mushroom hunting in central illinois

This past Friday we went mushroom hunting in a super-secret local spot.  The key to finding mushrooms is going out a day or two after it rains.  The soaked ground underneath decaying trees creates the perfect conditions for fungal growth.

In addition to a dozen or so species of fungi, we’re %90 certain we found some chanterelles, a choice edible.  We cooked and tasted ’em (I didn’t try too much) and they were indeed delicious.  I made a spore print, but the white spores were difficult to see on the white piece of paper that I used.

Mushrooms are so beautiful and interesting.

Link to the rest of my mushroom photos on flickr.