June 15, 2026
Morel mushrooms. They are rare, wild, and highly prized. Only appearing for a brief few-week window in spring, they are also elusive. Through its program, Pickin’ with the Champ: Morel Mushrooms with Anthony Williams, Bloomfield Township Public Library will provide area residents with pro tips for hunting these fleeting fungi.
During the insightful program, five-time morel mushroom hunting champion Anthony Williams will tell stories about gathering morels and offer enlightening know-how purposed to making participants’ foraging more fruitful. Williams, whose family has been picking morels in Northern Michigan since the 1890s, was Expert in Residence at the National Morel Festival (Boyne City) for 20 years.
Morel mushroom hunting is a beloved outdoor activity across Michigan, and for good reason. Beyond the thrill of the hunt, these impossible-to-farm, sought-after delicacies are low-fat, vitamin-rich, loaded with antioxidants, and full of flavor.
Michigan is widely considered one of the best states in the nation for hunting morel mushrooms, which are appreciated for their spongy, meaty texture and known for their honeycomb-like cap. The state’s unique ecosystems and soil, as well as its temperature and moisture balance, are well-suited to morels.
“Whether you’re a novice or seasoned pro, if you are interested in hunting morels, this program is for you,” said Laura J. Kraly, Adult and Teen Services Department Head at the Library. “Morel mushrooms are notoriously hard to find. With his decades of experience and engaging presentation style, Anthony Williams will offer helpful advice on when, where, and how to pick that will increase the success of people in our community who partake in this unique activity.”
The program will be presented at the Library on Tuesday, July 14, from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Registration for the free event is required and can be made online via the Library’s website. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Bloomfield Township Public Library.
