Rowan University is leading the way in sustainability and environmental education through a combination of green campus initiatives and groundbreaking projects—chief among them the Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park and Museum. Located in Mantua Township, New Jersey, the fossil park is more than a site for scientific discovery—it’s a powerful symbol of Rowan’s commitment to sustainability, climate science, and community engagement.
In this article, we’ll explore the details of the fossil park and museum, its eco-conscious design, and how Rowan integrates these resources into a broader strategy for a more sustainable future.
The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum: A Unique Scientific Treasure
The Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park and Museum, officially opened in 2023, sits on a 65-acre former marl quarry in Gloucester County. The site preserves a rich layer of sediment dating back 66 million years to the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event, which wiped out the dinosaurs.
Described as one of the most important fossil sites on the East Coast, the park allows researchers, students, and visitors to uncover real fossils, making science both accessible and exciting. Rowan faculty and paleontologists have already unearthed thousands of specimens here—from ancient sharks and marine reptiles to ammonites and plant fossils.
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A Museum Designed for Sustainability
The Edelman Fossil Park Museum is not only about what’s beneath the ground—it’s also a model for what sustainable building can look like above it.
Green Features Include:
- 🌞 Net-zero energy consumption: The building is designed to generate all the energy it consumes, primarily through solar power and geothermal heating/cooling.
- 🌱 Green roofs and landscaped bioswales manage stormwater and support native ecology.
- 🌿 Sustainable materials were used throughout construction, and the museum aims for LEED Platinum certification—the highest green building standard.
- ♻️ Recycled water systems, energy-efficient lighting, and minimal environmental impact in design and operation.
This state-of-the-art facility reflects Rowan University’s commitment to climate responsibility and serves as a case study in modern sustainable architecture.
Environmental Education & Community Engagement
The fossil park and museum play a central role in Rowan’s educational mission, offering immersive experiences for students of all ages:
Educational Impact:
- 🔬 Rowan students from biology, geology, education, and environmental science programs conduct research and fieldwork at the park.
- 🧒 K–12 programs allow school children to dig for fossils, sparking early interest in science and sustainability.
- 🧭 Public workshops, lectures, and exhibits focus on climate change, mass extinction, and Earth’s deep history.
- 🌍 The museum serves as a community hub for sustainability education, with rotating exhibits on conservation, ecology, and the future of the planet.
This hands-on model of learning aligns with Rowan’s broader academic goal of training future leaders in climate science and environmental stewardship.
Sustainability Across Rowan’s Campus
Beyond the fossil park, Rowan University’s sustainability efforts extend campus-wide, including:
- ✅ Green building standards for all new construction.
- ✅ Energy-saving technologies in dorms and academic buildings.
- ✅ A growing recycling and composting program.
- ✅ Student-led environmental organizations like Rowan Environmental Action League (REAL).
- ✅ Transportation initiatives like electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and bike-friendly infrastructure.
These initiatives support Rowan’s goal of becoming a climate-resilient, low-carbon campus, reflecting its long-term vision for environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
The Edelman Fossil Park and Museum is more than just a window into the past—it’s a beacon of what the future can be. Through a mix of groundbreaking science, green construction, and inclusive education, Rowan University is setting a national example for sustainable development and environmental engagement.
Whether you’re a student, scientist, educator, or eco-conscious visitor, Rowan’s fossil park offers a rare opportunity to connect with Earth’s history while learning how to protect its future.