For years, foodies and nature enthusiasts have regarded spring as morel-hunting season. Groups from various mycological clubs and societies wander into the woods with nets and dreams of locating the conical, honeycombed mushrooms. But beginners and experienced mushroom hunters alike often return to their cars empty-handed.

The thrill of the hunt comes partly from pop culture, but also from the excitement of searching for — and finding — a small piece of seasonally fleeting, fickle nature.

Maxine Stone and Russ Davenport talk with the Library’s Anne Kniggendorf about where, when, and how to begin a search and, most importantly, how to separate edible mushrooms from poisonous varieties.

Stone is the author of Missouri’s Wild Mushrooms and the past president of the Missouri Mycological Society. She says that while she does hunt morels, they are not her first choice; she shares the varieties she hunts year-round.

Davenport is a member of the Kaw Valley Mycological Society and seeks out mushrooms in Kansas near the Flint Hills. He talks about how he got into the activity and the strategies he employs to bag the biggest harvest.

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