Fossil Hunting & Discoveries
Discover the Past. Find Your Next Adventure.
A fossil discovery can turn an ordinary day outdoors into an adventure.
OutdoorZ.Life helps adults 50+ explore fossil hunting through beginner resources, places we’ve visited, and stories of memorable finds. Whether you’re curious about fossils, fascinated by dinosaur tracks, or planning an outing with your grandchildren, start with the topics below.
Stay curious. Never outgrow adventure.
New to fossils and fossil hunting? Here, we provide the basics for understanding what fossils are, how they are made, and why they are essential to study.
Fossil Hunting 101
Think fossil hunting sounds like fun? Well, it sure is. In this section, we will cover the basics of how to start, what tools you may need and tips on finding fossils.
Guide coming soon.
Where can I find fossils? The answer might surprise you. Fossils can be found in many places and possibly in your backyard.
Fossils for Kids!
Kids love dinosaurs and fossils…and so do many adults! Find kid-friendly dinosaur and fossil content that you can use to create adventures.
Guide coming soon.
Have you ever walked next to a dinosaur trackway? Seeing actual footprints of extinct dinosaurs is amazing and can be easier than you may think.
Fossil Collecting
Fossil collecting is like a real-life treasure hunt, digging up ancient clues from life in the past. Every rock could be a treasure!
Fossils provide a fascinating window into Earth’s ancient history, and there are several compelling reasons why you should care about them:
- Understanding Earth’s Past: Fossils are like time capsules that reveal the planet’s past conditions, showcasing the prior life and the ever-changing environment. They allow us to reconstruct the history of life on Earth, helping us understand how life has adapted over the years.
- Preserving Biodiversity: By studying fossils, we can better appreciate the value of biodiversity and the importance of preserving it.
- Resource Management: Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are derived from plant and animal remains. Understanding the geological history of these resources is essential for efficient utilization and sustainable management today.
Fossils are not just relics of the past; they are helpful to understanding extinct species, the planet’s history, and critical issues like biodiversity preservation. Caring about fossils is caring about all created things, connecting us to our planet’s past and shaping our future.
For information about New Jersey’s Big Brook Preserve, click here.
For additional information about fossils, check out the National Geographic website.