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Fossils of Poricy Brook
The Poricy Brook Fossil Beds are well known to fossil collectors in the Northeast. The fossils date from the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era, 145 to 65 million years ago. Although the dinosaurs were at
their peak, the first mammals and birds had begun to appear. Tree ferns, ginkos, and pines were being joined by flowering
plants like oak, magnolia, and grass.
During the Cretaceous period, the area of Poricy Brook and the rest of the Atlantic
Coastal Plain was shallow ocean. When the ocean animals died, they were buried in the bottom. While their soft  parts decayed, the harder parts, like bones, teeth, and shells, were preserved. Over millions of years, the ocean level rose
and fell to form different layers of deposits with the remains of different animals. The layer exposed by the cutting action
of Poricy Brook is called the Navesink Formation, and is approximately 72 million years old.
Although fossils of many varieties of animals have been found in the Poricy Brook
Fossil Beds, most are of shellfish.
Visiting the Fossil Beds
Poricy Brook is a natural flowing stream and we cannot be responsible for fluctuations in stream depth and conditions.
We regularly inspect and maintain the area to keep it as safe as possible.
In order to preserve and maintain the Fossil Beds and insure your safety, Poricy Park Conservancy asks that you, the
fossil hunter, abide by the following guidelines:
- The Nature Center must be notified of your intent to bring a group (10 or more individuals constitute
a group; 70 person maximum) to the Fossil Beds, so that we can schedule availability of the area to avoid overcrowding.
- Fossils on display at the Nature Center and a brochure available for purchase, can help in identifying your finds.
- SELF-GUIDED FOSSIL HUNT - Fee: $75 per group of 10-30, $100 per group of 31-60. Includes the use of the
beds, outdoor picnic facilities and restrooms at the Nature Center. (Limited to MID-APRIL THRU OCTOBER ONLY).
- Guided Fossil Bed Hunt - Please refer to the information to the right.
- Payment due within 10 working days in order to confirm your reservation.
- No charge for individual families, but please call the Nature Center to check on availability. Screens & trowels
available for rental.
Though fossils may be found lying loose along the stream, the best way to find them
is by sifting the sand and gravel of the stream bed. Please
do not dig in the stream banks, even though you may see holes dug by others. This action hastens
erosion of the banks and does not yield the number of fossils which digging in the stream bed does. The best time of the year
to find fossils is in the early spring.
The stream continuously exposes new fossils, so feel free to take home a few of your best finds. Please
limit yourself so that the next collector can experience the pleasure of discovering the remains of creatures that lived at
the time of the great dinosaurs.
Fossil Displays
Many different fossils can be found at Poricy Park Fossil Beds. These fossils range from sharks teeth to ancient
crabs and squids. Visit our Nature Center and view our display of the different categories of fossils found in Poricy Brook.
- Mollusks
- Echinoderms
- Brachiopods
- Annelida
- Porifea
- Bryoza
- Arthropods
- Chondrichthyes
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Group & Family Fossil Programs
Group Fossil Programs
This listed
program is for field trip groups only
Programs will start at the Nature Center and are for grades 2 and up.
Call for registration and fees.
Fossil remains of sea creatures from 72 million years ago are found in Poricy Park. During a hands-on discovery
session, students learn about and see examples of these fossils from the Cretaceous period. Screens, trowels, explanatory
material, and a display at the Nature Center all facilitate your hunt.
WEAR OLD CLOTHES, SNEAKERS OR
BOOTS as you'll be hunting in the stream-bed. Bring a change of clothes.
Programs are
held rain or shine so please dress accordingly!!!
Guided Community Fossil Hunts
Finished for the season.
See you in April!!!!!!!
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