Western Burn Morels

Culinary Historians of Chicago

Western Burn Morels Trent and Kristen Blizzard Morel mushrooms are famous for thriving in Western forests the year after a wild fire. Join us and learn how to locate and collect these edible fungi. Locating ideal burn morel terrain starts online with topographic and satellite maps. Other factors that affect your likelihood of hunting success include weather, forest type, elevation, aspect, season and terrain. We will also be sure to discuss the various Morchella species that thrive in the burn as well as proper etiquette and the Leave No Trace practices. Self proclaimed “modern foragers” Trent and Kristen Blizzard reside in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. They have been trekking the forests of Colorado, the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest for years mostly with wild, edible mushrooms in mind. At first a hobby, the hunt for mushrooms quickly became nothing short of an obsession for these two mycophiles, both of whom are certified Wild Mushroom Identification Experts in their home state of Colorado. They are the authors of the soon to be released, Wild Mushrooms: A Cookbook and Foraging Guide. Whether you are a seasoned forager or new to the wild and wonderful word of edible forest fungi, this book has something for you! You will find a wealth of tips and tricks for harvesting each mushroom, along with general cooking techniques and preservation methods. They endeavor to explore not only a selection of delicious cuisine and new methods of cooking these wild edibles, but the question of how to preserve and enjoy your harvests all year long. The book is also a celebration of people they have met over the years. Regardless of what mushroom they are after or where they are searching, Trent and Kristen often have their two crazy doodles (Benzie and Lulu) helping out. They also employ a wide range of technologies that bring a modern twist to an ancient practice. As modern foragers, they utilize digital mapping, social media, GPS, phone apps, and even satellite internet while on the road. You will find them blogging about their adventures at modernforager.com.