As Groundhog Day approaches on February 2, 2026, Pennsylvania’s iconic Punxsutawney Phil isn’t the only creature making weather predictions. New Jersey proudly features its own furry forecasters: Lady Edwina from Essex County and Stonewall Jackson from Sussex County are set to take part in the festivities, along with an unusual entrant this year, an Eastern Box Turtle named Tomothy.
Lady Edwina will make her forecast from the Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County at around 10 a.m., which will be broadcasted live on the Facebook page of Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. In addition to her prediction about the upcoming weather, she will also take a guess at which team will triumph in the Super Bowl.
Up in the northwestern region of New Jersey, Stonewall Jackson will also emerge from hibernation to seek his shadow at the Space Farms Zoo & Museum in Wantage. His handler, Parker Space, who is not only a state senator but also a volunteer firefighter, is continuing a family tradition that began with his father in the 1990s.
Tomothy, the Eastern Box Turtle, will be making his debut prediction at the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum at Rowan University, marking a unique addition to the Groundhog Day festivities.
According to folklore, the behavior of groundhogs on February 2nd is an indication of the remaining length of winter. If they see their shadow, it foretells six more weeks of winter. If not, an early spring is on the horizon. While turtles are not typically included in this prediction tradition, Tomothy’s participation adds a fun twist to the event.
As New Jersey embraces its own quirky take on this beloved tradition, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a day filled with wildlife and anticipation. Groundhog Day celebrations not only bring communities together but also remind us of the timeless relationship between folklore and nature.