GRAY – Did you know the honeybee is Maine’s official insect? Or how important the honeybee’s work is to the success of the wild blueberry?

The life of the honeybee will be the next topic in the Maine Wildlife Park’s 2008 Summer Wildlife Days series. Presenting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, will be the Cumberland County Beekeepers Association, a local chapter of the Maine State Beekeeping Association.

Park visitors will learn about the industrious life of the honeybee, its job as an important pollinator of fruits and vegetables, and the role of the beekeeper. Parts of the beehive and beekeeping equipment will be on display, and several experienced beekeepers will be available to answer questions.

Pure Maine honey and other products of the hive will be for sale.

The CCBA meets monthly on the first Monday at 7 p.m. in the library at the Mabel Wilson School, 353 Tuttle Road, Cumberland. For more information, visit www.mainebeekeepers.com.

The Maine Wildlife Park has more than 25 species of native wildlife on display, plus wildlife gardens, nature trails and other interactive exhibits and displays. The park on Route 26 is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Nov. 11. Visitors must leave the premises by 6 p.m.

Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $4 for ages 5-12; $6 for adults; and $4.50 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $3 per person. Visitors may bring a picnic and spend the day.

For more information, call 657-4977 or visit www.mainewildlifepark.com or www.mefishwildlife.com.