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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. Additional Comments: Found 2 bread bags full. If ANYONE knows if it's true about using onion bags and about the spores etc. and that it's bad to use a bag with no holes in it please let us know. Wev'e heard all kinds of rumors about that. If anyone can tell us that using a bag with holes will help them grow next year we will gladly start! Plan on going a different place every day this week!!!

May 5th, 2003: DELHARRIS, morel - general location: bitely mi. newaygo co. Growing Conditions: back yard in burn hole.

May 5th, 2003: Emily, morel - general location: Southeast Michigan , Growing Conditions: Finding more in Livingston County, under dead elms, about two pounds of greys in 4 hours. They are still all small, but with more rain today and warmer temps forcasted it should be in full swing soon. My little sis found five 3" up in Mason County. We're heading north this weekend-they've had more rain than us. Good luck to all.

May 5th, 2003: Tim Plemons, morel - general location: north madison county illinois
Growing Conditions: under aproximatlly one year dead elm trees in tall grass no further out then the width of branches ,rained all day before and was faily warm.

May 6th, 2003: heather & mark, morel - general location: mercer co. Pa. Growing Conditions: Under cherry trees in damp dead leaves and new mossy growth. Also along an old apple orchard by corn fields. Additional Comments: This was our first time and we loved it. We found 29 morals ranging in size from 5 inches to thumbsize.

May 6th, 2003: Bryan Patterson, morel - general location: In a forest/ravine next to my house in Elkhorn, NE...
Growing Conditions: Generally scattered in dark, loamy soil...

May 6th, 2003: Mindy, morel - general location: Fort Wayne, Indiana , Growing Conditions: by dead trees.. hiding well, Additional Comments: This is my 4th year searching.. and found half frees.. just enough for a tease. Going back out soon.

May 6th, 2003: Bass Lake Mike, morel - general location: North West Indiana , Growing Conditions: elm trees, maple trees very old maple tree they have to be 4 feet around or more in diameter. Additional Comments: been picking about 150 to 300 a day for the past 7 days. as of 5/4 they are all yellows now. we had alot of rain for the past week. perty good season os far, very dry for a couple of weeks ago. happy hunting everyone.

May 6th, 2003: JD, morel - general location: North Central Pennsylvania
Growing Conditions: Under White Ash and hawthorn. Lowlands near a creek.

May 6th, 2003: LISA ANDERSON, morel - general location: lebanon indiana boone county
Growing Conditions: along creek bank , Additional Comments: found after heavy rain on a 80 degree day.

May 6th, 2003: John & Amy Conrad, morel - general location: Amana, Iowa , Growing Conditions: mostly under small dead elms, where the bark is just starting to fall off. Additional Comments: Morels still seem to be very scattered. Hopefully some warm weather will get them up in bunches! Found 20 lbs. in about 3 hours. Both yellows and greys!

May 6th, 2003: Spawnboy, morel - general location: Central Montana , Growing Conditions: In the canopy of aspen treeline and where it primarily meets the pine trees. Additional Comments: Hi folks, I've been bitten by the morel bug. My nephew (morel nymph) and myself went out Sat. for 3.5 hours and picked black and yellow's. Small and some as tall a 5 inches. We gatherd 2 lbs. The weather before had been slight rain and overcast with temps in the 40's to 50's. But some how Mama nature decided to dump snow on us last night and today. We've had about 3 inches and im sure more in the mountains. But it's warm tonight (40deg) and has been melting off fast. The forcast for tomorow is supposed to be showers and 40's to 50's. Then we are supposed to be back into rain and snow with temps at 30's to 50's. My question is how does snow effect morels and many days of rain effect morels? Can I expect to find them after such a dump of snow? Should i wait a week and let the snow melt totaly off. Is the snow going to ruin everything!!! No, it will if anything prolong the morel season. -Chris M

May 7th, 2003: Stefan Ziolkowski, morel - general location: Billings Montana, Growing Conditions: My Dad Peter and myself have found close to five pounds since May 1 along the Yellowstone River Our first night we went out we found 104 moels after a downpour. The last few days since then we have found 20 to 80 a night, including one 6 incher that was sticking out of the side of a bank under a big cottonwood. Additional Comments: The last ones we found have been a little dry. Does this means that the season could be coming to an end or will they sill pop if it rains again? How long can people usually find them in Montana? You may need to start to move to higher elevations, but in Montana, I have heard of reports as late as August up higher in elevations.- Chris

May 7th, 2003: Jon, morel - general location: West central Ohio - Mercer county , Growing Conditions: In woods on old enbankment, Additional Comments: Found 2 morels 3" & 5". Been out 5 or 6 times since Easter & found nothing till today. We've had 3" of rain this last week and the weeds & grass`are getting too high anymore. Haven't heard of any other local finds. Think the 'shrooms' have fled this area for Michigan, Indiana or Kentucky !

May 7th, 2003: George H. Lajueness,. morel - general location: About 2 miles outside of Northport,WA along the road. Growing Conditions: By the sholder of the road, looked like a burnt brush pill near the sholder.

May 7th, 2003: Emily, morel - general location: Southeast Michigan, Growing Conditions: Near dead elms in mixed deciduous woods, cherry, oak, maple, poplar. Found 120 greys under 2" and 59 yellows from 2-4" in about two hours. Still way behind last year but the slow start seems to be catching up after all the great weather we've been having.

May 7th, 2003: Near Notre Dame, morel- general location: northern Indiana, st. joe county
Growing Conditions: under tops of cleared out trees. Lots of decaying debris, hard to tell what kind. Very black soil, creek was near by. Additional Comments: checked another woods yesterday and found nothing, do some woods mature later than others? Also my parents woods used to produce oodles and oodles but for the past 2 years, barely anything! We always left a couple and used onion sacks, any info? what is going on? This has been a very bad morel season for many parts of the country. -Chris

May 7th, 2003: Richard W, morel - general location: jackson mi , Growing Conditions: dead elms south side of hills

May 7th, 2003: bpetto, morel - general location: Delton, MI , Growing Conditions: Sprouting up all over - dead elms and much beyond, Additional Comments: a whole bunch seem to have popped-up overnight!

May 7th, 2003: Mushroon Mick, morel - general location: Des Moines, Iowa , Growing Conditions: Ever notice how many friends you have this time of year? Especially the friends who just love Roons, but won't go out to look?

May 7th, 2003: Bemo P, morel - general location: St. Joseph county Northern Indiana, Growing Conditions: Found 4lbs in woods near a marsh just northwest of town. Oak and elm trees with lots of underbrush and briars.
Additional Comments: All blacks, so hopefully it might still be a decent year for shrooms.

May 7th, 2003: theresa fishburn, morel - general location: wooster,ohio , Growing Conditions: briar bushes
Additional Comments: found 378 yellow sponges 5-6-03

May 7th, 2003: Elaine Toles, morel - general location: Around ash trees and elms. Found around 35 large yellow sponge in Madison Coutny Indiana , Additional Comments: will send pics

May 7th, 2003: mark&heather, morel - general location: Mercer Co. PA. went out after work and found 3 good patches ,going to wait to take H she has the eye. and it more fun anyway to see her carry the (basket).i want to see the diffrence 1 night will make.i have a ? about the mushrooms on dead logs and trees that i think are saddles or something .i dont think they are chicken mushrooms ,but dont know im new at this. write a line if you can help.going to post pics. Send me some pics, and I may be able to help! -Chris M. soon, Growing Conditions: old groth woods mixed hard wood ,south east side .Additional Comments: happy hunting

May 7th, 2003: George harris, morel - general location: 2 reports 1st just got back from Va. 2nd place western PA. , Growing Conditions: mixed hardwoods and dying elms 2800 feet-3600 feetup, Additional Comments: found 3 new place in the blue ridge mountains of Va. 1 spot yeilded 75 yellows 2-4 inches tall. Other spots yeilded 1-2 doz each. total find in va was 125. Pa spot yeilded 16 monster yellows all larger than a coke can photo will be avaiable soon!

May 8th, 2003: Klair2, morel - general location: Along the Elkhorn river. Growing Conditions: Next to Elm tree, open field.

May 8th, 2003: Jim Woodchuck, None yet - general location: Southern Twin City Area, MN
Growing Conditions: Have looked in previous hot spots and around dead elms in several other areas. Awaiting any info for this area to tell if my spots have all gone dry or if I'm still too early.

May 8th, 2003: Thomas Smith, morel, - general location: Newkirk, Oklahoma , Growing Conditions: in damp, shady area near stream in lowlands

May 8th, 2003: PAUL FOREST, morel - general location: DES MOINES IOWA , Growing Conditions: THICK TIMBER, Additional Comments: HUGE CROP IN IOWA ,WE FOUND 50LBS YESTERDAY ALONE!!

May 8th, 2003: riddle, morel - general location: colon mich , Growing Conditions: elm

May 8th, 2003: Ed, morel - general location: I found 1 small grey morel and 3 false morels in Canton Michigan on May 6th. Growing Conditions: In rich soil under pines and dead Ash trees

May 8th, 2003: Katy G, morel - general location: In a woods with a lot of forest mulch near dead trees in Tipton County Indiana, here are some pics:

May 8th, 2003: troy osborn, morel - general location: Michigan, edwarsburg, cassopolis, Growing Conditions: under dead elms, Additional Comments: 7 pounds

May 8th, 2003: Billy, morel - general location: Kootenai county, North Idaho, Growing Conditions: Drip line of stands of fir and pine trees, Additional Comments: Found around 150..mix of blacks and grays. I hope the rain and cool weather keeps the season going for awhile longer. My wife is a better hunter then me and HATES all mushrooms...I get to eat her share. I don't share with my friends either..lazy bums can find their own. I normally am a giving person except for my morel habit.

May 8th, 2003: Sandy, Additional Comments: Sharon Grimes...contact me for Oregon Morels...I can help you out...dickandsandy@hotmail.com

May 8th, 2003: MARK OLDHAM, morel - general location: on friday..may 3..we found about 8 lbs. of morels in burnettsville,in...in cass county. their were 4 of us hunting and it was about a 2 hr. hunt. found a bunch of really nice yellows and grays. also found quite a few in logansport,in alsoand that is also in cass county.
Growing Conditions: found them on a chilly day...53 degrees and light rain showers...found them mostly around dead elm trees and on hillsides. my dad went out threr the next day in bunettsville and found 24. Additional Comments: I AM FROM ORANGE TX..BUT ME AND MY BROTHER GO TO LOGANSPORT EVERY YEAR TO HUNT MORELS WITH MY DAD AND COUSINS.

May 9th, 2003: Shaelynn McQuivey, morel - general location: Mt.Pleasant, Utah......
Growing Conditions: water runoff

May 9th, 2003: ross, morel - general location: Michigan,near Cadillac, Growing Conditions: lots of elms and some ash, Additional Comments: black morels were little but plentiful. If the rain keeps up it may be a wonderful year.

May 9th, 2003: Richard W, morel - general location: eastern jackson.co MI , Growing Conditions: OLD ELMS LOW SPOTS SOUTH SIDE OF HILLS, Additional Comments: FOUND ABOUT 300 TODAY COOKED SOME JUST NOW.GOING BACK OUT SATURDAY.

May 9th, 2003: R. Taylor & D. Bildner, morel - general location: Hillsdale Co. Michigan,
Growing Conditions: Dead Elms, Hillsides

May 9th, 2003: Sherri Bullinger, morel - general location: Livingston County, Howell, Mi
Growing Conditions: top secret

May 9th, 2003: Scott Duffus, morel - general location: Mason City, IA
Growing Conditions: Under dead elm trees, low lands

May 9th, 2003: I have a few pounds of fresh Morel's and some dried Morel's. All are
picked this year. E-Mail me and we will work out the details.
tntranch@torchlake.com

May 9th, 2003: nancy, morel - general location: Iowa, Polk County, n of des moines, i have been out for 9 days and last find was sat and that was 25 yellows,, 1 week ago i got 14 ,, so i have spent alot alot of time out and about,, no finding of much, but i see so much everyone boasting of their huge finds around desmoines,, i would like some hints if possible,, please,,,,,, also a place i could go by myself,, and be safe..,, yoou know those shoom hunters,,,,,LOL Growing Conditions: the ones i found were along the banks of river bed. We have some specific locations listed under each state in the member areas, aslo I can often "hook you up" with other members in your area. -Chris M Join This Club

May 9th, 2003: Mitch Gilt, morel - general location: Near Windsor, New York , Growing Conditions: 5/6/03. SE facing slope near elms. 144 all grey. Additional Comments: Found 48 more 5/7/03 near Waverly, NY. Side hill near elms.

May 9th, 2003: laurie, morel- general location: Found in a private woods in Washington County. What State?
Growing Conditions: In pine needles, in mixed woods, near to road. Additional Comments: Very small....will be interesting to see how much they grow each day....I didn't pick them, and hope they are still there when I go back!

May 9th, 2003: Spawnboy, morel - general location: Central Montana , Growing Conditions: Aspen tree and pine tree canopys. Additional Comments: Went back to the same place as hunted on May 3rd and foraged around a pound and a half or more. Got them on the N slope; Yellers and Blacks, it's interesting how they choose to grow. Found some growing in the dirt of fallen limbs that have been dead for some time. Found others completely in the open. I was questioning wheather or not I would find any with our recent snow, not to mention that we had previously combed the same area before. Hey Little Tuna what is your email? meskle@yahoo.com >>>Chris I'll send you pics<<<

May 9th, 2003: Mitch Gilt, morel - general location: Broome and Tioga county new york, Growing Conditions: near elm trees, both hill sides and in valleys. Additional Comments: Found 128 greys and 16 yellows in Broome county on 5/6. Found 44 greys in Tioga county on 5/8. Found 6 more greys on 5/8 in Tioga county.

May 9th, 2003: Dewey & Phebe, morel - general location: Rock Island County, IL, Growing Conditions: Found the biggest mess in the middle of hedge trees. Additional Comments: Three of us went out this afternoon. Had about 15 lbs within about 4 hours. Anywhere from thumb sized fresh greys to 6" yellows. All within a half mile.

May 10th, 2003: pat, morel - general location: northwest indiana near union mills
Growing Conditions: on the side of railroad tracks in sanding area with rocks and rotting trees, also under last years dead brush, only found seven worth picking ( I had too they were my first of the year,went there three orther times and found nothing) and let the others grow some more,hope there there tomorrow.The ones I picked were about 2 to 3 inches.Just had to tell you all about it.

May 10th, 2003: Hugh Urban, morel - general location: we've found about 50 yellows (morchella esculenta) and about a dozen half frees (m. semilibera) in the past five days. most were on the small side (two inches or less) and only about 15-20 big ones. the heat and rain has also brought out the bugs, so that some of our best big yellows were already riddled with bugs. you can save some of them by soaking them in water, but it's still disappointing. this year has been weird here in central ohio. it looked great at first, with all the moisture from the snow, but then got hot and humid really fast. i worry that it's already mostly over in these parts. Growing Conditions: most of our finds were under elms; we find a number of big nice yellows under tulip-poplars along a hillside near a stream. Additional Comments: Do any of you eat gyromitras (false morels)? When the true morels are plentiful, why take the chance on being one of the few people that are violently allergic to them? Did you take any photos of these?- Chris M we found an awful lot of them this near (g.esculenta and gabled false morel mostly). i know they are eaten widely in europe, but can also be deadly if not prepared properly. do any of you american hunters eat them or have advise about them? Many people do, I do not reccomend! -Chris

May 10th, 2003: Bill, morel - general location: Hunterdon County, NJ, Growing Conditions: Base of Sycamore

May 10th, 2003: Marc Gebhard, gyromitra - general location: Chicoutimi, Québec, Growing Conditions: In rich lowlands on rotton wood. Additional Comments: I don't eat gyromitra's because of the toxicicity. A mushroom club leader here claims you can dry them and that takes care of the problem. But I'm leary of a mushroom that has been shown to contain cancer-causing compounds. Nevertheless, the appearance of a false morel should indicate that the real Morels are just around the corner here.

May 10th, 2003: Dale, morel - general location: Story county in central Iowa , Growing Conditions: Dead elms and mossy banks, Additional Comments: Still finding new 'rooms here in central IA. Cool weather seems to be prolonging our season, and we definitely have no lack of moisture. Need waders to cross the ditches!

May 10th, 2003: wes nelson, morel - general location: Lake City Minnesota, Growing Conditions: just little shady spots along all the backroads? found a nice little group of about 10 all in a small area!

May 10th, 2003: Jim Rudy, morel - general location: Found 5 nice morels on 5/9/03 while turkey hunting near Eri, PA in Erie County. Growing Conditions: Near a creek bottom under old apple tree.

May 10th, 2003: Kathy W, morel - general location: Central Indiana, close to Indianapolis, Growing Conditions: Under 12 year old living white pines growing on tree farm, pushing up through pine needles, beautiful sight.

May 10th, 2003: Nicole: Hastings, MI, morel - general location: A couple of feet into the woods from our backyard. Growing Conditions: Under some leaves that i had raked into piles last month beneath a canopy of young trees. Additional Comments: My parents and I were moving a new redbud. I happened to notice a mushroom and my parents got all excited. Not knowing what they were excited about, I was quickly informed about morels, their great taste and the extent that people will go to find them. We ended up finding a few more and plan eating our small gathering tonight.

May 10th, 2003: Mike, morel - general location: Northern Illinois, McHenry County
Growing Conditions: Under some Elm Trees

May 10th, 2003: hugh urban, morel - general location: we've found about 50 in the last week or so in the columbus area, mostly around elms and tulip-poplars. not nearly as good as last year, but still not bad for weekend warrior/ shroormers, Additional Comments: out of curiosity, do any of you morel hunters eat gyromitras (false morels)? they are widely eaten in europe, although they also cause numerous deaths every year. i was just wondering if any of you american hunters brave the false morels, and if so, how you cook them

May 10th, 2003: Nick Petersen, morel - general location: Council Bluffs, IA. Out by municipal airport.
Growing Conditions: Mostly they were next to big dead elm trees in pretty thick plant growth making them hard to find. Additional Comments: I found about 150 to 175+ yellows. They were all pretty big. They were scattered about. I had to use my leg to move the plants out of the way so that I wouldn't step on any. The largest grouping had 30 yellows in one spot. Two grocery store plastic bags full. One bag went to my Uncle, his land, his rules, to receive half of what I find. For the other bag, my mom took about ten. The rest I gave away. For some odd reason, those who accepted them from me didn't mind what-so-ever, free of charge.

May 11th, 2003: Greg Holz, morel - general location: Winona County , Growing Conditions: South to southwestern facing hills under several 2-4" thick dying young elms. Picked approx. 175 2"-4" Schrooms my 1st time out this year..Here;we,re finally getting rain after a winter of drought-like conditions...With these 40-47 temps the size will slowly escalate..some sun promised on Mon.-Wed. should double the poundage and lighten the grays to gold....Happy hunting... ductape your sleeves and socks ...the tic population has multiplied emensely the last two years ( Try Ultrathon) or any deet based product for common sense protection and please(no plastic bags or pails) take back to the area you hunt (the cleaning "shake"..Spread the spore...What State? -Chris M

May 11th, 2003: nick taylor, none yet - general location: general known locations State-Mn. Olmestd Cty.
Growing Conditions: Dead Elms,Oaks,creek banks , Additional Comments: been out 10 times lots of different spots nota one yet

May 11th, 2003: Hugh writes: Dear Chris, we love your site, which is a tremendous source of excellent info and
a big help in determining when and where to look. we've found about 85 mostly morchella esculenta and maybe a dozen m.semilibea in central ohio (columbus, licking county, salt folk s.p.). i am attacking a few photos from our finds in the past week. feel free to add them to your site if you like them thanks again for a great site best regards
hugh. Thanks for the kind words. -Chris M

May 11th, 2003: Hello Chris, My wife, kids, and I went mushrooming for our second time and really got into them. Here is a picture of some of the big ones. We hunted for about 2 hours and came up with about 10 pounds. We found these in Summit County, Ohio 5-09-03 The Pells

May 11th, 2003: Near Notre Dame, morel - general location: St. Joe county, IN Growing Conditions: under thick briar canopies, fence lines, rich soil there were quite the variety of trees around. Additional Comments: found half a potato sack on 5/9, all yellow about 5 or more inch average. found a dozen on 5/10 yellow 4 inch average. Had to remind dad not to pull the root and give him a potato bag not plastic, he was so excited to find them he forgot the cardinal rules!!!!!

May 11th, 2003: PHILIP ASAO- general location: MINNEAPOLIS MINNESOTA HOME OF THE WILD AND MORELS , FOUND THEM WEST OF THE TC AND TO THE SOUTH . THEY RANGED IN SIZE FROM THIMBLE TO 11/2 INCHES SOME WERE ALL WHITE OTHERS HAD SOME GREY ON THEM. THEY HAD JUST COME UP. WE NEED THE HEAT TO GET THINGS ROLLING. Growing Conditions: ONLY AROUND THE DEAD AND IN PLACES WHERE THE SUN HIT THE SOIL

May 11th, 2003: Dan Boedigheimer, morel - general location: Itascsa county, Grand Rapids, MN
In the middle of the lawn, not many, but GAME ON! Growing Conditions: In the middle of the lawn, in relatively shaded area. Grew through sod that had been placed where an old wood pile used to be. Additional Comments: They fruit here every year, nice big black ones.

May 11th, 2003: chris, morel - general location: allen co. in , Growing Conditions: a large clump of about 6 elms growing out of the same spot, Additional Comments: i finally found some really nice yellows some a foot tall wish i had a camera that was digital-anyway can anybody tell me how to preserve morels ive seen them preserved i think in fast drying polyurethane but not sure -have some trophys i'd like to keep -if anybody could help??????-by the way i found 12 around a foot tall in about 5 sq ft---as yellow as i've ever seen-wat a rush!!

May 11th, 2003: Bill Sinka`, morel - general location: Michigan! Cheboygan county, City: Indian River
Growing Conditions: On Ridges,near dead trees,Low Lands,in heavy woods, Additional Comments: They are harder than heck to find here....i suggest if u come here,us a leaf blower!

May 11th, 2003: Tamara Host, morel - general location: Lake Odessa, Michigan...Ionia County...
Additional Comments: we've been living here for 8 years now and this is the first time we've found morels here...

May 11th, 2003: Carrie Lyn, morel, dogpeckers - general location: Huron County, Ohio. Growing Conditions: We found a lot of the dogpeckers on the lower side of the hill and mostly all the morels were found down at the bottom under big dead ashes and elms...even a few under a yellow-poplar. Additional Comments: That rain really helped out. Mushroom hunting is so exciting...makes you feel like you're a little kid again!

May 12th, 2003: Christine writes: I have been looking for 2 weeks now & have found over 150 mushrooms during this time. I first started When Larry Lonick turned me on to growing them indoors, I worked for this man for 1.5 years & learned from the Master. I now am growing them in many areas of my woods & backyard thanks to Larry.
My Best Haul yet was this picture I took on Mothers Day in Dansville Mi, 5-11-03.
Christine

May 12th, 2003: Larry Kasper, morel - general location: Kensington area of San Diego CA
Growing Conditions: Not yet sprouted when found. Wasn't sure what they where, so brought them home. "Hatched" over the next few days. Found in plain dirt shaded by a hedge of ficus benj. and a Queen palm next to a walkway. Soil very dry but this has been a wet season. According to meteorologists, normal annual precipitation, although seems more. Additional Comments: Are there any mimics that can cause illness if ingested? In the midwest, they have red, grey, and yellow. Are these the same as those here? Send me a photo! -Chris M

May 12th, 2003: chiro, morel - general location: Aitkin County MN near Mille Lacs Lake. Just a few but, game on now. BTW I see a lot of photos here with dirt on the bottom of the Morels...guys and gals pleeeease pick these little buggers properly. CUT them off, don't rip 'em out of the ground. Growing Conditions: Bare soil exposed to sun

May 12th, 2003: Ivan Roy, black morels Lanark County Ontario CANADA under poplar and cedar - good crop 2-3 inches, white morels appearing fingernail size to 3 inches - wil ripen in 10 - 14 days. Weather - damp and cool. Looks like a GOOD season. Thanks Chris for the great web-site and all your hard work. Good to hear from you, Ivan!

May 12th, 2003:

May 12th, 2003: Dave Stone, morel - general location: Nebraska, northern panhandle around Chadron, Growing Conditions: Moist wet creek bottoms, lined with cotton woods, and other deciduous trees around 3600 feet. Additional Comments: I found about 30 mushrooms ranging in size from very big to medium today

May 12th, 2003: zack cunningham logan casady, morel - general location: Humboldt In humboldt County Iowa
Growing Conditions: On the south side of big hills on the side of corn filds and wet moist sunny day
Additional Comments: we found over 500 mushrooms in about 6 hours

May 12th, 2003: B. Duncan, morel - general location: Iowa, Polk and Marion Cty. Growing Conditions: Am finding morels everywhere. Even where they should not be. Most found in wooded area with heavy leaf coverage.

May 12th, 2003: Kristy, morel - general location: Bucks County, PA, Growing Conditions: rich slope, growing mostly by maples and ash

May 12th, 2003: Pat, morel - general location: wanatah,indiana Growing Conditions: On the side of road and in yard under oak trees.Went back to spot that I found yesterday but someone beat me back,was mad until I drove back home and step out of the car,to my surprise I nearly step right on one!I stop and look at my son and ask him if he put that there?He said no.I Started looking for more and sure enough there was.Just wanted to tell you, you don't always have to go looking somewhere far away,they just might be right in front of you,or at least in your yard.

May 12th, 2003: Rex, morel - general location: Southern Ontario Canada, South Of London
Growing Conditions: I have been looking for a few weeks as I'm from Ohio originally and was used to the time factor there. I found these just yesterday under dead elms. I had the area scouted for weeks and finally it is beginning to produce. The season is just getting started here and I hope to find a good crop yet. The area has full sun and I havent found any yet in the deeper woods. Additional Comments: I would like other Morel hunters in the area to please email me regarding possible hunts.

May 12th, 2003: jon loomis, morel - general location: south facing slope , Growing Conditions: one large dead elm, Additional Comments: first time out 73 grays and yellows cooking them as I type this going to muscoda festival this weekend!!@!

May 12th, 2003: Don Gomola, morel - general location: Centre County, Pennsylvania
Growing Conditions: Under big dead elm tree

May 12th, 2003: Randy Honaker, morel - general location: first i went to NW Ohio near Napoleon, place called Turkey Foot, on Rt.24, found about 35, then went to another place near and got another 20, then went home to Michigan and a friend found about 10 in his yard

May 12th, 2003: Roxanna, Yellow Coral - general location: Sisters, Oregon. Cache Mtn. burn.
Growing Conditions: Last summer Cache Mountain burned. These morels were found in the burn, both inside heavily burned areas and on the fringe of the burn. Mostly Pondersosa Pines and Douglas Firs, heavily needled forest floors. Lots of rain in the area lately, but not a lot of sun. Additional Comments: Mostly small 1-3" black morels, very fresh, no insects. There seemed to be a lot of different varieties, beyond just the expectation of differences in appearance due to growing conditions. Pure white, gray, reddish morels. And a small, pitch black, tight, very pointy with a stark white stem morel that never seems to get any larger than about 1". I believe these are a different variety than any others. It was a great Mother's Day weekend. Now for the cleaning, cooking and freezing. Saw the Oregon Mycological Society there, as well as many professional pickers. Do you think the Morel Project would like a sample of the strange black ones? Yes, and please email me photos of all of these! I hope you took some pictures!- Chris

May 12th, 2003: sharon tracy, morel - general location: These were found by my son Paul in Southern Ohio, I would send a picture but I don't see any where to do this. Sharon, just email me seperately with photos! Thanks, Chris, Growing Conditions: Under dead Elm trees

May 12th, 2003: Jerry Dishman Jr., morel - general location: Muncie Indiana Growing Conditions: wet, sunny and right on the path, Additional Comments: Found two big yellows 10 inches a piece

May 13th, 2003: DALE, morel - general location: WASECA MN. Found by old elm tree. To earlly to pick yet. They are still very small. Need some heat! Found 20 of them. I eill wait a week.

Found another 5 pounds between 5 and 8 pm central today, May 12th. Even though weather has remained cool and rainy here, I saw few if any new fruiting bodies. Funny thing---I found 2.5 pounds of the mushrooms today just behind my next door neighbor's house! Saw a dying Elm and figured it couldn't hurt to have a look. Amazing! Morels were all over the place! You don't necessarily have to go far to come across a nice find, eh? Conditions just have to be right!
Going to go out tomorrow to mark the best spots. Can you tell me a good way to mark spots so I will know and others won't? Guess I can figure that out, but thought I'd ask. Also, do spots where one finds lots of morels generally remain good from year to year? I made sure to scatter remains of old mushrooms all around each place where I found mushrooms. Thanks and best wishes, Elliot Central illinois

May 13th, 2003: DJ Straub, morel - general location: South Metro - Twin Cities, Minnesota
Growing Conditions: wet & leafy hillside of a dead elm

May 13th, 2003: James Keith, morel - general location: St. Charles, IL, Kane County. I have been hunting for about 2-3 weeks and finally found some small greys and yellows yesterday. It has been very dry up here dating back to July 2002, but we just received 6.5" of rain over the last 10 days so I've become optimistic.
Growing Conditions: Full sun on Northern exposure steep hill. I found about 14, enough for a meal. I have been checking the wetlands almost daily for the big treasure. They should be popping any day now. We are behind central Illinois by about 2 1/2 weeks usually.

May 13th, 2003: bob mueller, morel - general location: In the Minnesota River Valley near yhe Twin Cities.
Growing Conditions: Sunny spots only. Additional Comments: They have finally arrived. Mostly little early greys and few little yellows. We seem to be about 10 days behind normal years.

May 13th, 2003: Jim Woodchuck, morel - general location: Hastings, MN. Growing Conditions: Near 2 dead elms, (almost) always within or at outer fringe of moss clumps. In scattered sun-lit areas. Additional Comments: Found about 2 dozen, thumb sized, yellows and greys. They are finally here!! And so are the ticks!! And the blood letting buck thorns!! But ain't it sweet? Thanks for the invaluable site, Chris. I'll check into joining just to support your efforts. Thanks For the kind words, I try to make this as fun and informative as possible! -Chris M JOIN

May 13th, 2003: Here are the picture's of my son's mushrooms he found in Southern Ohio. Thank You! Sharon Tracy

May 13th, 2003: charles frantz, morel - general location: oh, germantown , Growing Conditions: pine

May 13th, 2003: A posting on 5/12 by Christine, Dansville,Mi. about growing morels in her woods. I have what I think is a very good wooded area where I would love to try this. Can you help? Eric

May 13th, 2003: riverdog, morel general location: Michigan/Newaygo , Growing Conditions: Oak/meadow
Additional Comments: 3-5 inch brown morels about 24 in 10x10 damp area with downed branches & few leaves, mostly thumb size or larger, warming up today after rain, should be good this evening....

May 13th, 2003: Stefan Ziolkowski, morel - general location: Billings Montana Growing Conditions: On May 11 My Dad, cousin and I found about around 5 pounds. My cousin hit a motherload after I found 30 and came up with about 100 fresh morels in one spot. We were finding them all over an Island on the Yellowstone River. Some were in deadfall and we even found some in the wet willows. The wierdest thing is that I found a morel growing right next to but practically on a glass bottle. My guess is the bottle produced extra light and heat for the morel. Why do morels grow so good on Islands? Does the river have to do with it. Does anyone know what the biggest morel ever picked was or wher it was picked? I have a photo in the member areas of 14" tall morel, have had reports but no photos of up to 24"!Stefan, could you send some photos of this island, and the river?- Chris M, Spawnboy my email: stephanziolkowski@yahoo.com

May 13th, 2003: Jimbo, morel - general location: Washington county, Wi , Growing Conditions: dead elms on top of hill , Additional Comments: found 19 2 to 4 inch grays very fresh just starting here we have had alot of rain lately and now the temp is staying above 40 at night we are good to go here...just a note...I quit smoking a year ago and did those 19 ever taste good

May 13th, 2003: Peter Kinne, morel - general location: Sheffield, Massachusetts, extreme western massachusetts at around 42N Lattitude in Southern Berkshire County Growing Conditions: edge of lawn and forest

May 14th, 2003: jon loomis, morel - general location: watertown wisconsin dead elm fence line south facing
Growing Conditions: lots of rain now sunny days they are out there!!! Additional Comments: going to be a very good year!!now hand me the butter!

May 14th, 2003: carrie, shaggy parasol - general location: corvallis, oregon, Growing Conditions: under fir trees

May 14th, 2003: Mike & Jon, morel - general location: Stephenson,JoDaviess and Carroll counties-IllinoisWe're finding nice small blacks to 8" yellows. Tops of northern slopes, shaded areas on south slopes and everywhere in between with dead elms in the areas. This morning's rain is a godsend

May 14th, 2003: Spawnboy, morel - general location: Central Montana Growing Conditions: Quaking Aspen and Pine habitat. We rocked it today! I picked alone 183 blacks and blonds. I was one with my shroom chi. My other,other morel nymph nephew and I picked a total of 11 lbs! It was a lot of work but definitly rewarding. I even got to sit on a thorn. It's warming up and will have to start traveling to the higher elevations by this weekend. Thanks Chris!

May 14th, 2003: terry, morel - general location: shelby township, mi , Growing Conditions: on edge of tree line for about 300 yards morels everywere had to be careful not to step on them harvested about 15 lbs... oh my god!!!

May 14th, 2003: I ran across these mushrooms next to my house this weekend while I was cleaning up pine needles. I raked some up and threw them away, and today my wife noticed the ones I didn't get. She thought they were morels, but wasn't sure. From everything I see online, it looks like they are, but I don't want to eat anything without being sure. I noticed a couple people in my area report finding some in the last few days, so it looks like it's about time. Anyway, could you look at this picture and let me know what you think? Thanks.
Tom Moody, Coeur d'Alene, ID. Tom, yes, these are Black Morels, enjoy! Chris M

May 14th, 2003: bob parteka, morel - general location: Muskego, WI, Growing Conditions: Five Morels popped up in some pine bark mulch I laid down to create a parking area for my boat.The area receives a good share of the rain runoff from a paved parking area. Three rather large ones appeared in this same mulch two years ago. Although we had very little snow the past winter, we've had a lot of rain within the last week.

May 14th, 2003: Greg Holz, morel - general location: Winona,Mn. South facing hills with ample sunshine. Found another 175 variuos gold, grey, and black morels all 2-31/2" tall. We need warmer weather now. Received approx.2-3" rain in 4 of the last 6 days. Sun.78 and sunny is forcast should kick up the height of finds. Growing Conditions: Found 50-100' from top of hills facing south around many dying elms. Additional Comments: Local buyer of morels wants them dry when buying them.

May 15th, 2003: DOUGLAS DITMARS, morel black - general location: cadalack mi, Growing Conditions: under oak trees and beside some fallen trees. Additional Comments: im going up to boyne citys mushroomfest this weekend to see whats going on up thair.

May 15th, 2003: morel nymph, morel - general location: Billings montant yellowstone river , Growing Conditions: under Aspen and other decedious trees. Additional Comments: the day was young. i had morels in my blood and could feel their presence all about.at first i didnt find a thing and then started bumping in to them here and ther. after hours of looking i only had about 20 or 30 so i decided to walk to where i tought my cousin and uncler were and finaly started getting into them. after i was done macing the morels i ended up with about five pounds.sugestion if you havent ate morels the night before a hunt try it it might work

May 15th, 2003: Brenda, morel - general location: Mason City, Iowa, Cerro Gordo County, Growing Conditions: Wet, humid, mossy, Additional Comments: I have been hunting for Morel's over the past few weeks. But today is the first siting of them here in Northern Iowa. Southern Iowa has been finding them by bucket fulls. They are just now coming up here in Mason City, Iowa. (Northern Iowa)

May 15th, 2003: Erin, morel - general location: Kendall Co. on Sat. 5/10, Growing Conditions: Finally, All over the woods, Additional Comments: I finally found my fair share. To tired to write about it tonight but suffice it to say one was a 7 1/2 incher and as big around as a tennis ball. along with about 40 others 3-6 inches tall. Took pictures. Will send as soon as i can figure out how to send them.

May 15th, 2003: dennis, morel - general location: Culver In. just found your sight. My wife and I have found over 1100 greys and yellows this season. mostly under elms and apple trees

May 16th, 2003: Jimbo, morel - general location: Washingto County, Wisconsin , Growing Conditions: rich low lands under dead elms, Additional Comments: found 112 gray morels 1 3/4 to 3 1/2 inches tall would have loved to leave them to grow however it was in a place that if I did that they would be gone tomorrow.

May 16th, 2003: April M., morel - general location: Found in Oakland County Michigan
Growing Conditions: Hills on south side of road. Under ash trees and elms. Also in mossy areas.

May 17th, 2003: stimey, morel huge yellows - general location: oakland co neer holly
Growing Conditions: around dead Elms

May 17th, 2003: Clifford Wilson, morel - general location: Easton Pennsylvania, Growing Conditions: On a hill of about 400 feet. Facing south. Additional Comments: They were late season with some decay started on some.

May 17th, 2003: Ken Bauman, morel - general location: Wright County 40 miles west of Twin cities
Growing Conditions: heavy ash/cherry/butternut woods free of undergrowth western slope next to swamp
Additional Comments: Almost 40 years of hunting and finding morels, this is the first time I have ever seen half-free morels, http://www.bluewillowpages.com/mushroomexpert/morels/true.html, It seemed a little early for morels here, but I was looking any way. Found about 120 small to medium half-free morels. They did not seem to be centered around any particular dead tree as I would expect, low land, heavy shade, next to a marsh. Found several individuals in other locations in the same woods.

May 18th, 2003: Dan, morel - general location: Jeddo(Port Huron), Michigan
Growing Conditions: Near apple trees and big oak trees. South side of hills.

May 18th, 2003: John Anderson, morel Black morels and yellow morels - general location: Waterford, WI
Growing Conditions: On the south east side of a hill, close to the bottom. Walked all over this hill side. I was just going back to my truck and I seen one, then two, then I back tracked where I had just walked and found more. Total...around 50. First time in 5 years, I have found any around here. I can't wait to eat them. Sure glad my wife does'nt eat them. Ha! Additional Comments: They were all real fresh. I will be going back out today. Looks like they just started in this area. A thanks goes to you, and the man from Waterford. Who reported his find on 14MAY03.

May 18th, 2003: Grandpa, Mom, Dad and 3 little ones, morel - general location: Green County Wisconsin, outside of Monroe. Growing Conditions: We found a large grocery bag full under an old dead cherry tree, in the woods. Some large ones in the open at a cemetery and another large bag around old Elm tree's. On the hillside where an occasional creek will run. Additional Comments: Every Mother's Day for my past nine years is spent Morel hunting, even packing the younger children in backpacks, when needed. This year we braved the rain and Wind (with warnings out)to find our biggest Jackpot yet, to have the little ones find so many and see their smiles it was well worth it. Good luck to all may you be as blessed as we are!!

May 18th, 2003: BRIAN MARKUS, morel - general location: Waupun,Wisconsin Dodge County
What used to be a railroad track is now a walking trail.There are alot of dead elms easy to reach.This a.m. I came to a place real close to a town.For sure someone had been there,or so I thought Morels have been out here a week,and it was obvious no one had touched these trees!!!I come from SWWisconsin and grew up hunting mushrooms.Not many people around here even know what you're talking about.In fact the first ten years living here no one had EVER mentioned them.Therefore I assumed they didn't grow here.Was I wrong!
Growing Conditions: Always under dead elms.

May 18th, 2003: Richard, morel - general location: Central Sierra Nevada, California, Growing Conditions: Mixed Pine Forest. About 4000 feet elevation, Additional Comments: Greetings from California!! A real nice haul this year, posb. due to the heaviest rainfall in April for quite some time - though warmer weather afterwards would have helped even more. Plenty of healthy Black Morels, with a few of the Red and Albino variations thrown in. All seemed to be unusually more concentrated in very open areas - maybe due to the fact that with minimal warmpth, but plenty of moisture, sunlight was the only key to good fruiting..? Thanks for this great website; reading all the reports from Morel fanatics all over the midwest makes me wish I could live in both places for at least April and May!!

May 18th, 2003: Chris, webmaster, found red russulas, amanitas, and lactarius in Central Georgia.

May 19th, 2003: Christine J. Henry, Metallic Gold Cap 3.5-4" wide - general location: Mount Joy, Pa. Lancaster County, Growing Conditions: Under white pine trees in a carpet of pine needles, Additional Comments: Please identify type of mushroom. I noticed these today. When the sun hits them they were shining and look almost like they have been spray painted with a metallic gold paint. My first guess would be a type of Amanita, I have seen some that appear bronzey in color or even copper, but send some photos and we can help! -Chris M

May 19th, 2003: Adam Evans, Beef Steak - general location: Montcalm Co. Michigan
Growing Conditions: Dead Elm, Burch, Popel

May 19th, 2003: Amy Bortak, morel - general location: Rochester Hills, Michigan , Growing Conditions: In a mossy area next to a Scotch Pine Tree in my back yard. Additional Comments: How do I get them to come back next year?!

May 19th, 2003: Kenny B, morel - general location: Michigan, Northern Oakland County
Growing Conditions: 99% under Dead ELM trees

May 19th, 2003: Dan Traun, morel - general location: Red Wing, MN Area, Growing Conditions: "New Dead" Elms, Additional Comments: Jim & Mary of Prescott, email me @ dtraun@rw.doc.state.mn.us
Dan & Jen of Red Wing.

May 19th, 2003: John Anderson, morel - general location: Waterford, WI on a hilside facing south east. Way back in a woods. Long walk but it was well worth it! I would love to go back tomorrow, but work always gets in the way. Growing Conditions: Under dead elm, Gray Morels, I know they will turn to yellow, if not picked. I went back to the place I had previous found some black morels. Only farther in the woods. I remebered my compass this time. These grays, totaled to 2-1/4 lbs. Big ones, three 6" or 7" er's. For once I got more than i can eat at one time! Additional Comments: We could use a rain shower in the next couple days. Some areas are drying up fast.

May 19th, 2003: Scott Johnson, morel - general location: Clearwater County in northern Minnesota. Found around 200 or so of the dark kind. Most around 2" but a few 3" to 4" tall. Growing Conditions: Found around young popple trees.

May 20th, 2003: Christine, morel - general location: Michigan, Ingham Co., Dansville, Growing Conditions: I have picked in one area for 3 weeks now. Area of about 1-3 Acers, Found mostly near Dead Elm Trees but under many wild rose bushes also. Most found was a paper Grocery bag full ranging from 6-13" each. We have had a wonderfull drizzle rain on for 2 days & sun for 2 then rain again, great for growing many Morels in condensed areas I have found. I & my husband have in the past 3 weeks brought in 14# all together. Additional Comments: I would have never been hooked on Morels if it wasn't for Larry Lonik. We will miss him very much ):

May 20th, 2003: Bob Mueller, morel - general location: Around dead elms, north edge of woods, in Carver County, Minnesota. Growing Conditions: About 50, 1 to 2 inch greys and yellows. Big rain today ought to bring up the big ones by weeks end.

May 20th, 2003: Edward, morel, yellow morels - general location: Twin Cities/western suburb, Growing Conditions: within 10 feet of "standing dead" Siberian Elms, Additional Comments: Found 150 yellows on a rainy day. 2-6 inches tall.

May 20th, 2003: Bob Erickson, Additional Comments: Would like to hear from Christine,Dansville, Mi. on how to grow Morels outside. My email address is berickson@mjsk.com

May 20th, 2003: jloomis, morel - general location: watertown wi, Growing Conditions: rr tracks dead elms south facing slope heavy brambles had to get pretty tore up but worth it!! 20lbs blacks and greys and a few yellows
Additional Comments: found more mushrooms under that elm than i have ever seen!! I think this year is going to be very good! the best in the last decade so keep your knife sharp

May 21st, 2003: sharon grimes, morel - general location: in burn area,Sisters,Oregon.
Growing Conditions: in pine needles,of burn area

May 21st, 2003: Steve Crews, morel - general location: In the North Cascades, Washington State Found April 18th at elevation of 2,500 ft. Snow has only been melted for about two weeks. Found some even coming up through a light snow that fell night before. Found three varieties. Dark, whites and a few yellows. Size varied from 3-8 inches. Found in pine forest recently thinned and undergrowth burnt. This season should last until August as I follow the snow line up. In years past have found morels in late August at 4,600 ft.

May 21st, 2003: Edward, morel yellow morel - general location: Twin Cities/western suburb, Growing Conditions: "standing dead" Siberian Elms. Additional Comments: Found 80 more today. Total is at 230! My onion sack is wearing out. Good luck! Ed.

May 22nd, 2003: Jason Boughner, morel - general location: Essex County, Ontario, Canada, Growing Conditions: around dead elm, Additional Comments: Found 40 large yellow morels, approximatly 2lbs, growing in are of about 20' by 20'.

May 22nd, 2003: m reed beauchamp, morel - general location: teton county, wyoming up teton canyon and up in the forest towards Grand Targhee Ski Resort, Growing Conditions: in the leaves near dead wood

May 22nd, 2003: Christine sent this photo in:

May 23rd, 2003: Rick, morel, - general location: Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest near New Fane, Wisconsin, Growing Conditions: old, rotting apple trees, especially on the southern slopes

May 23rd, 2003: Chris found Old Man Of The Woods, Russulas, Lactarius, and many other misc in Mid Georgia.

May 23rd, 2003: Donzo, morel - general location: San Francisco, CA -- In my back yard!
Growing Conditions: There apparently must have been morel spores in the wood chip mulch I put down earlier this spring. I was out watering this morning and was shocked to find a morel among my jasmine and rosemary. I needed to tell someone -- Thanks!

May 24th, 2003: Dave Zarling, morel - general location: Port Huron Michigan, Growing Conditions: Under an elm tree, next to a shaded flower garden.

May 24th, 2003: Edward, yellow morel - general location: Twin Cities/western suburb
Growing Conditions: Today was the end, my friend. The honey-hole is dried up. I can't wait until next year!
Additional Comments: "standing dead" Siberian Elms. Nowhere else

May 25th, 2003: John Roberts, morel - general location: Mississauga (Toronto) Ontario,Canada, Growing Conditions: Front garden in rich dark soil with bark chip covering. Additional Comments: We landscaped last year. They must have come from the soil they used. It was a pleasant surprise when I saw them growing in our garden as I am originally from Michigan. The last Morel I ate was found near Holt Michigan.

May 25th, 2003: John Anderson, morel - general location: Waterford, WI, Three more pounds of yellow morels. Most were starting to dry up. But there were still some fresh ones. With these conditions, they could last another week. Growing Conditions: In brambles, as Jloomis described his find. Thick cover...scratches on my arms, but worth it. Damp areas, with moss here and there. Additional Comments: I took some to work. Made believers out of a lot of people. They are starting to ask a lot of questions. Being from Indiana, I already know, you do not tell anyone your hunting spots.

May 25th, 2003: Jim, morel - general location: Southern Oakland County, Michigan, Growing Conditions: In an extremely small patch of woods with little leaf cover. The trees I am not sure of. I will be back today to try to find out which type of tree. My first white morel find ever. A total of 23 that weighed 1lb 9 oz.

May 25th, 2003: Dave, morel - general location: Marquette, Michigan, Growing Conditions: under Aspen tree with fungus, on bare ground in my lawn

May 25th, 2003: digz, morel - general location: Dakota County, Minnesota, Growing Conditions: around dead elms, Additional Comments: The end is near ... it has been a very good morel finding year here in MN!

May 25th, 2003: barbara delattre, morel - general location: danville il found many pounds here is pic,
Growing Conditions: yes everywhere this year a very good year, Additional Comments: may i send pics

May 26th, 2003: Bob Henderson, morel - general location: Under a hosta plant in our garden in Rochester Hills, Mi. Oakland County

May 26th, 2003: Jorell Tucker, morel - general location: Found 15 LBS. in Michigan 1 hour West of Cadillac. Lots of Greys, whites, and yellows, Growing Conditions: Found under Ash, and some Elm

May 26th, 2003: grant iams, morel - general location: i found 41 yellow and 1 black today. fenton, mi. they were just like text book, right in a area with a tiny bit of grass surrounded by a few dozen dead elms, ground was moist to dry, Growing Conditions: rich lowlands to wetlands

May 26th, 2003: Trevor Hammontree, morel - general location: I only found three of the little guys but I did not look that long. I live in Colorado and found them in Teller county just south of Woodland Park,CO. Right around 8,500'-9,000' above sea level. Growing Conditions: In rich valley, around aspen stands. I grassy parts. Not so much around pine needles. Additional Comments: I would like to know where else in CO to look if anyone knows. Growing up around the Petoskey,MI area I have become a little spoiled and could use some Rocky Mountian tips.

May 26th, 2003: Mark and Ann Romstad, morel - general location: Attica, Michigan
Growing Conditions: We found 9 under Under two elm trees near the road. When we walked the rest of our 10 acres we only found 2 that were half eaten by wildlife under some ashes.

May 26th, 2003: B. Flagg, morel - general location: Barre, MA, Growing Conditions: Just cleared a deep stand of pines and they came up a week ago through the leaf compost.

May 27th, 2003: Jimbo, morel - general location: Washington County Wisconsin, Growing Conditions: dead elms anb briar patches, Additional Comments: went out over the holiday weekend and found a total of 609 of them this was the best year I ever had. Dose any body have a recipe for canning them?

May 28th, 2003: Dan, morel - general location: Plumas County, California, Growing Conditions: In logged forest, in Cat tracks and skid roads. I have been picking them for 3 weeks. Due to the heat wave in this area, you have to go above 5000' to find morels that are not wormy.

May 28th, 2003: Jim S, morel - general location: 10 miles North of Thunder Bay Ontario Canada,
Growing Conditions: in wet mossy forest litter, covering a large rock

May 28th, 2003: Theresa, morel - general location: Rochester New York Monroe county, Growing Conditions: Growing in my front yard! I walk out the side entrance toward the front part of the house and there they were. There are a couple of trees a poplar, ash and elm. Additional Comments: we found two yellow and one black.

May 28th, 2003: chris olson, morel, verpa - general location: valdez alaska, Growing Conditions: under small trees, Additional Comments: I AM INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT ABOUT ANY MOREL SITINGS IN THE INTEROIR OF ALASKA AND THE CHENA HOT SPRINGS AREA AND TOK AREAS

May 28th, 2003: rosanna summers, morel - general location: shady side of a west hill, low , crisp. needs rain
Growing Conditions: homebrook tnsp.Mn 56472 see or put above...sorry found some other m,shrooms.looking for more morels

May 29th, 2003: Mark Olearczyk, morel - general location: Clinton, New york,
Growing Conditions: On slopes around elms and apples

May 29th, 2003: Tim, chanterelle - general location: Near Charleston South Carolina. Growing Conditions: Mixed hardwood forest with predominant Oak. Additional Comments: A group of 7 of us found about 2-3 lbs. while on an identification foray. They were in a n area that receives a lot of sun and I expect the shadier wooded areas to begin producing soon. Tim, what kind of Chanti did you find? I have been looking myself, nothing yet! -Chris M.

May 29th, 2003: bob mueller, morel - general location: Carver County, Minnesota , Growing Conditions: Everywhere. Additional Comments: If I would have had the time I could have picked a hundred pounds per day over the Memorial Day Weekend. But I have enough. Found a few more big yellows today, but very near the end, except in the deep dark woods and the NE slopes I'll find the late ones.

May 30th, 2003: Steve G., morel - general location: Vanderbilt - Gaylord, Mi. area May 24-26.
Growing Conditions: Two of us found Blacks, Greys and Whites (majority) under Ash Trees. We only found 20 Whites Mon. morning before heading home but they were BIG! They filled a large mixing bowl after I cleaned and cut them up into cooking/eating size pieces. One added bonus was a cluster of Oyster mushrooms we found on an old downed tree trunk. We've got some mushrooms to ration out this year until next spring now!

May 31st, 2003: Peter Duveen, morel - general location: Port Chester, New York USA , Growing Conditions: Shade, by a dirt path, sort of to the side. saw them in the morning. Additional Comments: The morels look cool. I hope they're not poison...as we all know that eating the wrong mushroom can have fatal consequences.

May 31st, 2003: Richard Porter, morel - general location: on my farm near Cambridge Ontario Canada
Growing Conditions: outside front porch

May 31st, 2003: Robert Saunders, morel - general location: Port Austin, Michigan Huron County
Growing Conditions: Small woods around ash tree.

May 31st, 2003: These photos were submitted from Huron County, Ohio.Danny and Justin Kilgore and Mike Barnes

June 1st, 2003: Dick B, morel - general location: columbia county NY, Growing Conditions: ash woods
Additional Comments: really big morels this year. got about 5 5gal. buckets full. nice mostly blonde.

June 2nd, 2003: Casey, morel - general location: calif Truckee, Growing Conditions: front yard at the base of a lilac bush in pine needle litter, Additional Comments: I have never seen one of these before except in pix.. are there others fungi that look similar this one I found looks exactly like these pix I am finding on the web some one please reply. There are false Morels that do look similar. I would need to see a photo of your find to tell. -Chris M

June 2nd, 2003: From Tess:

June 2nd, 2003: John Grant, morel - general location: Near Leavenworth, Washington in the mountains.
Growing Conditions: open areas of recently receded snow but in the sun, in grassy or needle duff areas, quite dry year, but got several pounds worth.

June 3rd, 2003: These photos were just now submitted, but were found about a month ago in Ohio.

June 3rd, 2003: Jon Gatewood, morel - general location: Danby, VT. Growing Conditions: Partly sunny grassy hill near, pines and maple. Additional Comments: 3 fairly large blonde morels. Not many but still Yummy!