After grabbing her GPS, bug spray, journal, and foraging basket, EmilyMae King headed into the woods.

“It’s always a good time in the woods," said King.

Leaves are budding, flowers are blossoming, and mushrooms are growing.

“It’s just an extra thing to do while you’re out in the woods," said King. "It’s a healthy lifestyle, it’s intergenerational.”

King is referring to mushroom foraging. King grew up in the woods–literally. She’s spent hours walking around in nature and hasn’t stopped since.

King searched forests in Oneida County which she says is the home to thousands of types of mushrooms.

“I like to find places that have a little bit more topography and old-growth forest, it seems to be a little more variety of mushrooms, especially in the spring," said King.

On Monday, her locations of choice were CAVOC and the Holmboe Natural Area in Rhinelander.

King says mushrooms can get a bad reputation, and although a lot of them don’t have any human use, some can be nutritious and delicious like these morels.

“That natural awareness comes from just being present in the woods and getting familiar, and knowing that even if you just touch a mushroom, it’s not going to hurt you," said King.

King says once you get familiar with mushrooms, you learn a lot–even about life.

“It was an epiphany I had, when I realized I go too fast in my life," said King. "And mushrooms inadvertently taught me to slow down and be more present.”

She spends a lot of time teaching people, both young and old about mushrooms, and hopes everyone at least considers learning more.

“It’s really a hobby you can do your entire life," said King.

King expects peak mushroom season to start in a few weeks, and last until late August.

Feel free to send story ideas or just say “hi” at mjohnson@wjfw.com

Morgan joined Newswatch 12 in October 2019, beginning as an apprentice and then moving to reporting. Morgan is a Rhinelander native and loves …

Morgan reports for the 5pm & 6pm newscasts. Morgan is a Rhinelander native and came to Newswatch 12 in October of 2019. She loves to share stories that impact small communities in positive ways.

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.

We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen!

Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates.