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Chris, would you consider posting an announcement for a new Morel
Festival? I am working with the Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau
in Minnesota on developing this event. It comes right after the 2nd
Annual Great River Birding Festival I am also working on! If you have a
chance, check out the web site I did for the bird festival, still
looking for feed back on usability and overall design.
thanks
Kelly Larson
Feathered Friend
Red Wing, MN

Great Minnesota Morel Festival
May 18th, 2003 - Information at www.redwing.org or call the
Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau at 1-800-498-3444
Red Wing hosts full day of fungi fun celebrating our state mushroom, the

Morel! Join us along the the banks of the Mighty Mississippi for a
Sturdiwheat Pancake Feed, Mushroom Basics Boot Camp, guided forays and
Myco Challenge - Morel Pickers Tourney. Music, fun, food, and tournament
prizes!

--
Visit Our Website
http://www.thefeatheredfriend.com

The Great River Birding Festival Is Coming
http://www.mississippi-river.org/birding/

April 15th, 2003: Doug Wiltz, found morels, - general location: Found Morels by the Kansas river.
Location Riley county , Growing Conditions: Sandy conditions under oak trees, Additional Comments: mushrooms were the size of grapes

April 15th, 2003: Jeff Sponn, found morels, - general location: Pike County, Indiana, Growing Conditions: Under Ash trees, Additional Comments: Found about 80 morels over the weekend on a camping tree. 40 were in a 10 x 10 section in the woods! They were not the big sponges, but those are coming soon!

April 15th, 2003: Lori Pelzel and jeff Undernehr, found morels, - general location: Bella Vista Arkansas Benton county, Growing Conditions: they seem to really like Sycamore trees around here, they were all within looking distance of a sycamore tree, the weather here has been pretty dry so some were already dried out but others moist feeling its suppose to rain tonight (lets hope) we'll go out again tomorrow and let you know how it gos.

April 15th, 2003: Bret T. found morels, - general location: Washington State, Pierce Co. south of Tacoma,
Growing Conditions: In damp turf near areas mulched with cardboard and wood chips, Additional Comments: First time I've found morels... suprized to find them in my yard! I wonder if the spores came with the wood chips or the cardboard... going to expand my search throughout local woods!

April 16th, 2003: Kyle Strahler, Chris Johnson, Shawn & Chris Logsdon, found morels, - general location: Saturday, April 12th in Hueston Woods State Park--45 miles north of Cincinatti, Ohio , Growing Conditions: Amidst groupings of very large poplar trees, Additional Comments: We only found mushrooms (black morels) in areas of the woods where the May Apple plant was about 10 inches tall had its leaves fully opened up. Other areas of the woods appeared to be too early yet(May Apple leaves were still wrapped and opening up). This was our first year of getting out early and actually TRYING to find "blacks" in Ohio. Based on the signs of the woods and warm weather forcast...we should be finding "greys" by Easter in Central Ohio. I personally have found Morels also in this park, especially under Sycamore trees.... Chris M.

April 16th, 2003: Janet, found morels, - general location: Owen and Monroe Counties in Indiana.
Growing Conditions: I have found 23 black morals and 3 gray morels all found uner or near ash trees. Very samll find for this time of year in this area. All of them were very small.

April 16th, 2003: jon from ind, found morels, blacks, - general location: south central indiana, Growing Conditions: poplar only, Additional Comments: 53 large blacks 2 to 5inch will send pic asap need a battery for my camera.got a turkey on a special hunt,(lottery),, and a real trophy, a bunch of shrooms..yeehaa!!

April 16th, 2003: josh dillhoff, found morels, - general location: franklin county indiana, Growing Conditions: in moist gulley around ash trees, Additional Comments: need rain BAD

April 17th, 2003: Shroomfinder, found morels, - general location: champaign county ohio, Growing Conditions: along abandoned railroad tracks on the upper,southeast facing banks around very freshly dead elm trees

April 17th, 2003: Doug Wiltz, found morels, - general location: Kaw River Valley Pott county Kansas , Growing Conditions: Sandy soil under hardwoods, Additional Comments: I found about fifty in five minutes
They are really starting to pop

April 17th, 2003: larry, found morels, - general location: greene county Illinois, bottoms where the moisture was, rain last night should be good this weekend everywhere, Growing Conditions: lowlands, was very dry until last night

Urgent News: Gary in IN writes: I just heard terrible news ...Larry Lonik "the mushroom man" has passed away due to an ATV accident ... I know this isn't really a great place to post this but I'm sure many of you have either met him or had become friends with Larry ...I can post a link at a later time for yall to gather more info if it is alright with Chris .... I never had an oppertunity to meet Larry myself but I have read much of his writings .... take care

Wednesday, April 16, 2003: We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our friend

Yes, unfortunately it is true. Apparently he was mushroom hunting with friends near Louisiana, MO. He got separated from them and the ATV became tangled in some vines which caused it to flip on top of him, with no noticeable injuries. At that point, the ATV was not functional and Larry walked back to the lodge where he met his hunting partners. They then went to dinner. At dinner, Larry complained of being sore and remarked that he would probably be even sorer tomorrow. His friends insisted that he go to the hospital to be x-rayed for broken bones. While at the hospital he was joking with the nurse and then "seized" and died very quickly - cause unknown at this time.

Larry was here last Tuesday, the 8th, and stayed overnight en route to the Morel Heaven Weekends at Nebo, IL. His last words to me as he drove down the driveway were,"I'll be pickin' mushrooms tomorrow".

Funeral arrangements are pending and we will post them here as soon as we know them. I believe they will also be posted on Larry's web page: http://www.morelheaven.com

April 18th, 2003: Rick, found morels, - general location: Mammoth Cave area of KY on east facing hillsides near poplars and pig nut hickorys. I found 91 on 4/15-4/16. 66 fresh to semi-fresh blacks and 25 lighter colored morels ( greys, yellows whites & tans). Also found 30-40 blacks past their prime. We had heavy rain today and look forward to searching the same areas Friday & Saturday. I left the older morels in the woods hoping they will spread their spores.

April 18th, 2003: jana, found morels, - general location: along salmon river 30 miles south of salmon, idaho,
Growing Conditions: along old irragation ditch and under cotton wood,some growing in the grass, Additional Comments: found at least 4 pounds.this is earliest we have ever found in this spot.

April 18th, 2003: kenny k, found morels, - general location: broken arrow oklahoma, Growing Conditions: old timber with heavy leaf deposit along the wood where meets open field where the morning sun can break into the wood 100-200 yrds from edge of field, beneath old elm with heavy vine growth (vines and dead trees work for me.. Additional Comments: best trip i have ever had today..been hunting them for 30yrs..found around 300 yellows average height 6-8 inches in a area no bigger than 80 feet in diameter..was a sight to behold..i just looked at them for 10 mins before i filled my bag..i know what a harvest is now..good luck all

April 18th, 2003: ROBIN SPORE, found morels, - general location: ALLENDALE,IL WABASH COUNTY,
Growing Conditions: FOUND IN LOWLAND UNDER MAYAPPLES, Additional Comments: FOUND 27 WHITES THE 17TH FINALLY GOT OUR RAIN SO SHOULD BE FINDING LOTS OF THEM.

April 18th, 2003: Alan, found morels, - general location: Excelsior Springs Missouri, Growing Conditions: On a slope facing east southeast, Additional Comments: Took my 5 yr old daughter for her first hunt and only hunted for 20 minutes and she found her very first Grey morel . All by herself. I Was so proud .

April 18th, 2003: k Sego, found morels, - general location: Blue Springs MO, Growing Conditions: woods

April 18th, 2003: Jeff F, found morels, - general location: Henry Co. Indiana, Growing Conditions: under old apple trees in sparse grass, Additional Comments: First find of the year after many hours of looking.Found about 30 small to medium grays,some a little dry. Probally would have been more if there had been some recent rain.

April 18th, 2003: K Koenig, found morels, - general location: Jumping Branch WV. Growing Conditions: It's kinda strange my dad and me have found us a nice little honey hole, beside a creek that flows year round in a deep cut hollow. It doesent get a greet deal of sunlight, you guys wouldnt beleive that muggins wounld grow here if you saw the place i was talking about.The past few years havent been that well around our area,we had a realy bad ice storm twards the end of April last year that realy put a damper on the fruit trees and all the mast in the woods that were buding already. My dad and I found about 15 Lbs. last year, but this year is looking much more promising so good luck to all you guys who love to hunt molli-muchers as much as me and my dad!!!!
oh yea if anyone has any info on me and my dads little honey hole by the creek e-mail me please my address is karl68ou1@yahoo.com thanks and good hunting!!!

April 18th, 2003: Hugh Urban, found morels, - general location: eastern Ohio, Growing Conditions: under mixed hardwoods -- oak and maple, Additional Comments: we found five small morchella esculenta all along a hillside under mixed hardwoods. they were directly under oak and maple, but there were elms and tulip-poplars nearby. this is our first find in this part of Ohio, and it looks like plenty more are on the way this week

April 18th, 2003: Gary in IN, found morels, greys - general location: Ohio County,IN, Growing Conditions: near a lightening struck elm, Additional Comments: found 60 or so greys under the one tree ... i took some pictures of 2 clusters ... i cant really remember how many was in the one cluster but im thinking 12 or so ... i have them on 35mm ... will post them later ... found a few half-frees also ... we need more rain here in my area ... soil is damp in areas but mostly fairly dry,

April 18th, 2003: Bluefoot, found morels, - general location: Douglas county, KS, Growing Conditions: predominantly cottonwood forest, w/ some sycamore, maple, and others. Sandy, leafy soil near water, during and directly after rain. Additional Comments: Over the past three days i've found a little over 60 morels here, in the same area, one spot yielding 23 w/in a 15 ft circle. This is my first year hunting the morel, and my research seems to have paid off. I also met a veteran my first day out and he gave me some guidance and company. Anyway, happy hunting, everyone!

April 19th, 2003: george randels, found morels, Where did you find them- general location: E of edmond todate I have found over 300 in an area about 1/4 mile long by 400 hundred deep. this is from the hyw to my house. I have some very large 6-8" most in the 4-6 " size under spurce trees with oak leaves around hardwood dead falls. I also had reams about finding lots of them like th guy in kansas I guess dreams do come true.

April 19th, 2003: Alan, found morels, - general location: Ex. Springs Missouri, Growing Conditions: Same place as yesterday. Additional Comments: Found about 25 whites last night . The rain really bringing them out now . HAPPY HUNTING

April 19th, 2003: Nathan Swait, found morels, - general location: Nevada Missouri or Vernon County, Growing Conditions: Right next to Elm trees, Additional Comments: We found a total of 146 between my friend and I in about an hour.

April 19th, 2003: TJ, found morels, - general location: Nebraska - Douglas County
Found about 15 small-to-medium morels along river bed.

April 19th, 2003: Bill and Marsi Darwin write: Hi Chris,
don't know if you remember us, bill & marsi from Chelsea, Michigan, we've corresponded before. I wanted to see if we could link your site to ours even though yours is not really public? Tried to send in a report on your website but it didn't respond. For what it's worth here it is:

Bill & I took a very long hike today and were feeling very aware of Larry Lonik's passing, feeling the fragility of life and a little more reverence for the rite than usual. The morels we found were pencil-eraser size, blacks, in a spongy lowland area under cherries and elms. But the promise is there! Warm rain in forecast. We took our "truffle-sniffing" corgi dog, Buzz, who was featured on TV at Boyne years ago, and he is getting a little decrepit, but that made me appear a little less pathetic on the long climb back. We plan to keep our postings on our Michigan Morel Madness website. Thank goodness they're creeping northward!
Bill & Marsi Darwin
morelmadness@aol.com
Michigan Morel Madness

April 20th, 2003:Gary in IN, found morels, half-free - general location: Dearborn County, IN, Growing Conditions: low lying area near ash trees, Additional Comments: found 20 most were fresh with a few drying .... need rain .... season seems to be a little later than last year .... hope to be picking alot more this coming week ... good luck to all ... take care and have a happy easter everyone

April 20th, 2003: rob, found morels, - general location: mason county, wv, Growing Conditions: east side of the hill, one flat from the ridge growing under a poplar tree

April 20th, 2003: Anthony Tassinello, found morels, - general location: El Dorado National Forest, Northern California, Growing Conditions: There were several types of fruitings. Some naturals but mostly in disturbed earth that was worked by a bulldozer. Especially in the treads and around the slash piles that are ready to be burnt. All fruitings occured under pine about 3200' in elevation. We've had a very wet and cold Spring thus far but the season is right on time. Additional Comments: Totalled a little over 10#'s include a fruiting of 67 morels in a 10' X 20' area. Not a bad start to the season. Also found several varieties of cup fungus and a large gnawed upon Bolete cap. Seems chipmunks really dig the stems! Anthony, send us a few new photos, especially of morels in dozer tracks!- Chris M.

April 20th, 2003: EDDIE SPORE, found morels, - general location: Bellefontaine, Ohio Logan County,
Growing Conditions: High hill under dead apple trees growing in or around bright green moss. All small greys.

April 20th, 2003: Mike OHara, found morels, - general location: found in Illinois near Pekin, in tazwell county,
Growing Conditions: under oak trees on hill side, Additional Comments: Found them on south side of hills . Mt darther Heather found the most!!!

April 20th, 2003: Dino, found morels, - general location: Prince William County, Virginia (Mid county),
Growing Conditions: Under big Poplars, on a sunny hillside in the grass of my neighbor's yard. Found 20 greys.
Additional Comments: Usually only find about 3 or 4 at this location, but this year shows great promise since I found 20 in a relatively small area. Its still too early in the usual hunting places, May apples are still wrapped up.

April 20th, 2003: Jason Kidd, found morels, we call them pecker heads, - general location: illinois , Growing Conditions: page of big maple trees, Additional Comments: I play NBA basketball just to let you know if you would like to chat with me call me at 618-283-9306

April 20th, 2003: Scott G., found morels, - general location: Found 04/18/03 around Siloam Springs, Arkansas.
Growing Conditions: Under Sycamore trees, on ridges and in lowlands. Additional Comments: The beauties that were out in the open were pretty dry and burned by the sun. They still perked up a bit when we soaked them and will eat just fine, but the weather this year has been a bit dry around here and the season might turn out to be quite short. The Yellow Morels looked the very best and were found in shaded areas. Best of luck!!

April 20th, 2003: paul white, horsetails and yellow sponge, Where did you find them- general location: i found about 50 horsetails and 4 yellow sponge under grapevines and around ash and oak and maple trees in pickaway county in ohio. size from 2 to 4 inches tall. ground was damp, expecting rain for days.

April 20th, 2003: danny stratton, found morels, - general location: Saint Charles Missouri wooded park , along train tracks, near Missouri River and highway 370. We found about 60-70 large and a dozen small. Growing Conditions: Hillsides, underneath and around older large elm and ash. Alot of puffballs nearby and vines, with alot of large yellow morels.

April 20th, 2003: D-Roca, found morels, - general location: Somewhere between Douglas and Riley County
Northeast Kansas and that's all i'm telling you: Growing Conditions: Well after nearly going stir crazy because i've only found a little more than a small plastic bag full i've successfully found my morels in large quantities. In less than 24 hours me and my special lady spotted and collected over 13 pounds of morels. All morels found were in woody area along River. Elm trees and morels it's a beautiful combination. It's going to be a good year! Buenas Suertes

April 20th, 2003: JOHN MILLER, found GRAY MORELS, - general location: CONSTANTINE MICHIGAN, Growing Conditions: APPLES, Additional Comments: 4-19-2003 FOUND 3 GRAY MORELS

April 21st, 2003: louie_joe, found morels, - general location: Omaha NE USA, Growing Conditions: Sand cottonwoods rain

April 21st, 2003: josh, found morels, - general location: I found them around a elm tree that was losing its bark in a creek bottom in brookville IN It just got done raining,they will be everywhere.

April 21st, 2003: James & Andrea, found morels, - general location: Northeast Kansas, Douglas/Leavenworth
Growing Conditions: along sides of old railroad track bed, and riversides under mature trees. Rainy...still a little cool. Additional Comments: Found about 40...some so small could barely see them...mostly whites and a few greys. Yummy.

April 21st, 2003: Jody from Georgia writes:- general location: I am posting a find for my brother in Iowa. He found 12 small about 2-3", greys in southeast Iowa. Growing Conditions: Mainly under white oak trees and firs. Kind of dry, but barely damp conditions. More rain in the forcast this weekend.

April 21st, 2003: Scott G., found morels, - general location: Siloam Springs, AR , Growing Conditions: Under Sycamores, in lowlands, Additional Comments: As I promised, the wife and I went out today and found enough for a meal. We will hit it hard again next weekend!! Good Luck to you all!!

i finally had time to go shrooming today, it's been dry, no rain for a long time , so i've only been doing quick spot checks, well i went to the ol' black sponge spot, the one where you sniffed em out ,and we found all those that time, i looked for a while and didn't see any and was about to give up when ...i spied one, the patch had moved to the south a ways that's why i had been missing them , anyway... i had April with me , so that was fun watching a first time shroomer, i had a little fun with her , we picked about 40, then i looked up further to the south and it looked like a black sponge forest , they were everywhere, so i decided to stop and let Cliff and the boys find some, it's not as much fun when it becomes mushroom harvesting instead of mushroom hunting, anyway when Cliff and the boys and my dad and i went back , man i never saw so many in one spot, i actually got tired of picking them, we had 2 huge bags, we didn't get a chance to count them, as Cliff was in rare form as usual, i did manage to find about 6 or 7 greys, Cliff found a couple too, but would not reveal his spot, it finally rained tonight, not alot, but i think it's enough to get the shrooms growing, i'll let you know , ...later... Dave

April 21st, 2003: Jim and Courtney, found morels, - general location: We found a good haul in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Just under 5.0 lbs under one tree. It is severly dry and we can use a good drenching for certain.
Growing Conditions: They were growing under shedding Elms. Every year I am faced with the same quandry of why it is that one tree looks so perfect and produces so well, yet another tree within 20 yards that is the same in reference to size and state of deterioration produces absolutely nothing. The mystery of the Morel........

April 21st, 2003: matt and Anne, found morels, - general location: Found 1 grey and 21 yellows in Asheville NC on south slope and lowland area

April 21st, 2003: Pam Kayl, found morels, - general location: Union County, South Dakota.
North Sioux City. Growing Conditions: Found them growing in the sand near Missouri River in a wooded area.
Additional Comments: Most of the Morels I found were grey in color. A couple were the cream color. The temp. has been in the 40's F, cloudy and rainy the last 3-4 days. The temp. is supposed to be in the 60's the next few days so, alot more Morels should be popping up. I can't wait!

April 21st, 2003: bep, morels, greys, - general location: Warren county, Ohio, Growing Conditions: Among Ash and Elm leaf cover. Under bushes near Elm trees. Additional Comments: A little dry today but finally received much needed rain tonight. I would venture to say tomorrow will be a good picking day.

April 21st, 2003: Jeff Alexander, found morels, - general location: In the Lenox hills of Dyer County, Tennessee
Growing Conditions: In the wood's... Where ele!!! Additional Comments: This was First hunt. Have found many since. Have a Large mess soaking now!!!

April 21st, 2003: Brooke McHose, found morels, - general location: Madison County, Iowa, Growing Conditions: South facing slope in the timber, Additional Comments: Just found six little grays right on our walking path up a south facing slope. Wooeee! The season has begun!

April 21st, 2003: cihon writes:
Hi, I live in eastern Ohio. I've always wondered what a prime location would be in my area. I've always heard that you should look around Apple Trees. I know of this old apple orchard thats all grown up now and was wondering if that would be a good place to start. They havent popped up yet, but it's been in the mid 70's and we just got a heavy rain last night..I figured in a few days they should be coming up. If it's not apple what would be the best place to search? Thank you. Yes, and old deserted apple orchard is a prime place to look, and they should be popping pretty soon, as you can see there are a few reports coming from ohio now! Good luck, and let us know! -Chris M.

April 21st, 2003: janemiller i found a big red mushroom very fat and meaty ????? - general location: riverbottoms and around lakes, Growing Conditions: elms, Additional Comments: want to know who knows what that big red one is called and can you eat it it was a darker red to amber look very big about 5 inches tall and about 3-4inches around. You probably found a false Morel, which could be poisoness. I do not recommend this at all! -Chris M.

April 21st, 2003: Rake S. and Tud S., found morels - general location: Tn., Cumberland City, Growing Conditions: Fully bloomed Mayapples, cedar and popular tree's, we are up on the highland rim, so they seem a bit late.Additional Comments: I Found 3 on the 18th while teaching a friend and my son (Jacob), my brother Tud found 5 the next day on the 19th, we went to a known area to find some but no luck still. He almost stepped on a baby copperhead, first step it, NOTE:wear boots and carry a big stick, ticks are out also, so spray before you hunt. We are originally from Chelsea, Mi. and have hunted them up there as well. Found just 1 yesterday all of them are yellows except one gray, We had them with some nice ribeye steaks saturday night..........yummmmmm. Still dreamin dag nab it! PS: Grand site Chris

April 21st, 2003: Colleen Crandell, found morels, - general location: Rockville, IN. Growing Conditions: In mixed hardwoods. Additional Comments: Found over 2 pounds of blacks still very fresh. And about a pound of greys & yellows on April 19th. The season is in full swing in Indiana!

April 21st, 2003: Tammy Kriegel, found morels, - general location: Found them near Novinger Mo., I believe it is Putnum County. North central Mo. Growing Conditions: It had just rained and we mostly found them were the sun could shine through the timber. Mostly they were around groups of trees, not any particular type, sveral different types. They were mostly small grays, a few bigger ones, no yellows. I think we need a couple of really warm days to make them pop now that we got the moisture, Additional Comments: I think this a great site. It's nice to know where people are finding them. We live in central Iowa, and we have not found any here yet. It has not been warm enough. Sorry about your friend, that's tragic.

April 21st, 2003: W, Retczar, found morels, - general location: Nelson County, Virginia, Growing Conditions: lush poplar stands, growing mostly under leaves and peeking up from fallen logs

April 22nd, 2003: Jim and Sandy Storm, morel, - general location: Johnson Co., Illinois, Growing Conditions: Under white ash trees, esp. near old fence rows, in clumps of 2 or 3.

April 22nd, 2003: corey walters, found morels, - general location: PA. MOUNT UNION, Growing Conditions: POPLAR AND ASH TREES MID WAY UP MOUNTAIN SIDES THEY ARE JUST STARTING TO POP!

April 22nd, 2003: Gary in IN, found morels, half-free, - general location: Dearborn County, IN, Growing Conditions: near small dead ash , Additional Comments: picked 10 half-free (not many but better than none) .... hunted for 3 hrs or so .... not many ash or elms in the woods .... looked high and looked low .... but i guess some places are like that .... will be out tomorrow and maybe a lil on wed. after turkey huntin .... this rain should have helped alot .... but the temps are going to drop fast ... but low temps only for a day or so . so no big effect i wouldnt think .... good luck to all and take care .... happy hunting

April 22nd, 2003: Kevin M., found morels, - general location: Union Co., Iowa, Growing Conditions: South bank on railroad tracks, Additional Comments: Just starting. Other areas I hunt are not up yet.

April 22nd, 2003: Tray, found morels, : morel black, yellow and half free - general location: Roanoke, VA
Growing Conditions: blacks - in the woods well hidden under leaves and around poplar trees, yellows - along the path in the woods used for hiking (seemed to get more sun there), and huge half frees - along an old railroad track where a tree had fallen and been cut away (unsure of the tree) Additional Comments: a question - is there a diffence between the valleys and mountains as to when the morels start to "pop" ?? Thanks and happy hunting

April 22nd, 2003: brett, morel general location: bloomington,il, Growing Conditions: under dead elms right in the city limits

April 22nd, 2003: Joe Waffle, morel, - general location: Marion County Kansas, Growing Conditions: This was a most unique find on Easter. We found approximately 3 pounds growing around the shoreline of Marion Reservior. The ground condtion was from rocky to sandy to dirt. And some were also growing right in our campsite. The biggest one was fist sized and was being splashed by the water (winds were 40mph). Mushrooms from The Land of Oz have arrived.

April 22nd, 2003: Gary Givens, morel, - general location: - found mostly black morels this year and a few yellows in a park in Springfield, MO. A total of about 50. Going this afternoon to see if the "late blooming" yellows are in full swing or if the dryness has discouraged them from poking their heads out. I hunted the same location last year and found a similar amount, but mostly yellows. I have photos, but assume you must be a member to send them in. Send me some information on joining your club. Thanks, enjoy your site a lot. Growing Conditions: Poor rocky soils with a lot of decayed leaf litter near a stand of cedars. Don't know trees well enough to know if there are ash trees nearby or not. Additional Comments: Seems that the little fungi wait until around tax time to make their debut. Perhaps you could detail in the beginning of your site how these shrooms grow and some tips on the best locations. That information is detailed in the member areas! Thanks! -Chris M. Join This Club

April 22nd, 2003: Craig Whalen, morel, - general location: Lawrence, KS. Growing Conditions: Two days after it rained heavy with the temperature just under 60F. They were found in a semi-shady area next to a fallen elm tree at the top of a deep ravine on the north side. Additional Comments: This was my first successful morel hunt. Although I discovered only four, I was absolutely thrilled!

April 22nd, 2003: storm, morel, - general location: In Washington, IL , I found about 20-30 small greys yesterday (4/21/03). it was cold, with scattered rain and windy, but worthwhile. also 2-( one inch) yellows. Happy hunting :)
Growing Conditions: dead elms, mostly around a creek

April 22nd, 2003: Larry, morel, - general location: Eastern Oklahoma County just North of Harrah, Oklahoma
Growing Conditions: All were growing on the downhill (drainage side) of fairly large red cedar trees, beneath the small bushes which were just starting to leaf out. Additional Comments: It was an amazing site. I had to crawl beneath the shrubs and brush, to pick them, but they were simply everywhere. Singles, clumps of four, five or six. I filled a grocery sack full to the top. All in the space about the size of a baseball infield. I didn't find any anywhere else. It was also a site where I had never found any before.

April 22nd, 2003: Sherry, morel, - general location: Hi all, Sherry from North Pittsburgh area here. Found 2 dozen small grays on the saturday before Easter. Made for a scrumptious little treat to go with our Easter meal! The best part is knowing more morels are on the way. Growing Conditions: Found them at the bases of some old apple trees. Additional Comments: Do you recall many reports of the black morels in Western PA and if so, what tree types or surroundings do they seem to prefer? Usually high ground under oaks and poplars. -Chris M.

April 22nd, 2003: Wende & Monty, morel, - general location: Northern Platte County MO, Growing Conditions: By a creek, lowland timber, about 60 degrees between 10:00 & 1:00pm alot of them were found near little bushes. Found enough to feed 5 of us. Wende's 6 yr. old son found 4 of em after he found out they didn't bite
Additional Comments: Wende had been snarfing on these shrooms for yrs. but for me this was my 1st time and she was gentle with me. They were pretty good, I think we're going to go look some more today, keep ya posted.

April 22nd, 2003: tim boltenhouse, morel, - general location: along old railroad tracks in ross county,oh.
Growing Conditions: Two growing conditions,hillside with rich grassy soil and dozens of shedding elm trees.Other side was basicly coal rocks from rr but big yellow morels were coming straight up in coal! Additional Comments: We found about 70 large yellow & black mushrooms in just a couple of hours after rain last night

April 22nd, 2003: Jessica, morel, - general location: Madison County, Indiana, Growing Conditions: Grove of buckeye trees in very black soil. Over 100 Black Morels and five meat head spikes.

April 22nd, 2003: ken rupp, morel, - general location: johnstown ohio, Growing Conditions: ash trees
Additional Comments: found about 25 dogpeckers and 3 grey

April 22nd, 2003: Luke Paul, morel, - general location: Tonganoxie Kansas, Growing Conditions: light second growth elm forest beside a creek with light cover, in piles of dead elm branches, lower lying "flat spots with smaller dead elm trees, Additional Comments: I met Larry Lonik at the Kansas city sports show. I purchased his book "basically morels" he signed it, "to Luke, Chau and John, Happy Hunting! Larry "tree" Lonik". Larry I will forever pass along your passion for mushroom hunting, to my children and my childrens' children. God Bless.

April 22nd, 2003: john miller, morel,: greys, - general location: michigan st.joe county, Growing Conditions: dead elms, Additional Comments: i found 36 small morels

Anthony Tassinello sent me these fire burn photos. These are growing in the tracks of bulldozers! How many can you spot?

April 23rd, 2003: Jeff, morel, - general location: Dearborn Co, IN, Growing Conditions: They were in the middle of the hill around ash trees. Additional Comments: Went to my black patch after work and finally their up. I found 12. Then went to my yellow patch hoping but nothing.

April 23rd, 2003: JeepThing, morel, - general location: Washington County, on the Sayersbrook Ranch Property (Private) - surrounded by Mark Twain National Forest - Potosi District near Floyd Tower (HWY 8 and HWY AA) They're everywhere in the Potosi Area National Forest right now. Growing Conditions: Look by Elms and blown over tree root bunches. North Hillsides have been better on dry days, South sides on wet days...
Additional Comments: Happy Hunting and dont forget Larry Lonik! RIP, http://www.morelheaven.com/, JT

April 23rd, 2003: Deac, morel,- general location: Lafayette Indiana, Growing Conditions: Around May apples, near a creek, Additional Comments: yesterday two of my buddies and my self found about 1 1/2 pounds. we plan to go back out today and check a few other sweet spots.

April 23rd, 2003: Bush Pilot none yet!- general location: I have look for the last week in the Lake Co. (Ohio)area nothing yet. Still to cold.

April 23rd, 2003: Joe King, morel, - general location: Douglas County, Kansas. Recent 2 inch rain brought them out. Growing Conditions: They were mostly around old elms and in dog wood thickets, light loam soil. About two pounds of very nice morels. Additional Comments: A long dry spell, a bit of rain, now cooler weather. Soon it will turn hot though, and they won't be around very long.

April 23rd, 2003: EDDIE SPORE, morel, - general location: Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio,
Growing Conditions: All greys, height to 5", 463 since saturday (19th), high on hills under umbrella type cover from grape vines, and growing in or around bright green moss. When the yellows going to start poppin? Eddie, try leaving a few small greys next time, come back 4-6 days later to see what happens! They turn into yellows! I didn't believe it either for years, but it is true. (with the exception of Morchella vulgaris, which is almost cotton white/ grey at first, and never turns yellow, only darker gray! -Chris M.
Additional Comments: The local paper should look here for their morel info!!!!!!!!!!!

April 23rd, 2003: Chad, morel - general location: Southwest Ohio, Growing Conditions: Wooded areas with lots of sun

April 23rd, 2003: Bill, morel, - general location: PA,Peters Twp.Washington County. Growing Conditions: Rich lowlands. Additional Comments: A friend at work told me about this site, so I had to come and let other people know that we found them.

April 24th, 2003: Jack Davis, morel. general location: Idaho, Clearwater County R4E T37N elevation 2600 Ft.
Growing Conditions: under a conifer canopy

April 24th, 2003: Mat Clark, morel, - general location: Cass County Indiana , Growing Conditions: In the open under some knocked down scrub. Additional Comments: They are on the small side but they are YELLOW!!!!

April 25th, 2003: Eljay writes: Found in Eastern NE Conditions...Perfect, Sandy soil Cottonwood trees
dead stuff deer poop, Rain.....the first pic if u look close, you can
see a quarter

Eljay, this is a nice find, and thanks for the report. Remember NOT to pull Morels out of the ground. You should NEVER bring dirt home with you! pinch them off, or cut them with a knife! Then they may come back for you next year. Also, remember to use a mesh bag when hunting, NOT plastic! This will replant the spores as you walk through the woods. Thanks, and enjoy! -Chris M.

April 25th, 2003: max m., morel, - general location: peoria,illinois-peoria county, Growing Conditions: under small trees in heavy wooded area.very small yellows,freshly poping up.had to move the brush and leaves to find them.found about 20,just enough to tease me.a few more days,and i think there will be some monsters.i was a few days early!!

April 25th, 2003: Donnie Newton, morel, - general location: Salisbury, Missouri, We have found over 300 so far . the Yellows are getting ready to pop , we are getting alot of rain and the next few days after the rain are expected to be in the upper 70's . It's time for the big one's to start popping. Growing Conditions: We have found them under maples mostly. but here pretty soon we are just going to have a all out seek and find.

April 25th, 2003: A J Johnson, a brand new member, found morels, - general location: Illinois,Grafton
Growing Conditions: Bluffs around Ash trees/lowlands. Additional Comments: We,AJJohnson, GarryRush, Bob/Sharon Bechtold, found around a hundred pounds of morels on the Bluffs and in the lowlands near the Wild Goose in Grafton Illinois on April 18,19th of April 2003. We have been hunting for years and this is the most any of us have found at one time. Please note all of the morels are not in the picture. AJJohnson

April 25th, 2003: Cindy Cotton, announces: MOREL FEST

Where did you find them- general location: Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Directions
142 Broadway
Irvine, KY 40336
Irvine is located approximately 50 miles east of Lexington, “Where the Bluegrass Kisses the Mountains”. Only a 20 minute drive from both I-75 (follow U.S. 52 East from Richmond) and the Mountain Parkway (follow KY 82 & U.S. 89 South from Clay City). MORE INFORMATION, Growing Conditions: Can't wait to buy some mushrooms!! Please email me if you know where I can hunt in KY.

April 25th, 2003: Karen, morel, - general location: Orange county Indiana , Growing Conditions: In open areas and at the edge of a field, Additional Comments: We found yellow spong, but they were drying up already.

April 25th, 2003: Warren, morel, - general location: Vance County, NC , Growing Conditions: Found in flat to gently sloping areas between two creeks. Hardwood trees, mostly yellow poplar, sweetgum and some small paw paw trees. I did not realize morels grew in this part of NC. Found 22 morels.

April 25th, 2003: mike wingerter, found morels. Where?

April 25th, 2003: BILL W., morel, - general location: SOTHWEST PA. NEAR BROWNSVILLE ,
Growing Conditions: UNDER DEAD ELMS AND CRABAPPLE TREES , RICH BOTTOM LAND NEAR SMALL STREAM, Additional Comments: FOUND ABOUT 2 DOZ. 1 TO 2 INCH BROWNS ,(DOG PECKS) 6 YELLOWS 2 TO 3 INCHES TALL NEED RAIN BAD

April 25th, 2003: Carla Funk, morel, - general location: Bennington,KS, Growing Conditions: 50 deg. Light rain. Under Cottonwood trees. Additional Comments: Found 103 morels

April 25th, 2003: Diana, found morels, - general location: Found, morels in Southeast Nebraska, in the Jefferson County area. Found several nice beds. Growing Conditions: Most found in moist soil, leaf covered, around oak trees, and cedar trees. Also found some in the tall grass nearby.

April 25th, 2003: bob and kathy skyles, morel, - general location: near mill creek trophy trout area south of newburg missouri. Growing Conditions: fairly opn rew big oaks a couple of as h trees had to dig through leaves, all were burried under dead leaves. found 89 mostly small some not too bad. Additional Comments: south side sunny evening after 3 days of 50 plus nights needed mor moisturs.

April 26th, 2003: jacquie davis, morel, - general location: hayden lake, idaho , Growing Conditions: just off a road.under small pines.

April 26th, 2003: Found 10 morel mushrooms under old apple tree, bottom of north slope of hill. Alleghany Co. Virginia
April 23, Steve M.

April 26th, 2003: George Isaacs, morel, - general location: Southern tip of Will county near the Kankakee river
Growing Conditions: Under dead elm, SE facing slope sandy soil, Additional Comments: Three widely separated yellow morels, each about two inches long.

April 26th, 2003: The Bolts, morel, - general location: Montgomery county, route 66, Illinois , Growing Conditions: under oaks and in rich lowlands, creek area, Additional Comments: We found 152 greys on April 17th,40 on the 18th and40 on the 19th mostly greys, today April 26th we found 70 giant yellows mostly in wetlands and tall grassy areas

April 26th, 2003: Frogspoon, morel, - general location: N.E OH. Summit Co. Growing Conditions: Heavy woods on East facing hillside. Additional Comments: Found a nice little patch of fresh "Blacks". I usually find blacks when I'm looking for greys and yellows but they are usually "to far gone" to pick. To me this means it's still early. Woods very "crunchy", reminds me of Fall.

April 26th, 2003: George Harris, a long time member to the club, found morels, - general location: Well I had a customer tell me they had a mushroom growing in there back yard and went to check it out. Ben Avon Heights. Pa. Growing Conditions: Growing in their mulched up garden. Mulch went down 3 years ago! And this yellow was 6 inches tall and at least 4-5 inches around! Additional Comments: Going turkey hunting monday! And mushroom hunting in the afternoon unless I get bored turkey hunting!

April 26th, 2003: Gary in IN, morel greys, half-free, blacks, - general location: Ripley, Dearborn, Ohio, jennings, counties, IN, Growing Conditions: variety of locations, Additional Comments: have been finding alot of greys, with a good number of blacks and half-free morels also .... seems like a great year for greys but lacking on the half-free ..... next few days should be great as the temps have started to get back to normal and the ground damp .... hope to be picking quite a few by the first of the week ... may go out a little later today .... good luck to all and take care

April 26th, 2003: michelle messer, morel, - general location: In Northwest Indiana, in Jasper County.
Growing Conditions: By recently cut elm trees, on the east side of the road. Found 30 2-inch grays letting them grow a few days. Gonna' check a few spots today. Additional Comments: found six easter sunday and let grow for a week and are now HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

April 26th, 2003: chuck bish, morel, - general location: cattel pasture next to platte river Grand Island ,Ne Hall county , Growing Conditions: SHORT GRASS, IN PASTURE, DYED COW PATTIES AROUND AREA

April 26th, 2003: Charlie Herring, black and greys, - general location: Huntington, IN , Growing Conditions: elm trees, low wash-out area, Additional Comments: Season is running later than usual this year. Continued cold is not helping.

April 26th, 2003: Judith Stephens, morel, spikes, - general location: Henry County, Indiana, not far from Lewisville. Growing Conditions: Found the spikes on the west side of the woods hiding under leaves. Found the grey sponges in the middle of the woods and east side. There were about 60 in all. My husband Mike and I, went mushrooming with his brother, Jack, and Jack's girlfriend Kerry. Kerry and Jack are from Florida. Kerry had never been mushrooming before. Mike found a patch of greys and had her come over to it see what she was looking for. It worked she found the ones Mike had spotted and a few more. Additional Comments: We are carry our kind in mesh bags that clip on to your belt, and has a spring loaded closure. They were made to put shotgun shells in and work great, keeps your hands free and lets the spores be deposited back to the earth. Dad even wanted me to take a couple trips around his house with the bag full of mushrooms in hopes that I could get some started in the yard. Wishfull thinking.

April 26th, 2003:

Found these on April 26th. Found throughout the woods, but did not get it all covered, will go again tomorrow. First find that was worth writing about. A lot of Beech trees in this old family hunting grounds. As you can see they are soaking in salt water in my sink. I have a few left for breakfast in the morning. My brother from Florida wanted me to ship him some if we have leftovers. Fat chance, I do not ever recall having leftover Mushrooms. Judi Stephens

April 27th, 2003: Mike and Heather O'Hara, morel, - general location: Pekin IL. Tazewell county,
Growing Conditions: Under Oak trees, under ash trees.. On hill side, in the lower grounds ,just all over!!
Additional Comments: The Morels are here in central Illinois Now!! And it is just going to get BETTER!!!! We found 160 Morels and most were 2-3 in. yellows...

April 27th, 2003: Randy Marchand writes: 122lb morel pick two days ago. Salmon Island, British Columbia, Canada. Randy is a commercial picker, you can view many of his photos in the member areas, he hunts fire burn morels, which are common in Canada.

April 27th, 2003: Jim Steinbrenner writes: Hey chris, My son ,brother and I found these morels 4/26 St.louis county In Mo. Biggest one was over 7" . it's rained for 2 days so we thought we would slay them . Most had been up for a while and and were starting to dry out. I hope the season isn't slowing already? Good luck all, I'm going to a old Hot spot in the morning

April 27th, 2003: Steve and Jared, morel, - general location: Around Effingham County,Illinois , Growing Conditions: Under Oak trees and in lowlands, found peckerheads under leaves, Additional Comments: We found approximately 50 white sponge(7" or taller,2-3 inches in diameter), about 30 peckerheads, 6" or taller),15 gray sponge,(3-4 inches tall), 15 black sponge(2-5 inches tall)

April 27th, 2003: TODD RODGERS, morel, - general location: LOGAN CO OHIO, Growing Conditions: FOUND ON WEST BANK WHERE HILL SIDE WAS BENCHED , LOTS OF MAYAPPLES AROUND DEAD ELM OR EVEN COULD HAVE BEEN ASH AT FOOT OF HILL FOUND GREYS AND AT TOP 15 BIG YELLOW THIS IS THE EARLIEST I HAVE FOUND YELLOW 4 19 03, Additional Comments: DO GREYS GROW INTO YELLOW? You bet they do. Pam, a longtime member did a Morel growth study a couple years ago on black morels, but this year she is doing one on grays- yellows! -Chris M.

April 27th, 2003: Elaine Toles, morel, - general location: In Madison county Indiana, Growing Conditions: My borther and his 2 sons went out in morning and each found about 1/2 sack full. Later in day my dad, brother and i went to a different woods and found around 100. We hit a great yellow sponge spot. Ended up finding 60 of the big yellows around 1 tree in a circle about 10-12 foot. we have the best luck around ash trees or dead trees
Additional Comments: i have pictures but not sure where to post them

April 27th, 2003: John and Amy Conrad, morel, - general location: Northern Iowa County in Iowa.
Growing Conditions: In the hills on south slopes. Additional Comments: Found both yellows and greys.

April 27th, 2003: Matt Reade, morel, - general location: Northeast Indiana-Lagrange County
Growing Conditions: Very dry. Found 41 blacks on Tuesday, 4/22. On Saturday, 4/26, found 60 more (7 were greys.)A little rain will make things happen here.

April 27th, 2003: sarah, morel, - general location: springfield, clark county, ohio , Growing Conditions: mossy areas, near hardwood trees, under honeysuckle, and even on the sides of rocks with moss, Additional Comments: some fencerows had quite a few

April 27th, 2003: Ace Allen, morel, - general location: KS - Johnson County - Overland Park
Growing Conditions: 20 feet from the stream edge in a suburban flood zone, under a tree (possibly sycamore)

Chris, I just got back from Ohio and we found a total of 203 morels. The rain on easter really brought out the morels. I found two monster yellow morels 9 inches tall under a very old ash tree. I really love the midwest the hunting is much better than Georgia. Although those pictures you took in south Georgia was awesome. I'm heading up to Michigan some time in the second week of May.Tony Breeden

April 27th, 2003: Bob Munger, morel,- general location: West of Omaha Nebraska, Growing Conditions: Along river, Additional Comments: We have found around 100 over the last 2 days. Todays find was getting dry but re-hydrated real nice when soaked to get the bugs out. I think they are on the move to the hills here. Good luck all!

April 28th, 2003: Jody Connolly, morel, - general location: south facing hill next to wheat field, Palmyra, IL. Macoupin County, Growing Conditions: by dead elm. 20 or so, big yellows, still a few greys the same day, top of hill, haven't looked in the bottoms yet. Additional Comments: GOOD LUCK!!!

April 28th, 2003: Burt Wilson, morel - general location: Ohio, Tuscawaras CO. East of small town of Roswell which is east of New Philadelphia, Oh. on Sunday April 27th. Growing Conditions: On hillsides with northern exposure under elm and oaks around a lot of briars , Additional Comments: Hunted from 8:30 AM till noon found blacks, some almost white and tans.

April 28th, 2003: Will D. writes: I am attaching a photo of one of the morels (?) that I found growing in my front yard in Bethesda, Md on April 27. I tried a small piece of one, saute'd in butter, and am still slightly over weight and in good health. Photos attached, Yrs, Will Deutermann

April 28th, 2003: David Boyd, morel, Gray and Yellow morels - general location: Indiana, Wabash County
Growing Conditions: All growing under dead elm trees.

April 28th, 2003: Will Retczar, morel, - general location: Nelson County, Virginia , Growing Conditions: thick poplar groves, Additional Comments: Perfect day for hunting. Two straight days of warm rain followed by a sunny 70 degree day made ideal foraging weather. Three of us were able to find 90 yellows in an afternoon's time. Best meal I've ever had.

April 28th, 2003: Foxfire, morel - general location: Somewhere near Madison County, Iowa Sunday, April 27th. Found about 120 greys and couple dozen yellows. Growing Conditions: dead or dying elms or mixed timber.

April 28th, 2003: Leslie, morel - general location: Cle Elum, Washington
Growing Conditions: Found under birch trees with lots of leaf mulch, about two grocery bags half full.

April 28th, 2003: Erin Lyle has found None, that's the problem, Where did you find them- general location: N. Illinois, West of Chicago in Kane & Kendall Co. Additional Comments: Chris I don't even know if you'll post this but we're at our wits end. I'm wondering if anyone has found or heard of someone finding morrels in this area this 2003 season. We're worried because by this time we've usually found 75-100 and so far this season only 5 and they were dry. We've had so little rain this spring, can that effect the season? I understand if you don't post this, its not a find, its a NON-FIND. Thanks Erin. Erin, a few parts of the country are experiencing very dry conditions, and yes, this greatly affects the season. Morels need the right temps, and plenty of moisture to grow. Keep watch on this page for other finds near your area, you may have to travel a little to find some, where they have received rain. -Chris M.

April 28th, 2003: steve pahud, morel, - general location: hendricks county, indiana
Growing Conditions: no big patches, spread out one here one there. most found by dead elm trees.
Additional Comments: hunting is really slow this year. is anybody else doing any better?

April 29th, 2003: Submitted from brielju:

April 29th, 2003: Debbie L Castaneda, morel - general location: Kansas City,MO By the creek and close to it. I only found four but they were big. This is the first time I have gone since I was a little girl. I am 52 now . My mom use to make them with frog legs for breakfast. What a treat! I just got hungry for those mushrooms!
Growing Conditions: Like I said by the creek and above it. It was wet and it rained the night before. I do believe there where Elm trees. Additional Comments: It took two hours to find four mushrooms but I had fun and oh how I enjoyed those four !

April 29th, 2003: bass lake mike, morel - general location: North West Indiana , Growing Conditions: west side of hill and in lowlands , Additional Comments: I picked 303 morels most of them are grays about 40 yellows. I picked all of them 24 and 25 they are finally coming up need rain very dry. I love your site. HAPPY HUNTING EVERYONE will be writing about a week.

April 29th, 2003: Louis Bugler, morel - general location: Frederick County MD , Growing Conditions: In moist yet well drained areas on the sides of mountains. Additional Comments: I found several pounds over the course of a week.

April 29th, 2003: daryl kleitz, morel - general location: Franklin county kansas , Growing Conditions: Ye old hot spot provided two mushrooms on 4/27/03. We have experienced severe drought until easter. Hopefully, they will come up this week otherwise we may miss out this year.

April 29th, 2003: Tom McCoy, morel - general location: rural Booneville .... Van Meter, Dallas County, What state? Growing Conditions: rich lowlands ... I think they are dead Elms and Oaks , Additional Comments: Found many the size of pencil erasers ... did not pick those ... yet! Found approx. 40 with the head being the size of a 50 cent peice. A few were browning on the tip. One more hot sunny day and we are in full season IMO.

April 29th, 2003: Bill Brumbaugh, morel - general location: South of Columbia City, IN on my family farm
Growing Conditions: Found twenty fresh yellow morels. With a little rain we should find many more in the next few days.

April 29th, 2003: George harris, morel - general location: Pa- Gamelands same place as last year.I was too early finding only 50 1-3 inch tall blonds. Went in last week and none this yesterday they were there! Left behind 1 doz to continue to grow! other spots empty still. Growing Conditions: Slopping condition rich soil mostly shaded!
Additional Comments: It has started! Heading to Va again for final picking for me there!

April 29th, 2003: Mike and Brad, morel - general location: Indiana, Marion County
Growing Conditions: Mostly under pine trees, just after a good nites rain. This is odd, they usually do not grow frequently under pines in the midwest...- Chris M.

April 30th, 2003: Marty Stryker, morel - general location: Back yard. Mt. Shasta California, Northern California , Growing Conditions: It's been rainy and snowy the past week. I found about 10 medium sized morels under our Blue Spruce Tree in the lawn. The elevation is about 3500 feet.

April 30th, 2003: Michael, morel - general location: Found morels growing on North side of hill in Newark, Delaware

April 30th, 2003: Foxfire, morel, - general location: Around Madison County, Iowa , Growing Conditions: Dead Elms, cottonwood

April 30th, 2003: george, morel, - general location: east of edmond again
Growing Conditions: spruce&elm in thicketts sandy loam soit look for cactus nerby good luck

April 30th, 2003: Anthony Fox, morel - general location: Clark, county, Missouri , Growing Conditions: me and friends found 9lbs in 4 to 5 hours found half in woodsin a sandt soil with moderate foilage covering the surface and others out in a grassy open field hidden in heavy clumps of grass with willows all over the place also!
Additional Comments: Hope to find many more!!!

April 30th, 2003: Ralph Shetzer, morel - general location: sandusky county Ohio
Growing Conditions: old stone quarry...found 4 morels by dead elm they were very dry and about 2" tall...I went to my favoret places and found nothing.

April 30th, 2003: rob, morel - general location: harrison county, wv
Growing Conditions: low on the east side of the hill under poplar and apple trees. what a honey hole, picked about ten pounds in 10-15 minutes. pretty good size, 8-10 inches tall with big heads.

April 30th, 2003: Lena Tossone, morel - general location: Harrison County West Virginia
Growing Conditions: By Oak Trees

April 30th, 2003: Debbie Moore, morel - general location: Hamilton,oh
Growing Conditions: front yard under pine tree

April 30th, 2003: Brooke, morel - general location: Madison County, Iowa , Growing Conditions: My dad and I found them low on north and south facing slopes. The ground is pretty wet, we need some sun now. Almost fell in the pond trying to get 3 growing straight off the side of a slope. Additional Comments: We found about 100. A couple dozen were yellows, all good size grays.

April 30th, 2003: Jane and Scott, morel - general location: Peoria County, Illinois , Growing Conditions: In wooded area just off a bike trail, around the base of a tree where mica caps were growing. Additional Comments: We have been suffering from "MIS" (morel insecurity syndrome), watching other hunters with heavy bags but finding none ourselves. Finally found about 10, enough for a tasty treat at lunch. We'll keep looking. We are getting some rain today, and that should help.

April 30th, 2003: Jeff A., morel - general location: Washington - Yakima County , Growing Conditions: In a burn area near a river in leaf covered, moist soil around rocks and tree roots. Additional Comments: This was our first find of the year! About 6 Morchella Elata and 6 Morchella Esculenta.

hello , well yesterday was the first time i had gotten out to find any shrooms since Easter, we've still had hardly any rain , and along with very cool temps, i didn't figure anything would be up, i did manage to find about 23 big yellow sponge in about an hour, they were dried somewhat, which means they would have had to come up during that cool spell, go figure. tonight i found about 16 more, all of these by the way were under dead elm trees, i guess we missed the greys again, and i still haven't seen any spikes. by the way April has turned into quite the shroomer... here are some pictures...

May 1st, 2003: KillerBBeezz, morel - general location: Eagle NEBRASKA Cass County
Growing Conditions: mostly found in "rich lowlands & mossy areas"

May 1st, 2003: PSUhorty, morel - general location: Pittsburgh, PA, North Hills , Growing Conditions: Under large elms along road, ground relatively dry, but not bone dry. Additional Comments: Went out on my lunch hour this afternoon (benefit of working out of your home) and found 1 half-free. Went out after dinner and searched at a new spot... several large elms along the roadside. Found 18 yellows, each at least 2", most larger. Ground was relatively dry (no significant rain for at least a week or so), and the morels were punching up through grass and low weeds surrounding the elms.

May 1st, 2003: Randy Taylor, morel - general location: Jackson co.Michigan Growing Conditions: Dead elms

May 1st, 2003: Fred Vogel, morel - general location: North of DesMoines about 12 miles-central Iowa. Ground temps are cool but lotsa water. This should be a banner year. Growing Conditions: wooded drainages from farm fields. Additional Comments: These were all the little grays, we need just slightly warmer soil temps to pop the yellows.

May 1st, 2003: Marissa, NONE YET Am wondering when the morels will pop up in Michigan. It seems last season, we were picking blacks a week ago and whites around Mother's Day. We did get a rain last night so maybe soon they will grow. Anyone from Michigan reporting mushrooms yet?
Growing Conditions: We usually find them by ash / elms up in the hills near Rose City.

May 2nd, 2003: Brad (Shroom hunter B) Shugarts, morel - general location: i found them on a slope of a hill in a softwood forrest , i live in Central Pa, not sure what the name of the place was exactly though. it was my first time out. Growing Conditions: it was a combo between a lowland, and a slight contor. most of them were found on the lowland part though. Additional Comments: first time out and i found 22 mushrooms :) im pretty proud of myself.

May 2nd, 2003: M A Huntley writes:

Chris - thank you. After getting home last night and after asking you to post the question....My husband found 10 little black morels....the biggest was as big as his thumb....so I guess we are getting closer....will only get better as it has rained the past two days...I can't wait! My little boy is 3 and is ready too! He started picking when he was 1 1/2,.....I'll have to send you the picture of him with his first morel pick sometime. Rose City, MI

May 2nd, 2003: Bob M, morel - general location: State College, PA , Growing Conditions: Gentle sloping hillside in thick leaf ground cover. Found a fourteen grays. Left four of these in the ground 4-5 days ago. Only grew an inch or so and didn't turn into yellows. I would have left all of them this time but couldn't help myself!
Additional Comments: Had light rain last evening with yesterday's high of 86 degrees.

May 2nd, 2003: AMY CROTEAU, morel - general location: I FOUND 1 MOREL IN MY YARD BY A STUMP HERE IN FLINT MI MY FIRST ONE I EVER FOUND. Growing Conditions: IN THE YARD BY A OLD STUMP

May 2nd, 2003: Jim Christou, morel - general location: Newmarket area, South Cambridgeshire, England, on sandy soil overlying chalk open wood with ash elm hawthorn and sycamore. Additional Comments: Here in England morels are late due to very dry spring ,3mm of rain in 7 weeks.We just love your website keep'em coming!

May 2nd, 2003: Emily, morel - general location: Southeast Michigan Growing Conditions: In my usual state park under elms and cherry. Finally got the rain we needed. Now they should start popping all over! Few dozen small greys, left most to grow. I just picked enough for a taste.

May 2nd, 2003: Doug Ripperger, morel - general location: Knoxville,Iowa
Growing Conditions: in the timber around elm trees

May 3rd, 2003: shorty, morel - general location: adair county mo , east facing bottoms
Growing Conditions: rich lowlands , under maples in buck brush n clearings
Additional Comments: my 14 year old daughter and i found 15 lbs in less than an hour.

May 3rd, 2003: Rick Lorenc, morel - general location: Will county strip mines near Wilmington. 60 grays & yellows after recent rain. There up and I can't wait to go get more. What a feast!
Growing Conditions: in the valleys & on the hills facing south

May 3rd, 2003: Roger, morel - general location: Mineral County, WV Knobley Mountain
Growing Conditions: under ash, rich earth. Additional Comments: Found 103 today

May 3rd, 2003: Bill Winstead, morel - general location: Stark County, Oh near Canal Fulton
Growing Conditions: in old wash, under dead elms with heavy green briars, dead crabapples, and ash trees, in ferns , Additional Comments: found close to 10lbs. of blacks, grays, and "large" yellows anywhere from 1 inch to 6 inches

May 3rd, 2003: MD STINGER writes:         HI CHRIS,
    I've been picking morels for 8 days, there getting bigger and better, we've had some rain lately and that brought them on, but it is still on the cool side so it is a little slow, but they are still trying to bust through the soil and land in my bag.
    Hope your havin' fun in the woods, good to hear from you, keep in touch. IOWA

May 3rd, 2003: Jim Bucko, morel - general location: Fountain Co, In , Growing Conditions: Found just under a 100 on top of a ridge next to an alfalfa field and a creek below. 5 of them were 7 inches!!!

May 3rd, 2003: Joe Pater, Oxford Ohio, morel - general location: I found 12 around ash trees. Been out four times with my friend Marvin. Been very dry here in Butler Co. Ohio About 5" short on rain and the wx has cool off. Might be a bad year like last year. Growing Conditions: Under ash trees

May 3rd, 2003: GREG SANDI, morel - general location: LAPORTE IND. Growing Conditions: NEAR PINE TREES HEDGE ROWS IN OPEN SPACES, Additional Comments: WE FOUND 609!!!

May 3rd, 2003: Bill Kampf, morel - general location: Northwesteren Jackson co. state of MICHIGAN
Growing Conditions: Growing in moss next to my drive way, on the edge of my front woods,and in my front woods under pine trees .

May 4th, 2003: elwood e banks, morel - general location: On May 3 I checked a place where I found some last year on May 14 that were dried up and too far gone to eat.I found 28 white mushrooms the same place,they were smaller this year,and they were getting old,I shoulda found them about 3 days ago. Boy were they good!
Growing Conditions: under and aroud an old wild cherry tree , Additional Comments: Recipe: beat 2 eggs up in a bowl,and dip halved mushrooms in,roll in flour,fry in hot oil

May 4th, 2003: Jeff A., morel - general location: Washington State - Nile Area , Growing Conditions: Huge Burn Area, Additional Comments: Over the past three days we have picked about 300 mushrooms! These have all come from south facing slopes in just about all kinds of conditions, from vegetation and around logs to open areas. They are everywhere! The ticks are quite plentiful too. There hasn't been a day that we haven't found one crawling on one of us.

May 4th, 2003: Billy D. II, morel - general location: Michigan, south west Livingston County
Growing Conditions: Rich black loamy soil under mature Cherry trees, Beech and Apple trees. There is alot of oak leaves on the ground as well. Additional Comments: Chris, I found 47 blacks on April 25th and then a week later on May 2nd after a good 2" rain I hit them pretty good. I found 1-3/4 pounds of blacks from small fresh ones an inch tall to 4 inch fully matured blacks that had started to turn pithy but they were still edible. There were a total of 143 in that batch. It has been cold here but the blacks seem to come up regardless of temp and rain they just don't get real big. I did find one small grey at the same time in the same conditions.

May 4th, 2003: Flandoman, morel - general location: located in northwest Ohio, Henry, county found two yellows along a abandoned RXR tracks. Growing Conditions: ground condtions are moist to damp, air temps are inhigh 50`s to mid 60`s todays date May 4 . forcast all this week ---SUNNY---AND IT RAINED FOR THE LAST TWO DAYS.

May 4th, 2003: Peter Grass, morel - general location: new york city , Growing Conditions: park footpath, the same patch as in 2001, that skipped last year's season alltogether. the poakweeds are two feet high the wild mustards a foot tall, and the oak leafs are the size of the ears of squirels.. I emailed him back to clarify, these were found INSIDE the city limits!- Chris M

May 4th, 2003: lyle, morel - general location: south of warsaw indiana all nice yellows about a hundred of them.found 30 in one spot. Growing Conditions: around elm trees and in low spots.

May 4th, 2003: Deb Ahlberg, morel - general location: Des Moines Iowa Found 299 morels some greys but mostly big yellows 5" and 6" tall Growing Conditions: around fallen dead trees

May 4th, 2003: Skip Iniowa, morel- general location: Central Iowa, Growing Conditions: Next to dead Elms.

May 4th, 2003: Jacquie Davis, morel - general location: Just north of Rathdrum, Idaho. Found several small morels in a ditch, under a cottonwood. I also found a handfull of shaggy manes in a Spokane county park.
Additional Comments: Would like to hear of more finds in Idaho&Washington. Happy hunting!

May 4th, 2003: John Thompson, morel - general location: Kansas & Missouri--Missouri, St. Joseph
Growing Conditions: river bottoms Additional Comments: best day 25 lbs.

May 4th, 2003: Erin, morel - general location: FINALLY FOUND SOME! boy o boy but they are few and far between still. Friday 5/2 we found them down by the Ill. River (7 hours of hunting) and today 5/4 we found some in our woods (3 hours of hunting). All together we found about 125, blacks and greys. I hope the season is just late and slow starting and not bust. Growing Conditions: We found them in lowlands and on the side of south facing hills. I'm off to soak my feet! Happy Hunting

May 4th, 2003: MGS, morel - general location: Winona, MN , Growing Conditions: Southern exposure, hillside, on dead elm and ash. Only where there was no leaf litter - sun needed to hit the bare soil by the look of things.
Additional Comments: These were blacks and were in areas that should have gotten a good amount of warming sun. 1/4 inch +/- of rain on Wednesday. Lots of rain today. Should be good for the bigger ones soon.

May 4th, 2003: Ryan Knepper, morel - general location: Oxford Junction Growing Conditions: in a ditch

May 4th, 2003: D. Whitlow, morel - general location: White County Indiana Growing Conditions: Along stream banks, We have alot of steep hills and revines found most on the hills facing the west. Also did well in the bottoms where it stays damp year round. Additional Comments: Have found 183 so far. Mostly yellow sponge and some gray. Hope this rain tonight will bring on even more!

May 4th, 2003: Adrian Doman, morel - general location: Burlinton Wv Minerl Co. I found about a gallon on april 30, 2003 medium sized yellows. found on southeast side of the hill under a ash tree. pretty open area, sort of humid with a little bit of grass. All were 3-7 in. tall.One word- DELICIOUS!!!!!! Growing Conditions: On side of hill under ash trees. Additional Comments: Calling for rain next week! looking forward to getting lots more! good luck to shroomers everywere life is good!

May 5th, 2003: Scott MacKenzie, morel - general location: Los Angeles, CA Growing Conditions: In lawn, in garden

Los Angeles, California Morels. I receive reports in these areas that commonly come up in gardens that have been mulched with bark and wood chips. This mulch obviously contain morel spores that thrive in the mulch.

May 5th, 2003: Jeff Day, morel - general location: Madison County Ind. outside Anderson City limits
Growing Conditions: No special place really. Many found in areas not found before by me! In last two weeks I've found a variety of blacks,greys and yellows.found some nice ones today!! One was 7.25 inches long!!Anyone around this area feel free to e-mail me!! Additional Comments: E-mail me at jrd3165@wmconnect.com

May 5th, 2003: bluephish, morel - general location: Muskingum county, Ohio. Near Dillon Dam nature area
Growing Conditions: Under ash trees on SE facing slope. Also on a new logging road. Additional Comments: on May 3rd found 15 5-7" yellows. On may 4th found 6 3-6" yellows and one 2" black. This was the first time that I ever found/hunted for mushrooms. Oh what I have been missing.

Well, the morel season here will now be finished very soon. It started a bit late this year because of a very dry and cool March we had in Central Europe. Also April started with dry weather. On some places there was absolutely nothing coming up and looking like "morels". Since about 2-3 weeks the yellow ones have been growing up - but the temperature is around 27 deg C now! I'll take a look again a bit higher in the Alps this week again. Enclosed a few of my last pictures. Maybe I shall use one of them to join on your photo-contest this year. Hope you have been successful on your morel trips and all is well at your end. Best regards, Paul in Meilen (Switzerland)

May 5th, 2003: T. Sanken, morel - general location: Wood County Wisconsin, Growing Conditions: In front lawn with southern exposure under pine trees.

May 5th, 2003: Shane Durbin, morel - general location: Knox County, Ohio -- near Danville , Growing Conditions: Deep ravine and on east-facing hillside. General conditions are dry so lowlands area much better for picking. Additional Comments: We found about 80 yellow sponge in deep woods near bottom of ravine, scattered and around dead elm, poplar and apple trees. Just got rain last night so dry conditions should improve.

May 5th, 2003: J. Orr, morel - general location: Jackson Co. Michigan , Growing Conditions: Under the "Golden Arches" (dead elm) In a 2 inch, diameter circle, I found about 15 morel blosseming, out of a super spore. The only problem was they were all about as big as the eraser on a #2 pencil. Will wait a few days to go pick my 15 headed shroom! That is, if somebody else does not. My cast iron skillet is getting ant-sy. Additional Comments: It is just starting in southern Michigan. Mothers day weekend should be real good with all the rain
we have had in the last 6 days.

May 5th, 2003: Peggy Tharp, morel - general location: Putnam County Missouri , Growing Conditions: Along creek - greatest number in maple grove , Additional Comments: Found approximately 40 gallons - grey and yellow it was very rainy and in the 60's

May 5th, 2003: Foxfire, morel - general location: In Madison County, Iowa , Growing Conditions: Around dead or dying Elm trees.....rich loamy soil , Additional Comments: Found over 50 lbs of both yellows and greys in same areas.

May 5th, 2003: R. Taylor & T.Curey, morel - general location: Jackson Co. Mi.Growing Conditions: Dead elms

May 5th, 2003: Jess Mills, morel general location: Jasper county IA , Growing Conditions: river bottom/bank
Additional Comments: Good luck to every one out there!

May 5th, 2003: Mike, Penny, & Phil, morel - general location: Indianola, Iowa (South Central) Growing Conditions: Close to open fields on either bank of a dried river bed lined on both sides with mature Red Elm.
Additional Comments: Last two days pulled in 16 pounds, both greys and yellows. 600+ roons! Just now getting the big ones.

May 5th, 2003: sharon grimes, none yet - general location: i live in central Oregon, i just moved here from In. love to mushroom hunt dont know where to hunt here in Oregon.If anyone can help, i would really be graitful, have heard they are found around Shumalt, Oregon , Additional Comments: Help!!!!

May 5th, 2003: Doterx2, morel - general location: Plesant hill lake area Richland, Ohio
Growing Conditions: Around the bases of Ash trees and wild Cherries on south east side of the hill. Additional Comments: Seems like they will be ready next weekend the ones that we were finding were about thumb size and I found one that was the size of a dollar bill.

May 5th, 2003: chris and jon, morel - general location: Lower Michigan, Hillsdale County. Growing Conditions: on the west side of a woods next to a field. by a fallen dead tree sorry dont' know what kind. Addi