I’d though there was no new cardboard out this year, so I was not keeping a close eye out for mushrooms. Then, overnight, they sprung. We had great rain for a day, followed by a cloudy, cool day to bloom, and these mycological miracles of the soil came forth from none other than the cardboard forms for the cement feet of my solar instillation. Yes, that’s right, the sonotubes of construction brought us a great harvest of morel mushrooms.
I’m thrilled to say that today’s lunch will be a modest serving of these bright little gems in butter with a pinch of salt to taste. Really appreciative of the complex living soil here on the farm. Great hosting of this import through the disruption of the soil around the foundational feet of this great power station. In the month of April alone, we produced 2,000kWh, with 6MWh for the year of 2026, so far. The morel production was certainly a side benefit, and we’ll take every abundance in food production here at EEC Forest Stewardship. Morels are an annual surprise crop, usually blooming out of old cardboard mulch in the gardens or orchards. It’s a usual April tradition here, and with any abundant rain event, I keep my eyes peeled for mycological mischief in the grounds around here. We’ll not see any more rain for at least a week, so I think this flush of mushroom feasting is a one off for the year. I’ll check back next year, and put out some additional cardboard to encourage more in future.
Sun, soil, and water play crucial roles in the production of Leafhopper Farm, and the restoration of the ecology in process at EEC Forest Stewardship. There is a great deal of reward in spring bloom, and these mushrooms are another affirmation that the ground here is healthy, wealthy, and wise. Cherry blossoms have timed their arrival after the colder weather this month, and our pear trees are looking good too. The early apples also delayed long enough to skip the last frost, so I think we’re on for a decent fruit season again this year. The Asian pear tree was not well timed, coming on too early and missing the pollinator awakening. Bees are buzzing about now, and the swallows are darting across the sky chasing all matter of flying insect. Most of the native trees are leafing out now, and the smell of maple blossoms, red flowering current, and camas fills the air. This is the time for morels to be out, and it’s Spring all around. Gratitude for this awakening time of year, the splendor of green, bloom, swelling of leaf and stem into full production. All the abundance comes to light in this early growth. May it feed all of us in our own return to outside warmth and sun.
EEC Forest Stewardship 