Iowans are already finding morel mushrooms in the southern half of the state. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Even in these uncertain times, Iowans are finding one thing to look forward to: mushroom hunting.

Already, some morel hunters are finding the sponge-like delicacies in the southern half of Iowa, despite snow last week throughout the state.

Social distancing in light of the coronavirus pandemic just means that solitary mushroom hunting, or in very small groups, is the way to go this year, though for many veteran hunters, that is the norm.

Morel mushrooms need sufficient moisture and soil temperatures to “pop,” similar to what is forecast in Iowa this coming week.

Soil temperatures of 50 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit are said to be ideal for the mushrooms to make their annual appearance. View the current soil temps for Iowa.

One change prompted by the coronavirus resulted in the annual Houby Days festival in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, moving to an online event. Houby — the Czech word for mushrooms — are spotlighted during the festival in Czech Village.

More: Houby Days canceled in Cedar Rapids

Virtual Houby Fest will be online on the Cedar Rapids Main Street Facebook page from May 15-16, 2020.

See photos of morel winners and more from last year’s Houby Days.