Each year folks wake up on Feb. 2 and tune in to see if a groundhog sees its shadow. Remember: Legend says that if the groundhog sees its shadow, six more weeks of winter lie ahead. If not, an early spring is expected.
As the story goes, Punxsutawney Phil will give his unofficial prediction this morning. Those here in the Bay State will turn to the local source that will also be providing a forecast prediction.
Ms. G is a female groundhog living at Mass Audubon Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln. Groundhogs, aka woodchucks, at the sanctuary live indoors during the winter and their favorite foods are kale, broccoli, and corn. She has been forecasting on Groundhog Day since 2008. Don’t trust Phil? We don’t blame you. Historically, Ms. G is more accurate with the weather predictions. Reports have observed that her forecasts have been accurate ~64% of the time, while Phil’s been correct ~39%.
The journey to have Ms. G become the official State Groundhog for the Commonwealth began in 2013 and the bill was signed in 2014. Want to learn more about Ms. G? There is a 64-page book titled “Ms. G’s Shadowy Road to Fame” sharing the story about the local groundhog, historic New England storms, and a few facts about the legislative process.
Each year thousands gather to cheer on Ms. G at the Mass Audubon Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary at 208 S. Great Rd. in Lincoln. This year, the Audubon team will have a scaled back event due to health concerns for Ms. G. The local groundhog has experienced some hair loss and to reduce stress will make her predictions from inside.
