Fossil Hunting at the Big Brook Nature Preserve

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As parents of a dino-loving child, we’re always on the lookout for exciting activities that spark our son Eli’s curiosity. Recently, Eli developed a keen interest in fossil hunting, thanks to his fascination with dinosaurs and prehistoric life. After some research, we discovered that Big Brook Nature Preserve in Colts Neck, New Jersey, is a hidden gem for fossil enthusiasts. Just an hour’s drive from our home, this preserve promised an adventure that Eli couldn’t resist.

Given the nature of the activity, we knew we had to be well-prepared. Fossil hunting can be messy, especially when you’re exploring a creek bed, so we made sure to pack accordingly. Waterproof boots were a must for all of us, and we also brought along a waterproof jumpsuit for Eli. This allowed him to splash around in the creek without any worries about getting wet or muddy.

We also packed a sand sifter, which is essential for fossil hunting in places like Big Brook. The sifter would help Eli separate fossils from the creek’s gravel and sand, making it easier to spot any treasures. With all our gear ready, we set off for Colts Neck on a crisp, sunny morning.

The drive to Big Brook Nature Preserve took about an hour, a perfect distance for a day trip. As we arrived, we were greeted by the serene beauty of the preserve. Nestled in the heart of Colts Neck, this area is a lush, green haven that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The preserve is known for its creeks and streams, which have carved their way through ancient geological layers, exposing fossils that are millions of years old.

The preserve itself is relatively undeveloped, which adds to its charm. There are no paved paths or visitor centers, just raw nature. While this means that the terrain can be a bit challenging, it also makes the experience feel more authentic and adventurous. We parked our car in a small, unpaved lot and made our way to the creek, where the real adventure would begin.

As we descended into the creek bed, Eli’s excitement was palpable. The creek is the main fossil-hunting area, where the water has eroded the banks over time, revealing a treasure trove of prehistoric remains. We carefully navigated the cleared pathways that led down to the creek. Although there are no stairs or formal access points, the paths were manageable and safe enough for us to reach the water.

Once we were at the creek, Eli wasted no time getting started. He donned his waterproof jumpsuit and boots, grabbed his sand sifter, and began scooping up handfuls of gravel and sand from the creek bed. As he sifted through the material, we watched eagerly, hoping to catch a glimpse of something special.

Eli watching Geology students

To our surprise and delight, we weren’t the only ones fossil hunting that day. A group of geology students from Drexel University was also at Big Brook, conducting their own excavation. Eli was thrilled to see “professionals” at work, and he quickly became fascinated by their tools, techniques, and the fossils they were finding.

The students were incredibly kind and welcoming. They took the time to explain what they were doing and even showed Eli some of the fossils they had found, which included ancient shark teeth, shells, and other marine life from the Cretaceous period. For Eli, this was like meeting real-life paleontologists, and it added an extra layer of excitement to our adventure. The students even gave Eli a few fossils as souvenirs, which he proudly added to his growing collection.

While we didn’t find any shark teeth ourselves, we were still able to discover plenty of fascinating fossils. Eli found several shells, some of which were clearly fossils, while others were more ambiguous. Part of the fun was the mystery—was this just an ordinary rock, or could it be a fossilized remnant of ancient marine life?

Eli’s imagination ran wild as he examined each find, declaring certain rocks as fossils based on their shape and texture. Whether they were actual fossils or not didn’t really matter; what was important was that Eli was engaged, curious, and eager to keep exploring. The thrill of the hunt kept us all entertained for hours.

Reminders

While our day at Big Brook was overwhelmingly positive, there were a few challenges worth mentioning. The lack of formal infrastructure means that visitors need to be prepared for a more rugged experience. The pathways down to the creek are natural and uneven, so sturdy footwear is a must. Additionally, there are no restrooms or facilities on site, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

Another consideration is the preservation of the site itself. Big Brook is a natural treasure, and it’s crucial that visitors respect the environment. We made sure to leave no trace, taking care not to disturb the area beyond our fossil hunting and making sure that any trash was packed out with us. This helps ensure that Big Brook remains a vibrant and accessible site for future fossil hunters.

Bottom Line

As we packed up our gear and headed back to the car, Eli was already talking about our next fossil-hunting adventure. Our day at Big Brook Nature Preserve was a resounding success, providing us with an educational and enjoyable experience that we won’t soon forget. For Eli, the chance to hunt for fossils in a real, “active” site was a dream come true. The added bonus of meeting geology students and receiving some of their finds was the icing on the cake.

Big Brook Nature Preserve is a fantastic destination for families with an interest in fossils, geology, or simply enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned fossil hunter or a complete novice, the preserve offers an accessible and exciting way to connect with the ancient past. And for families like ours, it’s a wonderful opportunity to nurture a child’s curiosity and passion for learning.