Fossils at William Paterson University in New Jersey

William Paterson (WP) University’s beautiful campus sits in Wayne, Passaic County, in northern New Jersey, a region with surprising paleontological richness. Although not as famous as some dinosaur sites, WP and its surrounding areas have yielded fossils that offer windows into marine life from the past — and even a recent fossil controversy.

Let’s dive in.

Marine Fossils at High Mountain / On Campus

One of the most striking discoveries near WP is the collection of marine invertebrate fossils, mainly by Dr. Martin Becker, a professor of Environmental Science and Paleontology at WP. These fossils were found in glacier‐transported boulders in the High Mountain area of Wayne. These rocks had likely been carried south during the ice age, which makes them geologically unique and interesting.

Some of these fossils were physically present on campus, even in areas like parking lots, where students and faculty exploring the stone outcrops and boulders have discovered nautiloids and other marine relics. These findings help us understand past sea levels (NJ was underwater!), ocean chemistry, and the life that existed during this time.

The Fossil Loss Lawsuit: A Cautionary Tale

A particularly significant and tragic recent development involves Dr. Becker’s fossil collection: in June 2024, about 200 fossils (≈80% of his collection) were packaged for shipment to a colleague for further study. The packages were handled via WP’s mailroom, sent by UPS. However, due to alleged unpaid UPS invoices and the cancellation of the university’s account, those packages were reportedly not tracked properly and were later dumped into a landfill in Tennessee.

This loss is more than material; it represents a disruption in long‑term paleontological work, loss of contextual data, and raises questions about how fossil specimens are curated, stored, transported, and legally protected.

For more information about the loss of fossils, click here.

What These Fossils Tell Us

Putting together what’s found (and what has been lost), the region around WP provides paleontological insights:

• Marine invertebrates from the past indicate that what’s now northeastern New Jersey was once covered by the ocean.
• Glacial transport: Many fossils are preserved in glacial boulders — large blocks of rock moved from their original location during the ice age.
• These fossil finds provide hands‑on learning for students and faculty. How neat is it to attend a university where you can find a fossil on a campus walk?
• The legal, logistical, and ethical issues around preserving, curating, and transporting fossils are non‑trivial.

Can I find fossils at William Paterson University?

Should I visit William Paterson University to look for fossils? Well, the short answer is both yes and no. This is a university and its rules and regulations should be respected. If you are looking for a fossil site, you could visit other areas in New Jersey, like Big Brook Preserve. After all, who doesn’t like wading a a creek and finding fossils?

If you are looking for a nice hike with a chance to find a small fossil, then WP/High Mountain Park Preserve is a neat place to visit.

After watching YouTube videos of Professor Becker, I narrowed the likely fossil area to the woods by Parking Lot 6.  After arriving, signs made it clear that the area is restricted 24 hours a day to students and faculty. Ensuring the security of students and faculty is essential, and I obeyed the signs.

I proceeded to the public parking area at the High Mountain Park Preserve (not far from Parking Lot 6). After parking, I walked along the public trail and a little stretch along the pubic access road where I found a neat rock and a rock with fossils. It was not a museum-quality piece, but it was a fossil nonetheless.

William Paterson University and the surrounding area have played a role in New Jersey’s Paleontological contributions.