Groundhog Day

Furry Forecaster Makes Live Shadow Check

January 21, 2010

Furry Forecaster Makes Live Shadow Check
Groundhog Day at Charlotte Nature Museum
Tuesday, February 2, 3:00 — 5:00 p.m.

Charlotte, NC — What will the furry forecaster, Queen Charlotte, predict — six more weeks of wonderful winter or are warmer days ahead? Find out at Charlotte’s only live shadow check at Charlotte Nature Museum’s Creature Feature event, Groundhog Day, Tuesday, February 2, 3:00 — 5:00 p.m.

Who needs a “Phil” when we have a “queen”? Prognosticator groundhog (Marmota monax), Queen Charlotte, will be on hand throughout the event before checking for her shadow at precisely 4:30 p.m. We hope Queen Charlotte is the hairy harbinger of Spring, but who nominated the groundhog to predict the weather? Learn about the tradition of Groundhog Day and its little known folklore origins from expert interpretive staff.

Nature-lovers also can burrow deep for the inside scoop on all things groundhog, including one of life’s biggest puzzlers, what’s the difference between a woodchuck and a groundhog? Little ones will especially love “The Shadow Knows” puppet show and groundhog-themed story time and crafts which will run regularly throughout the event.

Creature Features, supported by The Guild of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum, are monthly special events and include crafts, puppet shows, storytelling and refreshments. Creature Feature activities are free with Museum admission. Admission: $6 ages two and older, younger-than-two and Members are free. Parking is free.

Charlotte Nature Museum is located at 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte.
Hours are: Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.; Sunday noon — 5:00 p.m.; and closed on Monday.

Charlotte Nature Museum offers visitors the chance to get close to wildlife and walk among free-flying butterflies in Butterfly Pavilion, observe live animals in Creature Cavern, buzz by Insect Alley or just hang out in Our Big Backyard. Visitors can learn together during workshops, summer camps and more. Daily programming including hands-on activities provide the opportunity for structured learning and informal play for kids of all ages. Charlotte Nature Museum is operated by Discovery Place, Inc.