Mushrooms Hunt
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Ken Shronpz of Brush Run found several morel mushrooms at Cross Creek Park in Avella on May 1.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Jeremiah McClain, 9, of Avella finds morel mushrooms during a program by Washington County parks and recreation at Cross Creek Park in Avella on May 1.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Santaigo Rodriguez, 6, of Canonsburg leads the way as his family hunts for morel mushrooms at Cross Creek Park in Avella on May 1.
With a walking stick in one hand and a bag in the other, nature enthusiasts set out for a hike at Cross Creek Park in search of the most highly prized mushrooms, the great morel. Valued for their rarity and savory flavor, morels typically emerge in mid-April through May for about a 4-week span. Weather conditions play a large role in the length of the season each year. Morels like to grow around a variety of trees, such as ash – particularly white ash – elm – dead or dying is best – and apple and cherry, where they are hidden under leaves and dead bark.
Spring is a great time to take a trip to your local park, whether hunting for mushrooms or just enjoy connecting with nature.