Michigan’s Official Groundhog, Woody, predicts an early spring! This morning, our community braved the cold temperatures and early morning to watch Woody make her prediction, live!
The Howell Nature Center hosts a Groundhog Day celebration every year predicting an early spring or late winter. Free to the community, guests are encouraged to join in on all of the festivities. Woody has been Michigan’s Official Groundhog since 1999, making this year her 25th prediction for the Howell Nature Center.
When it was time for Woody’s prediction, the community joined in on a silent count-down to welcome her. Woody left little to the imagination, staying out of her home & not seeing her shadow. Woody says an early spring is upon us.
The festivities also featured a yummy breakfast, a costume contest, interactive games, an educational talk about the benefits of groundhogs in our ecosystem, and groundhog trivia. Our guests were divided into “Team Winter” or “Team Spring”. The Spring & Winter teams battled in two Minute-to-Win-it style games, and tied on groundhog trivia. Woody herself acted as the tie-breaker declaring “Team Spring” as the winner this year.
Statistically speaking, Woody has been correct on her predictions about 67% of the time over the last 24 years. We are eager to see what the next few weeks will bring.
If you believe Michigan’s official groundhog deserves a home fit for a celebrity, please consider making a donation today. HNC has options for those making a financial gift. Donations can be made via their website at howellnaturecenter.com; via mail to Howell Nature Center, 1005 Triangle Lake Road Howell, MI 48843; or by calling (517) 546-0249.
Be sure to follow HNC’s Facebook and Instagram accounts to stay up-to-date on the latest news at the Nature Center. If you have any questions, call (517) 546-0249 or e-mail info@howellnaturecenter.org.
