Groundhog Day at the Holtsville Ecology Site (Holtsville)

Six more weeks of winter or an early spring? Hundreds will gather at the Holtsville Ecology Site on Friday, Feb. 2, to hear Holtsville Hal's famous forecast. 

According to tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow after stirring from hibernation on Groundhog Day, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; if not, spring should arrive early. Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel Losquadro will reveal Hal's forecast at approximately 7:25 a.m. Following the ceremony, residents are welcome to enjoy some free hot chocolate and visit the Animal Preserve, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with more than 100 animals on display. Gates will open at the Brookhaven Wildlife Center at 7 a.m.; parking is free. Residents are asked to arrive as close to 7 a.m. as possible to get a good view of Hal.