Learn How To Be A Fossil Hunter At Community Event In Holmdel

HOLMDEL, NJ — Community members are invited to join local paleontologist Kevin Borrelli and the Citizens for Informed Land Use (CILU) on their annual Community Fossil Hunt in September.

For those with kids who love to explore, or who are curious about fossils, geology, and sharks, they can learn to be fossil hunters at the event, which will go on an adventure into the Cretaceous period — a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth and New Jersey was submerged beneath a shallow inland sea.

Attendees will get their feet wet as they walk through the Ramanessin streambed, searching and sifting for fossils as they go.

Shark teeth are abundant in the area, but participants might also find fossilized bones, crab claws, saber-tooth salmon fangs and more. Attendees will share what they find as they learn about the sea creatures that once lived in Holmdel.

“Budding paleontologists might just go home with some of their own treasures to keep!” event officials said. "This fun adventure is open to all but is geared toward families and kids who are accompanied by an adult.”

The annual Community Fossil Hunt is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Participants should meet at the Holmdel Village School parking lot on the corner of McCampbell Road and Middletown Road, across from the Ramanessin Trailhead.

Officials are advising attendees to bring water shoes or old sneakers, a towel, bug spray/sunscreen, water, a trowel and a bucket or bag to hold their finds. Limited sifting equipment will be provided.

In case of rain, the event will take place on Oct. 4. The event is free, and registration is not required.

Questions about the event can be directed to jlashkar@hotmail.com or the CILU website.