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. We’ll learn 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)
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water and snacks.
- Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe if you have them for viewing opportunities along the walk.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
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 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.
Registration
Levels:- NHSM Member: $35
- Non Members: $48