It’s about time we shake things up when it comes to the “it” groundhog on Groundhog Day. In particular, the OG of groundhogs – Punxsutawney Phil who has been predicting the weather for 134 years since 1887. Since then, he almost always predicts 6 more weeks of winter-including this year. He’s only predicted an early spring 20 times! Whatta jerk!
Maybe it’s time we replace Phil with Ms. G. – a groundhog from Massachusetts. Let’s give the lady a chance! Ms. G resides at Mass Audubon Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln, MA and in addition to predicting weather on February 2nd, she also travels to to schools, scout troops, and other organizations as part of the Mass Audubon Ark Outreach program to educate children and adults. Does Phil do that?
As a very young woodchuck, she was found in an injured condition and taken into the care. She’s a survivor! Because she is accustomed to being fed and cared for by humans, she is not equipped to survive in the wild on her own. She found her permanent home at Drumlin Farm, where she began her teaching career as one of Mass Audubon’s wildlife ambassadors.
So forget Gobbler’s Knob and let the country turn its attention to Lincoln, MA and Ms. G. next year on February 2nd. You can learn more about Ms. G. here!
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
