Explore the World of Rocks, Minerals, Fossils & Gems - Trailside Nature & Science Center

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal invite you to explore the fascinating world of rocks, minerals, fossils and gems at Trailside Nature & Science Center on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, and Sunday, October 16, 2011 from 11:00am to 5:00.

“This two-day event is a great opportunity to discover the exciting world of geology,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon.  “Visitors will be able to watch gemstones being cut and polished, see unique specimens of rocks and minerals, and be dazzled on Sunday by the ‘Dinosaurs Rock’ show.”

Geologists, young and old, will be mesmerized by the variety of rocks, minerals, fossils and gemstones on display and for sale.  Admission both days is free.

On Saturday, vendors will be displaying and selling their specimens.  On Sunday, there will be ongoing demonstrations of gemstone cutting and polishing, children’s activities and a specialist will be available to help you identify minerals, rocks and fossils from your own collection.

Sunday also will feature a special presentation of “Dinosaurs Rock” in the Trailside Visitor Center Auditorium at 1:30pm and 3:30pm.  “Dinosaurs Rock” is an interactive hands-on program that allows the audience to see up-close and touch museum quality pieces.  Admission to this special presentation is $5 per person.  This show is recommended for ages 4 and older and tickets go on sale at 12:30pm.  Strollers are not permitted in the auditorium.

This educational, entertaining hands-on dinosaur and fossil adventure will allow the audience to experience prehistoric times like never before.  It’s an opportunity to see and touch genuine, life-size museum quality specimens that are millions of years old.  Highlights include dinosaur eggs, footprints, teeth, a life-size T-Rex skull and a 9-foot high Ice Age mastodon leg.  For a nominal fee, children also can dig like a real paleontologist for genuine fossils, pan for gemstones such as amethyst, emeralds and rubies, and open crystal-filled geodes. 

Sponsored jointly with the New Jersey Mineralogical Society, the Rock, Gem & Mineral Show on October 15th -16th will host more than 25 vendors selling minerals, rocks, gems, jewelry, sea shells and fossils from around the world. 

For more information about the Rock, Mineral & Gem Show, or upcoming programs and special events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.