Fossil Hunting Is Alive And Well In Holmdel

HOLMDEL, NJ — Go on a fossil hunt right in Holmdel along the Ramanessin stream this fall.

The Friends of Holmdel Open Space and Citizens for Informed Land Use are together sponsoring the stream walk and fossil hunt on Sept. 17, said Ralph Blumenthal, a walk leader.

Join local geologist and fossil hunter Dr. Jim Brown to search for fossils from the Cretaceous period, a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth and New Jersey was submerged beneath a shallow inland sea, organizers said in a news release.

Participants will walk through the Ramanessin stream-bed searching and sifting for fossils. Shark teeth are abundant in the area, but there might also be fossilized shells and bones.

Participants will discuss the sea creatures that once lived in Holmdel and budding paleontologists might just go home with some of their own treasures to keep.

The event is open to families and kids who are accompanied by an adult.

The event as from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 17. Rain date is Sept. 24.

Meet at the Holmdel Village School parking lot on the corner of McCampbell Road and Middletown Road across from the Ramanessin Trailhead.

Bring closed-toed water shoes or old sneakers, clothes that can get wet, a towel, bug spray and sunscreen. Don't forget water, a trowel and a bucket or bag to hold your finds. Sifting equipment will be provided. Registration is not required.

The free event is sponsored by Friends of Holmdel Open Space and Citizens for Informed Land Use.

Email jlashkar@hotmail.com or call 917-991-8603 with questions.

Friends of Holmdel Open Space is a nonprofit organization that raises money for preserving open space in Holmdel, maintains Holmdel's greenway trails, and promotes the public's enjoyment of Holmdel's parks and open spaces by sponsoring seasonal greenway walks and outdoor activities. Tax deductible donations are greatly appreciated and can be made by check and mailed to: FOHOS c/o Janet Jackel, President, 31 Stoney Brook Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733.

CILU is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization founded in 1998 to protect our open space and natural resources.