Public tour on May 5th at dusk
The town of Griesheim invites the public to a guided tour of the town forest on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and is organized in cooperation with Hessen-Forst.
Insights into a special natural phenomenon
District forester Michael Göbel from the Darmstadt Forestry Office will provide insights into the current cockchafer population during the approximately two-hour guided tour. Participants will also have the opportunity to observe the insects at dusk – when they are particularly active.
The meeting point is the forest playground on Goethestraße, next to the Gerhart-Hauptmann-School. Registration is not required.
Mass flight year 2026
The event is based on a special natural phenomenon: 2026 is considered the so-called "flight year" of the May beetle. The insects appear in large numbers because their larvae – the so-called grubs – live in the soil for several years and develop synchronously.
These cyclical mass outbreaks occur approximately every four years. While the adult beetles are part of the ecosystem, their larvae can cause damage by feeding on plant roots and, in extreme cases, lead to the death of trees.
Instructions for participants
The organizers recommend weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. In case of bad weather, the event may be canceled or postponed at short notice. In this case, information will be posted in the city calendar on the day of the event.
(GRIESHEIM – RED/PSG)
Featured image: City of Griesheim
