If truffles are out of your price range, morels are the next best thing. Prized for taste and versatility by chefs worldwide, morels emerge for only a short time in spring. Knowing where to look for morels is one important factor in the hunt. Lucky for us, Nick Spero knows all the clues. He knows the rich forests where morels grow and how they are intertwined in a symbiotic relationship with certain trees. And how indicator plants can tell us when the morel growing season will start and end. And how the right combination of warmth and rain brings morels popping their heads out of the soil.
We will discuss collection methods and how to prepare our findings for optimal taste and nutrition. To limit our impact on the park, let’s concentrate on learning to identify and sample taste rather than foraging, which may damage an area when too much is taken.
Please note that morels are very temperature and moisture-dependent. We will do our best to find them, but like all natural things, we make no guarantees.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (low-intensity hiking)
Remember to
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking boots or sneakers with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and for your camera, an extra battery, memory card, and lens-cleaning cloth.
- Bring binoculars, if you would like to bird along the way.
- Bring your guidebooks.
- No pets, please.
The exact meeting location will be listed in your confirmation email after payment has been received.
NEW – Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Location
Patapsco Valley State Park
