Will the REAL Prognosticator of Prognosticators please stand up?

Howell, MI, January 29, 2013 -did you know that Punxsutawney Phil claims that he is correct in his predictions 100% of the time? Yet last year, he predicted a long winter-and everyone can surely remember what an early spring we enjoyed! Correct, 100% of the time, don't think so. Woody, Michigan's Official Woodchuck, who resides at the Howell Conference & Nature Center, doesn't make such silly claims. She can woodchuck-up and admit when her forecast turns sour. Of course, she has only had to do that four times, as she has been correct in her predictions ten out of fourteen times, including last year, when she did not see her shadow and we enjoyed a very early spring.

Phil really messed up in 2012, when he called for six more weeks of winter, yet we had one of the warmest springs on record. It's safe to say this "chuck" has lost his edge.

This February 2, get your reliable prediction, straight from Woody's mouth! The Howell Conference & Nature Center will host an extra-special celebration starting at 7:45 a.m., with the long-awaited prediction coming at 8:15 a.m. sharp!  No matter the weather - wind, rain, snow, sleet, or sunshine - Woody will make her 15th prediction at the Nature Center.

Don't forget about the annual crazy outfit contest for kids!  Brave the winter weather in a crazy outfit for a chance to win a great prize - the child with the most outrageous outfit will receive one free week at summer camp.

Woody's prediction and the costume contest are FREE, but if you'd like to join Woody for a delicious pancake breakfast, call 517-546-0249 to reserve your place. Breakfast is $8 for adults, $6 for children, and kids under two years are FREE.

Media representatives are welcome at the event.  However, if you can't make it and would like a personal account of Woody's prediction, please contact Dick Grant at (517) 546-0533 or (810) 923-9672 or Dana DeBenham at (517) 376-9401 ahead of time to schedule a phone call for February 2.