By Jennifer Huggins, Park Interpreter,
This year on groundhog’s day Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, forecasting an early arrival of spring. While a groundhog might not be your first choice in reliable weather forecasters, it seems that this year he may have been right. The long term forecast has plenty of sun and above average temperatures for First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, VA. Just the other day, we had a sunny day with a high of 70 which created a buzz of activity around the park. The animals emerged from their winter hiding places and could be seen scurrying about.
The robins are back in town and even a few turtles crawled up on to their basking logs to soak in the bright sun. People also venture out to visit the park, to enjoy the winter reprieve and watch the signs of spring arrive.
Along with the return of flowers and birds, soon there will be programs and special events returning to a normal schedule of park activities. You can find a listing ofspecial events and activities onthe State Park’s Event Calendar. As the days get longer, warmer, and sunnier the parks will once again be a place of abundant wildlife and recreating people. And after a particularly cold and snowy winter that also came early to much of Virginia, an early spring may be what everyone is looking for.