Are you looking for a fun field trip or day trip idea? How about searching for shark’s teeth and other fossils and artifacts?
About two hours east of Lancaster County, in Monmouth Co., New Jersey, is a small preserve named Big Brook Preserve (Colts Neck, NJ). The stream cuts through antediluvian sediments. The stream is very well known for fossils and unique findings—in fact many local schools enjoy elementary field trips at this local gem.
What types of fossils will we find?
The area is prolific in the quantity of fossils and sharks teeth that you’ll discover. There are limitations on how many you should take home with you, so please be sure to check out those guidelines before you go.
Sharks teeth are very common—and there are several varieties including Romer, Morton, Agassiz, and Davis. Its also common to find cow nosed ray teeth and scute, as well as teeth and cratilage from sawfish.
Invertebrates are also very common discoveries including oyster, squid/cuttlefish, and brachiopods. Ghost shrimp are also common findings.
You can find an identification guide for each of these specimens at njfossils.net. I highly recommend printing it and taking the pages in sheet protectors to refer to while you are making your discoveries! Another resource is fossilguy.com.
When is the best time to search for shark’s teeth?
Since fossils erode from the banks of the creek and the bottom of the creek bed, after a good rain, the soil on the banks loosens and new fossils surface. This makes it much easier to look for fossils and shark’s teeth, and requires less work. You won’t need as many tools!
Many say that you’ll also find the best specimens in early spring, after the rains and the ice from winter, push out the fossils.
Please be careful though, waters can rise quickly during rains, and flooding can occur. Be safe and cautious!
What should we bring?
To gain the best experience hunting for shark’s teeth and fossils, you will want to pack the following items.
However, if you are just driving by the area (like we were) and don’t have anything with you—don’t let that stop you from checking out Big Brook, NJ. Even with NO tools, we were able to find two shark’s teeth in less than 30 minutes, at dusk, on a summer evening.
Screening Box. You can make one with a wood frame (or a plastic tub) and some 1/4 inch screen, or just grab this one on Amazon. This is another strainer that is pretty cheap and already made for you!
For little kids, consider grabbing a cheap pasta strainer from the Dollar Tree or Walmart. It will work perfect!
Trowel or Shovel. Beach shovels are fun for kids to dig with and scoop dirt into their screens. You may also want a small garden trowel or folding shovel if you are searching for teeth and fossils yourself. According to the township regulations, your trowel blade cannot be over 6″, and your screen cannot be over 18″ in size.
Containers for your specimens. We liked keeping our specimens in an old pill bottle (you can grab a dozen of these on Amazon for cheap!). You could also use a film canister, Ziploc bags, or tupperware containers. Or even just a bucket or a pail!
Flash Light. If you’ll be visiting close to dusk, like we were, take a flashlight. We found this really helpful to make it easier to see in the water.
Water Shoes. It’s always safest to wear water shoes when in a creek. There was a lot of sand and soft ground where we were, but you never know what sharp thing you might step on.
Bug spray. You will come across many bugs, ticks and mosquitos!
Dry Clothes/Shoes for ride home. Depending how long you are there and where you search, and how hot of a day it is, you might get pretty wet. At minimum, you’ll likely want dry shoes to ride home in. Your feet will thank you. 
First-Aid Kit. Just in case! We keep a small first aid kit in our vehicle with band-aids and Neosporin. We also like to have bandage wrap in case of emergencies—we have one kid that is quite adventurous.
How is the parking?
I would say there was ample parking on both sides of the road. I am sure the area gets full on hot summer days, but I would think well over a dozen or two vehicles could park there. Here is a photo of the parking lot on the main side of the road.
After you park, walk towards the bridge (where I am standing in this photo), and you’ll see a path down to the water. It’s not far and there are many entry points. Some entry points are much steeper than others.
If it’s wet, plan to get muddy!
Once you enter the creek, you can creek walk to search at different areas. Walk slowly and be observant.
Where can I learn more information?
- If you’re interested in learning more about the Big Brook Nature Preserve and fossil hunting in New Jersey, the first place I’d recommend checking is njfossils.net. There are some identification guides for shark’s teeth, invertebrates, and other artifacts that we found really helpful. Print them and put them in sheet protectors, or laminate them, and take them with you!
- I also found some really great information and identification guides on fossilguy.com.
- Additionally, I found it helpful to search the location on Instagram and Facebook to see what other people found and experienced at the site. I was really shocked to see HOW MANY specimens people were finding. It is certainly a prolific area for specimens and fossils.
How do I get there?
Big Brook Preserve is located at 95 Hillsdale Rd, Colts Neck, NJ 07722. It’s about 2 hours from Lancaster, depending on your route. See the map below for routes and times.
