Breaking: MORE SNOW: Multiple rounds of snow expected this week

Walnut the Hedgehog says an early spring is on the way for the area

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, located at 2600 DeWeese Pkwy. in Dayton, hosted its annual Hedgehog Day on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. National Hedgehog Day is a Roman tradition preceding the modern “Groundhog Day.” Walnut the Hedgehog did see her shadow after she peeked out of her cozy burrow. According to tradition, that means we can expect six more weeks of winter. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, located at 2600 DeWeese Pkwy. in Dayton, hosted its annual Hedgehog Day on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. National Hedgehog Day is a Roman tradition preceding the modern “Groundhog Day.” Walnut the Hedgehog did see her shadow after she peeked out of her cozy burrow. According to tradition, that means we can expect six more weeks of winter. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Local News
By
1 hour ago
X

Walnut the Hedgehog at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery has declared an early spring and not six more weeks of winter.

At the museum, the hedgehog in honor of Hedgehog Day, has the grand say as a nod to the annual Groundhog Day that is widely celebrated.

Walnut the Hedgehog enjoys being the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery's winter weather prognosticator. CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

icon to expand image

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

(Fun fact: National Hedgehog Day is a Roman tradition preceding the modern Groundhog Day.)

In a Facebook post, the museum uploaded a live video of Walnut on a green table predicting an early spring for 2026 as the hedgehog did not see her shadow.

The hedgehog has been making predictions since 2023, according to the Countdown to Ground Hog’s Day website.

“If Walnut sees her shadow during her annual appearance, there will be a long winter,” the website said. “If Walnut does not see her shadow, there will be an early spring.”

In 2023, Walnut predicted a long winter.

In 2024, Walnut predicted an early spring.

In 2025, Walnut predicted a long winter. And now in 2026, Walnut predicted an early spring.

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is located at 2600 DeWeese Parkway in Dayton.

In Other News
1
Celebrate Black History Month with a visit to these Ohio landmarks
2
Flu map: Ohio hospitalizations decrease for fourth week in a row
3
Montgomery, Clark and Butler county schools eligible for new state free...
4
Dayton Performing Arts Alliance to cut programming for 2026-27 season
5
Defiant Bad Bunny, cheeky Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber performs in...

About the Author

Holly Souther is a staff writer for the breaking news team at Dayton Daily News and covers issues for Montgomery County. Souther seeks to create meaningful stories of interest, of relevance and other such important topics for local communities. Souther hopes to further create impactful pieces for everyday voices.