Fossil Collecting at Ramanessin: Fossil Club Only

Fossil Collecting at Ramanessin 

Ramanessin (Hop Brook) is a Cretaceous-period marine fossil site. Fossils found here are primarily shark teeth, as well as mosasaur teeth and bones, and ray plates.

We suggest bringing a hand shovel and a sifter. While surface hunting is possible in theory, it may not be as successful. We will be wading through water, so please come prepared with water shoes, rain boots, or waders. Wearing gloves is also recommended due to the occasional presence of broken glass in the stream.

The event is scheduled for August 15 at 10:00 AM, with a rain date of August 22 at 10:00 AM. We will notify you during the week of the trip to confirm the date.

We will be meeting at a local school in Holmdel, NJ. Details about the exact time and meeting location will be shared with registrants prior to the trip. Be aware there are no public restrooms near the site. You must be a current member of the NHSM Fossil Club to sign up. Please note that children under 5 years old are not permitted.

It is recommended that you bring:

For questions, contact the club coordinator at rbaldwin@marylandnature.org.

NHSM’s Fossil Club is a group of novice and more experienced collectors who meet to share knowledge and discuss fossil identification, fossil locations, and other fossil-related topics. Monthly meetings feature guest speakers both from within the club and from outside organizations. We also strive to schedule frequent collection trips to various locations.

If you are not yet a member of NHSM, click here to join. When you join as a new member, you can add the club membership(s) of your choice to your registration. Current NHSM members who wish to join any clubs should email the Community Coordinator at rbaldwin@marylandnature.org. An annual NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families; Fossil Club membership is an additional $5 for individuals and $10 for families.

The Natural History Society of Maryland is a volunteer-led non-profit organization, so the fee you pay will go directly to support the programs, the nature collections, and the building that make this kind of nature education possible. Learn more about NHSM Clubs: https://youtu.be/pIA7naRjXws