing.  Sponge like.  Make any since to you?

Yes it does, try this link: http://morelmushroomhunting.com/clathrus_columnatus.htm, -Chris M

Update: Chris, you were exactly right!!!   Thanks so much, I was concerned for my puppies. Your great.  Thanks again. 

February 4th, 2006: I am attaching a couple of images of a hedgehog/bear's tooth/pom pom/lion's mane fungal fruiting body that I took down here in southeast Georgia on February 4, 2006. I posted one of them on a hunting forum site & one of the members there pointed me towards your great web site! You are welcome to use these images if you wish. The fruiting body was almost 6 feet off the ground on a southern red oak in Camden County, Georgia. The fruiting body was 6 to 8" tall, wide, & 4 to 7" deep. Robert Smith

 February 5th, 2006: Ground Temps down to 49 degrees here in central GA from this latest cold snap, but been finding some mushrooms, including a very large unknown, an orange mock oyster, and a tricholoma. Chris M, Elijah M

February 7th, 2006: hugh,  oysters - general location: Columbus, OH. .Growing Conditions: dead trees and stumps. Additional Comments: I saw three batches of oysters today -- partly  frozen, but in decent shape

February 8th, 2006: Chris M, found Oysters, and a few twisted stalk entoloma in Central GA.

February 18th, 2006: Tim in SC,  blewits -_general_location = Charleston, South Carolina, .Growing_Conditions = Under an Oak tree.

February 19th, 2006: I went out to the woods today, obvious that the recent cold spell has set things back quite a bit. I did spot some Trillium up, but not blooming. Not much Fungi at all in the woods, spotted one red russula, and two possible hygrophorus in central GA. Ground temps back down to low to mid 40's. - Chris M

February 21st, 2006: Got out yesterday to scout around a bit here in Monroe County, MS. The temperature was bitter cold, and there was ice everywhere, but I was able to find a few oysters located inside a fallen hollow tree. They were frozen solid, but still in good shape. No sign of Trillium or Mayapples. (((SCOTT)))

February 23rd, 2006: hugh,  oysters, tree ears - general location = Columbus, OH. ..Growing Conditions: on hardwoods along the river, Additional Comments = I found one nice batch of oysters --  frozen, but in very good shape -- and a number of tree ears. Perfect for a stir-fry. Spring is on the move early here, and we should be seeing some stuff soon. 

February 23rd, 2006: We picked 100 or more morels in san diego, Feb. 22, yellows and grays, growing out of mulch. First time I've ate morels in Feb. OHLIVI

February 27th, 2006: Roger R,  Clathrus Columnatus- STINKHORN - general location = Feb 26th I found these growing in the same flower bed as last year. These things stink like crazy, hence the name.They are up a lttle earlier this year I think but who wants them up at all? Morels are just around the corner!!!! Georgia

March 5th, 2006: My name is Daniel Harrang.  While hiking in North-western Maui earlier this week I came across an adult Morel mushroom! I've harvested pounds of near-identical fungi in the Trinity Alps of Northern California in forests which have recovered from burns but never until this week have I found them in Hawaii. I'm amazed this genera is so wide-spread. Do you know if this is a unique find? I have had a few reports in the past but never a photo! Thanks so much for your report! I would like to know as much details as possible of the surrounding area, trees, etc.- Chris M. The elevation of the location where I found the Morel is probably between 1000 to 2000 feet above sea level... in WAIHE'E river valley - North-West maui,  - just a few miles (2-3?) from the coast line.  I feel compelled to mention I did not intentionally pluck the Morel; it was lying on its side when I found it and as I gently attempted to prop it up for a better photograph it broke at its base... and I'm pretty sure the underground portion is no worse for wear. Thanks again, Daniel

March 6th, 2006: Here are 2 pics of a morel mushroom that we picked on 3/5/06. Steve, San Jose, CA

March 6th, 2006: Chris M, I went out today here in Central GA to my black morel spots and searched thoroughly and had no luck yet. The Hepaticas were just now blooming so is a bit early but won't be long now!

March 6th, 2006: found 6 small greys amongst the cootonwoods along a creek which produces every year, just outside Leakey, Texas which is west of Austin. report by Ahistory, his cousin found them.

March 10th, 2006: Signs of Spring, but no signs of Morels yet here in Central Georgia. -Chris M

March 12th, 2006: Karen R, I found 6 very tiny grey morels in Northwest Alabama. I never even found any all last year.

March 12th, 2006: Jerry,  7 Little tiny fellers on Sunday in Southern Casey County Kentucky...it begins...good luck all

March 12th, 2006: KEVIN WRITES: FOUND 3 TINY BLACK MORELS IN SOUTH CENTRAL AREA OF KENTUCKY. HAD TO PUSH BACK THE LEAVES TO SEE THEM. LOTS OF RAIN SO THEY SHOULD REALLY GROW THIS WEEK. I DIDN'T PICK ANY THEY ARE TO SMALL RIGHT NOW.

March 13th, 2006: hugh,  tree ears, deadly galerina - general location = columbus, oh. Growing Conditions = on dead and dying trees, Additional Comments = I found a nice fresh batch of tree ears (auricularia auricula) and also several clusters of deadly galerina. It's a bit early for both, which usually don't appear until May. Ramps are also just starting to poke up. Morels will probably be early here if the warmth keeps up

March 13th, 2006: Lynn, First time posting this season waiting for good reason. Has anyone in Ill. found morels yet? Thought I'd look at my early spot today. Could not believe my eyes but the mushroom GOD has gave my three itty bitty morels so fresh they are still white in color and I know their black because this spot always produces only blacks. No one can wipe this smile off my face today. Found them in Williamson Co. Illinois...Just incase anyone is wandering one is 1.5 inches and two right at about an inch, last year I found ten in the same spot on the 26th of March and in my opinion according to the size and color of the ten last year they had to have been there for at least 4-5 days...

Link to her photo: http://mushroomexpert.com/morels/maps/Lynn.jpg

March 14th, 2006: I went out yesterday and found 3 morels and found 3 today. We had a week of warm weather and rain so the woods ar really coming to life. It is a little cold today so the next warm day or two should really make them shoot up. I live just north of Nashville Tn. and hunting the flat spots on the eastern slopes. I always find my early shrooms in this same spot. Well i have to stop typing and start battering. I can't wait to chomp down on the first finds of the season. Get ready folks!!! Its morel time again!! Olie

March 14th, 2006: Roger R., Jasper County Georgia, found 22 white/ grey Morels ranging from 1/2" to 4" tall! This is the place that the Morel Mushroom Hunting Club is having it's foray this year in about 3 weeks! Here are some of Roger's photos taken today:

March 14th, 2006: Tim Geho writes: I just received an e-mail from a very good mycologist who has a friend who found 2 small gray morels in north central Arkansas today. He will be going there this weekend to look for himself.

March 15th, 2006: I've attached a photo of the first black morels I've found this year in Jackson County, Illinois. This is the earliest I've ever found morels this size, 2-3 inches tall (opposed to the microscopic specks I've reported before on March 14). A south-facing, sunny slope, naturally, is where these black morels appeared. So, where does that put us in relationship to the entire morel season? These are the early risers of the bunch, so to speak. Realize that the first morels of the year, unpicked, eventually become those old, decrepit morels people notice during the heart of morel season and wonder when THOSE morels appeared. This is when they appeared, fresh on March 14. And so it begins. But slowly. I probably mention every year that there's really no need for everybody to rush into the woods with baskets just yet; these several morels today represent a fraction of the morels that will appear throughout the next few weeks.Of course, nobody can resist temptation, especially with the knowledge some stranger in southern Illinois will be eating fresh morels tonight. So go to the woods, if you must. But be safe. Obey the designated hours for collecting in state parks and don't enter private land without permission. Finally--although this often seems an intolerable social request--actually be polite to other people you encounter in the woods. Morel hunters are good people, just like you. Totally insane, but they're good people anyway. Joe McFarland, Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

A link to the photo: http://www.morelmania.com/images/firstmorel06.jpg

March 15th, 2006: Tomi Oehlschlaeger,  black morel - general location = Western Kentucky. Growing Conditions = along old railroad bed in valley, Additional Comments = The first morels of the season here for us!  We found 10 very small black morels under the leaf litter, barely poking up, and left them to grow as they hadn't even started to spore yet. Can't wait to check on them next week!

March 15th, 2006: Cathy L, My brother found 4 nice sized gray ones in Tyler , TX the day before yesterday.  We get so excited when they start!  It truly is in the blood.

March 16th, 2006: Hi Chris, I got my first morels today. Only 17 or 18 in South Carolina. Even my early spots only had a few each tree. The best tree had 7. I think I'll wait at least a week with the cold weather they're calling for. I usually go about every 4-5 days once they begin to grow well, but I think that will be too often with cold weather. The size was from 1 to 4 inches. It was a 400 mile round trip but worth it to know they're beginning to grow here. It was 50 degrees when I left home, but 29 degrees where I first parked. What a change. They were close to the Greenville area for those in SC wanting to know where.Tim Geho

March 16th, 2006: Josh, Beleive it not but found 5 black morels last sunday. They were only about 1 in. tall. Should be a couple of weeks yet., olney, il

 March 16th, 2006: Chris M, I went out today to my spot that I can usually find a few Morchella deliciosa under Poplars, and still had no luck. I noticed Bloodroot still blooming, some Trillium have not yet opened up. I went to another location that produces deep south Black Morels, and also no luck at all. I think that either it was too mild of a winter, or possibly higher elevations, as it has actually been 3 years since I found any significant Morels in these two locations. The one exception is of course the Georgia Motherlode spot, that has had heavy yields every year the past 4 years. I also found some very large Ash trees up on higher ground and thought for sure there would be some there, and again dissapointed. Morels in the Deep South are very unpredictable, and I really am leaning towards thinking that a mild winter will produce less Morels. Central Georgia

March 17th, 2006: angie,  black morel - general location = Marion,Illinois. .Additional Comments = We went out to our spot on march 13 and found only two. One was about 1 1/2 in. the other was way small.we got a call from my husbands boss today march 16 that his buddy found 20 today(in marion also) so we had to go take a look again in our spot and found 5 today.We are like most that have a little compition between friends and family on who finds the first and who finds the most every year.Usually it's my hubby but this year it has been me so far. well good luck to all this year.

March 17th, 2006: Pete G -  Went out Tue. 14th in the anderson s.c area, nothing yet. Have found grays the last couple of years, same place. Going again today the 18th. Need some rain. Good luck everybody, it wont be long now.

March 17th, 2006: Eddie McMillan called me today from Knoxville, TN, and reported that he found about 70 Black Morels and two Gyromitras. He will be sending photos soon.

March 17th, 2006: puzzledmattie , report from the Olympic Peninsula of Wa. Nothing yet in our early patches. Haven't even seen a verpa yet. But, today, I was able to go to town without a coat on and the sun is getting warmer. Won't be too much longer...hope hope

March 17th, 2006: D Mounce. Fayetteville Ar , I checked all my spots today but found nothing. I will go out again in a couple of weeks. The earliest I have found morels in Arkansas is the last weeek in march. They come up around the same time as the may apples do. Good hunting to all

March 18th, 2006: 2toads, Location: Robertson, TN. I found 12 nice fat black and 1 midget morel today. I got done walked in the house made some beer batter, blew em off and threw em in the pan. .It couldn't get any better!!! Hot crispy morels and some left over ice cold batter beer. I can't wait till it warms up again to get them really jumpin.. Happy shroomin 

March 19th, 2006: jim farmer, nothing yet but friends have found several small blacks - general location =  i always hunt near my western kentucky home many wooded areas that areavailable to hunt on. .Growing Conditions = we usually find them in areas where there are large ash  and hickory as well as  other native hardwood species. Nothing like a few hickory chickens slabbed between two slices of bread.Additional Comments = its a pretty  competitive sport among the people of the area. Any honey holes are not exactly pointed out on a map. The directions when asked where did you find them range from " you know ,  back over yonder off such and such road was drivning down that way and spotted em under an old elm doing 30 miles an hour  "  to    over on the back of the ole stripper pits in hopkins county."   while they try to be friendly  anyone who has ever been to west ky knows that stripper pits are a penny a dozen and the oletimer that said he could spot a morel bunch under an elm while driven  30 mph forgot to mention he has cataracts. This in mind the people are friendly but you have to find your own honey hole lol   Nothing like the smell of walking in an old country store and finding the folks dont mind sharing the bounty with the smell of fresh morels cooking in the pan  just buy a loaf and pull up a chair cause they are sure not to last long while they're hot. Good luck all  if you come by this way you are sure to know the time is right by the way the heads are down and the mind is on a mission its that time again

March 19th, 2006: I got a phone call from Bob Welker, Baldwin County, GA. Found 80 very large yellow Morels in lowland rich soil area near creekbed. He told me he nearly had a heart attack, and had to pinch himself to make sure he was not dreaming. He will be emailing me some photos soon. 

March 19th, 2006: Karen, Found some small grey morels today , 3-19-06. It's about time. Harrison, Ar 

March 19th, 2006: William Pinkstaff,  grey morel - general location = Raleigh, NC. Growing Conditions = Found near low fertile ground in amongst some mature Ash. Additional Comments = Found three smalll greys just south of Raleigh, NC growing in the mature Ashes in low fertile soil.  Ground was very dry, I think these are just a few early ones.

March 19th, 2006: MississippiMushroom, Well, the 18th was a downer for me. Took a trip up to Tishomingo Co. in extreme northwest MS. Spent all day on the wooded hillsides where I was sure I would find morels, but didn't even find one. I was really surprised. The place I went to just looked like the perfect environment for morels. I'm thinking it may just still be a tad early. The redbuds are in bloom there, but the trillium are still very small with no blooms at all. I did end up finding a few good oysters and devils urn here and there. It's about an 1 1/2 hour trip from where I live, but I think this place (being further north and at a higher elevation) is more promising than the woods around here.

March 20th, 2006: Lynne Ezzell,  yellow morel - general location = Montgomery County North Carolina. .Growing Conditions = rich lowlands, recently burned. Additional Comments = these were my 1st morels, we accidently stumbled on them and now we are hooked!

March 20th, 2006: Mike, black morel - general location = Cave-In -Rock IL.Hardin County. Growing Conditions = Under Pine Trees. 
Additional Comments = Found 4 Blacks in pine needles March 19 2006

March 21st, 2006: Woofer, First Morel of 2006, .Southern Oregon, In the Rogue Valley.

March 22nd, 2006: Found this one today growing beside a decaying oak stump just outside the post office in town. I have found several of these in the past week growing under pines. I have no idea what kind these are. Do you know? Scott in northeast MS

You have: http://morelmushroomhunting.com/pluteus_cervinus.htm, -Chris M

March 22nd, 2006: Hi Chris.  My brother from Tyler, TX just went and picked these yesterday (3/21/2006).  He got 93 nice sized ones.  Hope you can pen this up. Have a good day! Clape   

March 22nd, 2006: Turkey man writes: Found half a dozen of the small black ones Saturday morning while scouting for turkeys around the Jasper area, Arkansas. Cousin found over 100 in the Western Grove area. Should be a couple of weeks before the white/yellows come out if I am not mistaken. Harrison, AR  

March 23rd, 2006: Ole Sammy Boy writes: Found about 20 Big Yellow ones. This morning here in Taos. They had frosted tops. It was cold hunting but worth the find. Wow what a day! Taos, MO 

March 23rd, 2006: Eddie found 28 more nice Black Morels in Knoxville, TN, also a very large Gyromitra.

March 23rd, 2006: Tim,  yellow morel - general location = Near Greenwood, SC. .Growing Conditions = Under Ash and Tulip Poplar trees. 
Additional Comments = 100 very new morels. Temperatures still to cold for them to grow very fast.

March 23rd, 2006: Buddy Wright and Jon Rosedahl found these beautiful morels in Calhoun Co. Alabama. rare or a first?

First, congrats on your find. I would like to know if you found them in lowland areas, and what type of trees were present. Second, I have had reports from Alabama in the past years, and personally found a few there myself. Any Morel find in the Deep South I consider a prize find! Thirdly, when you pick them, do not pull them up, pinch off or cut off at base with a knife. When you pull them up, this will damage their tender mycillium, and possibly harm the perenial plant that lives underneath the ground. Think of it as like and Apple tree, pick the Apple, but don't break off a whole branch of the tree. Very impressive Morels though! - Chris M

March 23rd, 2006: Gary, Signs look terrible, and it is very cool. To my surprise, I found 11 small morels on 3-22-06, CLINTON, TN

March 23rd, 2006: Chris M. and Bob W found 171 mostly very fresh grey Morels, 3 deliciosa sp., just a few were large Yellows, largest being 7 inches. Southern Baldwin County, Georgia. Lowlands, under Ash. Very good news to see most were very young and fresh, as we have had a two week cool down.

(Members can view all of the newest High Resolution Photos in the Member areas)

March 24th, 2006: Tomi Oehlschlaeger,  black morel - general location = Western Kentucky. .Growing Conditions = In valley along old roadside bed... Additional Comments = Went back to check on the blacks that I found last week and had left to grow..even with the cold temperatures, several more had popped up.  We picked 24 mature blacks, and left 15 or more to grow. It's about time to start checking the other honey holes!!  Hoping for some warmer weather.  Happy Hunting all!!!

March 24th, 2006: Dave Steortz, Southern Ohio, found first tiny Morel!

March 24th, 2006: Bob W found 3 Morchella deliciosa in Putnam County, GA after walking miles!

March 24th, 2006: Another Alabama Morel!

March 24th, 2006: joe dimeglio,  gymnomitra esculenta - general location = i found these ascicarps about 35 miles out of eugene oregon on hwy 126 east. Growing Conditions = they were fruiting single or in small groups in a recently logged area. that also has been slashed burned. still too cold for morchella species. maybe in a week or two. i still have not seen any verpas yet. Additional Comments = the average high temp has been around 47-55f and lows around 39-45f. lane county area has had a great deal of rain this season and the humidity has been good. so, maybe the true morels will be here soon.

March 24th, 2006: Chris M, found 30 nice fresh Morchella deliciosa near Warner Robins, GA. Sure there are more, ran out of time.... One was a quadruple surprise! 

March 25th, 2006: Shawn,  verpa - general location = Kirkland, Wa, North Rose Hill. .Growing Conditions = Under cottonwood trees, damp ground conditions.  I also found evidence that I was not the first to collect in this area.  I believe morels have been picked in the last 3 to 5 days.

March 25th, 2006: Angie found a few Black Morels in Lafollette, TN.

March 25th, 2006: William Pinkstaff,  black morel - general location = South of Raleigh, NC. Growing Conditions = Found two small blacks today just south of Raleigh in the low rich soil too cold for them to pop but I will keep looking.

March 25th, 2006: Tim in SC,  yellow morel - general location = Berkely County, SC. A few miles northwest of Charleston, which is on the southeast coast. Growing Conditions = Under Tulip poplars. Additional Comments = About 15  2-4" small thin walled  morels with few pits and ridges. Usually referred to  as the M. deliciosa type. They only grow in this spot every few years.

March 26th, 2006: LaFollette, TN....found one more small one today! Angie

March 26th, 2006: John and Rosie, from Harrisburg, Il , writes: We found 11 blacks, ranging from 1" to 3 1/2" tall,(3/25/06) in Pope County. 9 were in a small area with 2 strays along the way. Good scouting trip, looks like we need a few warmer days.

March 26th, 2006: Mreed, Found 3 nice blacks under an old apple tree with undergrowth.  This is always the first place we find them, then within the next two weeks it gets fun!  We didnt think it was time due to the cold weather, but there they were..enjoying yesterday's snow! GILES COUNTY VIRGINIA, 24136 20 miles NW of Blacksburg, VA

March 26th, 2006: stu pedaso,  grey morel - general location = medford oregon. Growing Conditions = under oaks/madrones

March 26th, 2006: Ingasmile,  Gyromitra- general location = Miami County, KS. Growing Conditions = Under Oak Trees

March 26th, 2006:  Eddie called me and let me know that he and his brother found 70 more nice fresh Black Morels in Knoxville, Tennessee, and they even had a dusting of snow on them today!

March 26th, 2006: Just 5 more M. deliciosa from under one big Poplar tree here in Central GA. -Chris M

March 27th, 2006: Woofer, has found more fresh Morels in SW Oregon.

March 28th, 2006: found these morels in springfield missouri on saturday 3-25-2006 under tulip .poploar trees(i think) My wife piicked the biggest one after i found the 2 smaller. Grandma said it was to dam early, well she tells me that every year and every year i go out and find some when it is to dam early. Well i think 3-25 is 2 weeks earlier than i have found any before but thew woods just looked right. Did find 1 tick after leaving woods so the ground is warming and I think this week is onnaq be the start. Sam

March 27th, 2006: JOHN CARLYLE, yellow morel - general location = SMITH COUNTY ,TEXAS NEAR TYLER. Growing Conditions = UNDER CEDAR TREES MOSTLY. Additional Comments = LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE JUST ABOUT OVER IN THIS REGION. HOW SAD IT IS ! GOING TO MISSOURI IN TWO WEEKS FOR A FIVE DAY HUNT. I'LL REPORT ON THAT THEN.

March 27th, 2006: Sam In Kansas City,  black morel - general location = Springfield Missouri 3-25-2006 out in fair grove area 3 black morels. 
Growing Conditions = I think Tulip Popolar find them in this spot every year for 35 years running now. Inhereted it from Grandma.

March 27th, 2006: Wayne Sheffield,  black morel - general location = sedona . arizona. Growing Conditions = near spring under alder and cottonwood. Additional Comments = first riparian yellows of the year...they were near water so did not miss the lack of rain...this week's storm should be adequate to push up the bigger patches higher up in the next two weeks...will send pics...

March 27th, 2006: Craig Stonebraker,  gyromitras - general location = Lincoln County Missouri. Growing Conditions = Near stumps in rich lowlands. Additional Comments = 06 total so far:
March 15th   30
March 19th   51
March 26th   46
total       127
All small to coffee cup size gyromitras. http://www.cafepress.com/shroomers

March 27th, 2006: dimitris,  black morel - general location = Attica,Greece. Growing Conditions = pine tree

March 27th, 2006: I received a call today from Casper Cox in Chattanooga, and he found a dozen blacks.

March 27th, 2006: I was sent the attached photos by a friend who lives in Namibia. They have an annual rainy season and this year the rainy season was really rainy. So the mushrooms from the ant mounds that are characteristic of that area of the world produced a profusion of very large mushrooms. They are supposed to be edible and for some people they are but my friend got sick with the runs when she ate them last year so this year she passed. Does anyone know the species? Thanks, Druth'

March 27th, 2006: CLAY BRADSHAW, GENTRY, AR, I FOUND 40 SMALL BLACKS ON SATURDAY. THE NEXT RAIN AND DAY ABOVE THE 60'S SHOULD START POPPING THE GRAYS. WHITES IN 2 WEEKS.

March 27th, 2006: These were shot March 27 06 with snow still on the ground. They were on a sun-superheated streambank. You can tell from the desicated one that it had been up for some time before succumbing to cold temps and lake effect snowfall. In the past,I have found them as early as March 10. Dime shot - George M., Traverse City, Michigan Other morel found by Jim L. at same time ( at my spot ! GM )

 March 28th, 2006: jim farmer - general location = i am going hunting in the pennyrile park area under ash and hickory  lowlands and small hillside rises. The weather is gonna be good only supposed to get down to around 45 tonight i think and i can hear the sound of a light rain outside as I am typing. I work 2nd shift and just got off a long spell of overtime so should be able to do some good hunting. This week it is supposed to be scattered rain showers off and on all week here in west ky and the temps are supposed to rise up into the 70's with lows around 55. So I am gonna don by hunting boots and my mesh sack and go hunting.  I wikll post my find tomorrow I am for certain I will find several blacks in my honey holes.  Wont be long and ill be hunting the strip pits in hopkins county for the big whites and yellows. Until tomorrow happy hunting. Growing Conditions = a good moist fertile top soil area in the bottoms or lowlands right now will be surperb hunting. Ash hickory,poplar,and maple and oak are all prevalent where I hunt for the blacks. All the above and a few more species like the cottonwoods and elms are where i find my big whites and yellers

March 28th, 2006: Steve Childs,  black morel - general location = Anderson County, TN. Growing Conditions = In hardwoods

March 28th, 2006: kerry,  black morel - general location = Lyon co. Ky, Land between the Lakes..growing in leaf litter, found 7 that ranged from 1 inch to about 3 inches tall on March 25.

March 28th, 2006: Chris M, I went scouting some new spots today, found two large Yellow Morels and 3 very small fresh ones. Monroe County, Georgia.

The one on the left is 5 inches, one on the right is under an inch!- Chris M

March 29th, 2006: Travis,  grey morel - general location = Northeast Oklahoma, half way between Tulsa and Joplin Missouri. .Growing Conditions = Lowlands underneath elm trees on a little flat above a creek. Additional Comments = Most of the mushroom that I found were in the early stages of growth.  They will be ready within the next week!

March 29th, 2006: huntingdave,  black morel - general location = Uniontown Pennsylvania Fayette County. Growing Conditions = under some small brush ashy soil.

March 29th, 2006: WES,  yellow morel - general location = MISSOURI, MACON COUNTY. Growing Conditions = SOUTH SIDE OF HILL COMING UP OUT OF CREEK BOTTOM WHERE THEY ALWAYS ARE. MIXED IN WITH 8 YEAR OLD DEAD ELM TREES

March 29th, 2006: ahistory, Devil's Urns - general location = Went out today and only saw lots of Devil's Urn. Much more than in past seasons. Is this a good sign of morels to come? Growing Conditions = Everywhere in the woods growing on dead and buried wood. Additional Comments = Ground temps slowly creeping back up. 45-48 degrees a little warmer in southern and sunny exposures. Heading to the Tulsa area to hunt on Friday and Saturday. Hope to post a report from there soon.

March 29th, 2006: Eric Vincent,   yellow morel - general location = Oklahoma Canadian County, Growing Conditions = Rich Lowlands, Elm & Cottonwood trees in the area. Additional Comments = Hunted for about 2 hours. Only found a few, but excited because many more will start showing now.

March 29th, 2006: Hi Chris, I scouted out some of my early morel spots today -- no morels but one pretty little scarlet cup (sarcoscypha austriaca), which is a good sign. We also got a nice fresh batch of watercress. ps. thanks for the tips on places to hunt. If you have any more specific areas in Tennessee, let me know. hugh- Columbus, OH

March 29th, 2006: Chris M, I went scounting again, this time in Lamar County, Georgia. After much walking in rich lowlands, looking for Ash trees, I found one lonesome fresh Morchella esculenta under a massive Poplar tree. So at least I was not skunked! Also found the largest infestation of Mayapple I have ever seen here in GA.

March 29th, 2006: Hello-Happy Spring! We just want to report a finding of 2 - 1"-2" morels very much like the ones others on the site have found. We are in Tyler Co.West Virginia and excited to go hunt them this weekend after some predicted thunderstorms on Friday. March 29th is when we made our first find. Love the website, Pam and Buddy

March 30th, 2006: Bob Welker called me and reported finding another 50 nice Greys and Yellows in Baldwin County, Georgia.

March 30th, 2006: Geoff Grimes, blacktop morel - general location = Louisville, KY. Growing Conditions = lightly wooded, south facing hillside, nearer to creek than top of hill

March 30th, 2006: jim farmer, black morel - general location = i found first blacks today only two but am going in the morning I found them on a high ridge early honey hole. Actually i found one in each of two honey holes  the trillium are up and the buds are just forming. The ash buds are forming well  the mayapples are just barely coming out of their slumber,. the redbuds will be blooming in a couple of weeks im sure. I have found 5 other spots that ought to be good. Within the next three mornings i will be finding several pounds of nice  morchella deliciousa. S o ill keep ya posted. the whites wi;ll be up in a couple weeks id say   hopefully the weather will stay cooler and extend the season a bit i am hoping to dry some out so when christmas morning comes ill give myself  a wonderful present  fried morells    lol  good luck everyone. Growing Conditions = ash trees top of the ridge where the ground gets warm quicker  grounds temps here are still just abt 50  and even at the top of the ridge the ground was very moist beneath the leaves, Western KY

March 30th, 2006: D Mounce Fayetteville,AR . Morels are finally coming up in NW AR. I went to a couple of new spots today and found 12. from their condition and size I would guess they have been up for one or two days. I found them in Madison County. They were delicious. hope to find more tommorrow. Good hunting to all.

March 30th, 2006: musroom man and sons, mitchell, in. went out for about a hour found three blacks and one elephant ear smallest was about half inch biggest was around three. i would say if we get rain and warm nights predicted should start getting interesting middle of next week here in southern

 March 30th, 2006: Mossy writes: found 7 blacks 1/2"to3" tall in a early patch... its no joke there here. Laurel, Indiana

March 30th, 2006: saatds , Me and a buddy found 29 today, all blacks of coarse, the best one was about 3 inches tall on down to micro about 3/4 inch. They should be up alittle better this weekend with warm weather thursday and rain thursday night and friday. I don't know about other areas, but around here the last several years the black mushrooms have'nt been doing very well, still plenty of yellows though. Greencastle, IND

March 30th, 2006: Jerry, I found about 80 decent blacks2-3 inchers) yesterday in northern Casey cty, KY...woods are a bit dry....no more days off till sunday so maybe if we get a little rain...who knows,maybe a decent mess lol

March 31th, 2006: Tony W., grey morel - general location = Siloam Springs, AR. .Growing Conditions = Found them growing under Cedars and Elms. Additional Comments = Happy Hunting!!!!

March 31st, 2006: Hi everybody ! It took me about 20 mins today to find these nice yellows and then later on I found the little grays.I found them inside the Charlotte city limits and thats as much as I`am saying ! Craig the Buckeye in Charlotte NC

You have Morchella esculenta and deliciosa there, great job! - Chris M

March 31st, 2006: Bob Welker and Chris M found 70 Morchella deliciosa. Baldwin County, GA. 

March 31st, 2006: Roger R, Bob Welker and Chris M, scouted out the foray spot in Jasper County, GA, and found numerous Morchella esculenta in all phases of growth, including very very fresh greys. One location even had 24 morels growing in just a 3x3 area! It looks like another week of growth, and we may have some top 8-9 inches! It should be a great Foray next weekend!

April 1st, 2006: Tim Geho, close to Greenville, SC. We found 176 that weighed in at 5.75 pounds. Still looks to be early with only about 10-15% of the areas I hunt producing. Most of those we found were in 2 very sunny patches. Recap for the year. Trip 1. 20- 1/4 lb. Trip 2. 100- 2 lbs. Trip 3. 186- 5.75 lbs. Quantitiy and size both increasing. With warm days and nights forecast for the next week, our peak should occur late next week, then I'll be the one waiting until next year and having to read those 'up north' finding morels by the bushel. (except for my annual trip to the VA mountains.)

April 1st, 2006: david steenrod, found 40 more small blacks over the past two days under big tulip poplar, athens, ohio 

April 1st, 2006: "A", just got back home from a three hour walk, picked 8lb's of Verpa bohemica and 0ne morel along the river banks.afternoon snick. what a nice day to walk. Sunny and warm(near 60), SW Oregon

April 1st, 2006: "noname" Hello Found 10 fresh blacks around some ash trees in southern indiana 

April 1st, 2006: I FOUND THESE JUST ABOUT OUT MY BACK DOOR  ON SAT MORNING HUNTED UNTILL 4:00 PM WALKED ALONG WAY AND IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT SPOTS  JUST GETING STARTED HERE IN CRAB ORCHARD AND CREAL SPRINGS IL MAY APPLES AND BLUE BELLS JUST STARTING TO POP THE ONE IN THE PHOTO ON THE LEFT IS WHITES "BLONDES "  AND TH ONES ON THE RIGHT ARE THE BLACKS   NEED THIS RAIN COMING ON SUNDAY AND THEN LOOK OUT  IM READY  HOPE TO SEE THEM POSTED ON YOUR SIGHT  THANKS   THE SHROOMSTER   JOHNBOY MUSHROOMS FROM  APRIL FIRST WILLIAMSON COUNTY IL

April 1st, 2006: Hugh writes: We took a trip to southern Ohio along the KY border today. No morels, but we  did see a number of devil's urns (urnula craterium)

April 1st, 2006: Hi, Tried to send you this pic with my submittal a few minutes ago.  Feel free to use it if you'd like.  Really enjoy the site.  Looks like business is starting to pick up. Anderson County Tennessee.  We found 17 under one tulip poplar tree. Lee

April 1st, 2006: I am not sure how to report my first morell of the year for this is my first time on the site. The information that is here for non-members is awsome and I hope to become a member soon for more info. I have found my first morell today in Vancouver Washington along the columbia river, it seems to be a litte early yet, but getting very close. Please let me know if I report my finds here in e-mail or somewhere else,thanks   John Hanks.                         

April 1st, 2006: Here are a few pics of what I found April 1st here in Gettysburg Pa. All were groing on trees as you can see in the pictures. Not sure what they are and I never Seen a Red mushroom like this before, SO I thought It was pretty Neat.  Bye,    Benjy

It is probably a Ganoderma species, some type of Polypore, but I am just unable to tell due to the bluryness of the photos.- Chris M

April 2rd, 2006: Bob Welker Found 23 more with wife Sun afternoon 134 total Sunday. Milledgeville, GA

April 3rd, 2006: Eddie found almost 200 mainly Black Morels, a few Half-Frees, in Knoxville, TN the past two days.

April 2nd, 2006: Found 18 more today.  They were smaller than the ones we found yesterday....but fresher....they were hidden beneath the leaves.....I could make one pass through,  change directions, and find a couple more.  I think I'll have these with Country Fried Steak!  Eat your heart out Susan ! Lee Anderson CTY, TN

April 2nd, 2006: Old Time Morel Vet, morel-other - general location = In a valley under hardwood trees, especially sycamores.I fond them in an old family hunting spot in Southeastern Kentucky.  Growing Conditions = Service tree have just begun to bloom thru the woods. The peak season will be when the Dogwood trees bloom.This particular patch had Mayapples and Gingsing pointer about 3 inches high. The wood surrounding the path was hardwood. Additional Comments = I could easily write a book on it.Let's take a rest for now, ok? Happy Hunting!

April 3rd, 2006: Found 41 morels on Sat. April 1 in the St. Francis National Forest, the southern part of Crowleys Ridge.  They were yellows and they tasted great.  Ticks and Tornados are out, missed some but not others.  Only found 1 in that area on Sunday. Jerry Ludwig Stuttgart Ark. Jerry Ludwig,  yellow morel.  - general location = Found 41 yellow morels in the southern part of Crowley's Ridge in Lee county Arkansas on Sat. Growing Conditions = They were next to white ash trees.  Checked one of the trees and found none but returned and foun 21 under the same tree.  Had even stepped on one during the first check.  Always look back at the tree you just checked. Additional Comments = I looked around a lot of other white ash and tulip popular and sycamore (did find 6 there however) without finding any. 

April 3rd, 2006: black morels from the old coal mine april 3. morel posting from johnboy shroomster williamson county southern IL

Yes, I allow antler sheds to be posted here too! LOL -Chris M

 April 3rd, 2006: TLC-Oklahoma Went out last night for a couple of hours with my son and found 95 greys and yellows. Met another guy who had found one of my other spots and he had about 50 or so! If you can get out and look now is the time!

April 3rd, 2006: Old Dominie  Please give Botetourt County,Virginia a dot. I found 82 very fresh blacks this morning in two small [50ftx50ft.] ridgetop sites.

April 3rd, 2006: 13 nice big black shrooms right on the side of a gravel road. Near the blue ridge parkway bedford county VA

April 3rd, 2006: Chris M, found about 30 more nice fresh Morchella deliciosa in Twiggs County, GA. I left them all for the upcoming Foray!

April 4th, 2006: joe dimeglio, verpa bohemica - general location = found them about 14 miles east of eugene, oregon. ..Growing Conditions = the speciemens were located in the mckenzie river flat. dominated by cottonwood and large leaf maple. fruiting out of cottonwood leaf litter. Additional Comments = the high temp is 60-64 and low is about 36-42. the soil temp was 57f and the ph 6.6 and moistuer level of the soil was 85%. morchella esculenta, eleta complex and during the warmer part of the season rufobrunnea fruit in the same habitat in oregon, but no true morels yet.

April 4th, 2006: A coworker and I went out yesterday but didn't see anything, I think its still a little too early here, Erin, TN. the mayapples are just starting to open up and no trillium or trout lilly's yet. I took this pic and was wondering what they're called, any info would be great. I'm going canoeing this weekend, so I'll be scaning the banks for land fish while fishing. Then I'll be going to Michigan for the easter weekend , My son and I will look for morels at a spot I hunted 30 years ago. Good luck on your foray. Rick S.

These appear to be Ganoderma, or some other type of Shelf Fungi.- Chris M

April 5th, 2006: Hungaryan Apr 04th, 2006. I'm Attila Szabó, I live in Csévharaszt,(lawland)Hungary

These are some every healthy looking Verpa bohemica! (not a morel)- Chris M