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A decade of doin’ good!

The 10th annual Morels & Memories mushroom hunt will be 12:30-4:30pm, Saturday, May 17, 2025 in Watertown, MN. All proceeds go toward Alzheimer’s research.

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2025 Lineup

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Join the Morel Madness!

​Embark on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Minnesota's Big Woods to hunt for the elusive Morel mushroom! Guided by expert foragers and culinary legends, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn new skills, and support a worthy cause.

 

Highlights

  • Expert Guidance

    • Learn from seasoned professionals like Jaime Rockney (Chick of the Woods), Maria Wesserle (Four Season Foraging), Alison Cromie (Lesbian Forager), Olena Johnson (Olena the Mushroom Lady), and Matt Mosher (Matt's Mushrooms and More).

  • Celebrity Chef

    • Taste a delicious Morel dish prepared by renowned Forager Chef, Alan Bergo.

  • Prizes and Competitive Fun

    • Compete in the hunt for prizes, enjoy live music, savor comfort food, play games, and bid on exciting items in our silent auction. Raise the most funds prior to the event and win a prize!

  • Give Back

    • Support Alzheimer's research by participating in this heartwarming fundraiser.

 

What to Expect

  • Explore private property just 45 minutes from the Twin Cities.

  • Discover tips and tricks for finding, identifying, cleaning, and cooking Morels.

  • Keep what you find!

  • Enjoy a memorable day surrounded by nature and like-minded enthusiasts.

 

Registration

  • General Admission

    • Adults: $50

    • Kids 12 & under: Donation of Choice

  • Philanthropist Package

    • $80/person + exclusive swag

 

Don't Miss Out

Don't miss out on this incredible experience! Register now and be part of the Morel Madness. The participant who raises the most funds prior to the event wins our gratitude AND a pound of dried morels!

 

Our Story

Our beloved mother, Heidi Vanderlinde, was diagnosed with Younger Onset Alzheimer's Disease at the young age of 49 in 2011. Despite her courageous battle, she succumbed to this cruel disease in August 2019. Heidi's love for the outdoors, plants, and sunshine inspired us to create the Morels & Memories Mushroom Hunt & Alzheimer's Fundraiser. 

 

For almost 10 years, we've come together to honor her memory and raise over $114,000 towards finding a cure for Alzheimer's. Dollars donated to our fundraiser are shared with the Cure Alzheimer's Fund, which is a non-profit dedicated to groundbreaking research. Until a cure is found, we will continue to search for Morels, fueled by our unwavering hope and determination to make a difference.​

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Volunteers make this event possible! By donating your time, you will be amplifying our collective contribution to Alzheimer’s research. (Plus, volunteers receive a commemorative t-shirt!)

We are currently looking for help with:

  • Site Prep

  • Check-In

  • Parking 

  • Games & Food

  • Merch

Please send an email to morelsandmemories@gmail.com to learn more. Thank you!   

Prepare Yourself for The Woods

  • Dress for the Environment

    • We hunt rain or shine -- dress in layers​

    • Long pants are recommended to protect against poison ivy, wood & deer ticks, mosquitoes, and sharp tree fall like sticks and branches

    • Bug spray is provided to all participants

  • Two guarantees in life, but finding morels ain't one

    • Morel mushrooms only grow in the wild -- seriously, they can't be commercially grown

    • As such, we can't guarantee any mushrooms will be found (only happened once)

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HAPPY HUNTING!

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Morels & Memories Mushroom Hunt & Alzheimer's Fundraiser © 2025

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