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M22 LIFESTYLE

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2023 GUIDE TO SPRINGTIME MOREL MUSHROOM HUNTING IN MICHIGAN
 

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From exploring the Great Lakes to playing golf to going canoeing or kayaking, there’s no shortage of springtime activities in Michigan. If you look forward to exploring the woods, hiking, and getting in touch with nature, morel mushroom hunting in Michigan is one of the best springtime activities.
 

There are more than 2,000 kinds of wild mushrooms in the Mitten State, and morels are among the safest. Of course, morels require just the right mix of moisture and temperature to grow. But with the right conditions, the month of May is prime morel mushroom foraging season. If you can find morel spots, you can go back to them year after year. If you’re a novice hunter, you may find the seasoned Michigan morel hunters may be a little reluctant to divulge their go-to mushroom spots!

Morels come in shades of gray, black, and yellow. They’re most often distinguished by their long caps which look like honeycombs.

Morel mushrooms usually stand between 1 inch and 4 inches tall and are about 1 inch to 2 inches around. When you find them, be sure to pinch off the stem at ground level so that the “roots” remain intact for regrowth.

 

Usually, morel mushrooms are found in wooded areas, especially around dying or dead trees. But, some morel hunters report finding them in fields, landscaping mulch in busy metro areas, and old orchards. Try walking slowly, and searching diligently.

Morels can be found in every one of Michigan’s 83 counties. The morel season can start as early as mid-April in South Michigan and last until mid-June in the Upper Peninsula. The weather has a huge impact on when the mushrooms grow. They require daytime temperatures of at least 50 degrees and nighttime temperatures of at least 40 degrees. They prefer dampness, so search for them a few days after a warm spring shower.

 

When hunting for morels in Michigan forests, it’s important to note that while May is Morel Month in Michigan, the actual fruiting period is from late April until mid-June, depending on the location and species.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants to help you find morels. Plus, organizations like the Michigan Mushroom Hunters Club are willing to share their knowledge with beginners.The best advice, though, is to look anywhere and everywhere. You may find morels at your favorite state park, along your fence, or around cleared logging areas. The more you look, the better your chances are of finding morels. Once you find a spot, keep it to yourself and check back every year.

 

 Moral Mushroom Hunting Tips & Tricks

 

Morel mushroom hunting in Michigan can be a great way to spend a day or even a weekend. But it’s important to dress appropriately, know what to look for, and be aware of your surroundings. To that end, here are some helpful morel hunting tips:

  • Don’t trespass. There’s plenty of public land that you can search on, so avoid private property.

  •  If you’re walking in the woods, boots are a must-have.

  • Carry a compass or GPS. It can be helpful in unfamiliar areas.

  • Know what to look for. False morels do exist, so get a wild mushroom identification book before you go hunting.

  • Pick morels correctly. Be sure to cut or pinch the stem at ground level.

  • Watch out for ticks. You’re looking for morels, but you don’t want to take home uninvited guests.

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CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN SPA SERVICES
ARE SURE TO RELAX AND REJUVENATE

 

At the heart of the Crystal Mountain community is Crystal Spa - a place of well-being in all seasons. The18,500-square-foot, LEED-Certified oasis at the heart of Crystal Mountain honors the art and natural beauty of northern Michigan in a setting that awakens and inspires. From the first moment you enter the doors of Crystal Spa, you'll appreciate the comforts of this elegant retreat. Plan a SPA DAY at Crystal Mountain and to connect to a healthier and more grounded you.

SKIN CARE:  Experience healthier, radiant and younger-looking skin when you book a facial. Licensed estheticians can also recommend skincare treatments and products that are best suited for your skin type.

MASSAGE:  Choose from an array of massage services catered to meet your body’s specific needs. Massage services include deep tissue, Swedish, prenatal, oncology, hot stone massages and more. Enhance your massage with superb add-ons to help you truly relax.

 

BODY TREATMENTS AND NAILS:  Body Services at Crystal Spa take rejuvenation to a whole new level. You’ll feel like a new person! Let us help you recharge your mind, body and spirit. Body Services at Crystal Spa take rejuvenation to a whole new level. You’ll feel like a new person! Let us help you recharge your mind, body and spirit

Crystal Spa was honored with the #19 spot in Spas of America Top 100 Spas of 2022! For more information, call Crystal Spa at 888-968-7686 ext. 7200 or e-mail spa@crystalmountain.com.

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explore the manitou islands
in sleeping bear dunes
national lakeshore

 

The Manitou Islands in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are perched off the coast of Leelanau County. With their miles of undeveloped shoreline, towering dunes and thick forests, the Manitou Islands in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are an absolute must for any Northern Michigan vacation. The Manitou Island Transit Co. ferries passengers to both islands from Leland with twice-a-day runs to South Manitou and once-a-day runs to North Manitou. Which means, of course, that if you’re looking to do an island in a day, purchase your ticket for South Manitou. Under ideal conditions, the ferry ride from Leland to either North or South Manitou Island takes about 90 minutes; upper-deck or below-deck seating is available on the ferry, which can accommodate several dozen travelers. The ferries depart from Leland near Fishtown, a historic fishing district featuring dozens of 19th-century fishing shanties that now house small boutiques, galleries and shops. Day trips to South Manitou take about 7 hours total, so taking a packed lunch from Fishtown’s favorite sandwich shop, The Village Cheese Shanty, is an easy way to get a true taste of Fishtown while on the shores of a Manitou Island. For more information about ferries and to make reservations (which is highly recommended) contact Manitou Transit at ManitouTransit.com or call 231.256.9061

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REQUEST A FREE MAP
 

A free 10-panel map of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Leelanau County including popular attractions in the national park, things to see and do, restaurants, shops, museums, and wineries. Includes five popular driving tours.

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STUNNING PRIVATE EVENT VENUE AT STORMCLOUD TAPROOM 
 

Are any of our Lake Bluff Preserve guests searching for a local, private venue to hold your wedding, conference, reunion, or other group activity? Stormcloud Parkview Taproom can be reserved for special events such as wedding receptions, graduation parties, rehearsal dinners, community gatherings, corporate events, fundraisers, and private parties.
 

Parkview Taproom Features:
 

  • 57 Person Capacity Interior (Seating for 25)

  • 4,500 Square Foot Fenced Lawn Area (Seating for 50)

  • Event Parking Lot with Electric Car Charging (Tesla and generic)

  • 12 Beer Taps

  • Wine, Cider and Non-Alcoholic Beverage Menu

  • Simple Setup for Food Truck Rental

  • Two Restrooms

M22 driving

REMINISCING

night FALL

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