Celebrate Groundhog Day at these three local events

The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences is planning its annual celebration featuring Sir Walter Wally, the groundhog, and many other activities. Read my earlier post for more.

At the natural sciences museum's Prairie Ridge Ecostation at 4301 Reedy Creek Rd. in west Raleigh, there's an opportunity to see wild groundhogs. Groundhogs Among Us is from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday. Participants will explore the ecology and habits of groundhogs and search for them in the wild. All ages are welcome, though children must be with an adult. Dress for the outdoors and for walking on uneven ground. It's free and registration is not required. Contact Brian Hahn at 919-733-7450, ext. 671 or Brian.Hahn@ncdenr.gov for more information. See my earlier look at Prairie Ridge for more on what it offers.

Mortimer the Groundhog will make his prediction at White Deer Park, 2400 Aversboro Rd. in Garner. The event at the park's nature center features Mortimer's prediction, along with crafts, educational booths and more. The free family event is from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.

If your plans for Wednesday don't involve leaving the house, then check out Erin's cute Groundhog Day craft.