AUGUSTA – Penquis Beekeepers will host the Maine State Beekeepers Association’s annual meeting at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Le Club Calumet, 334 Northern Ave.

The educational theme will be “Natural Beekeeping” with featured speakers Greg Hunt and Ross Conrad.

Hunt is president of the American Association of Professional Apiculturists. He will speak on “Honey Bee Behavioral Genetics” and “Trying to Breed Varroa-Resistant Bees.”

Conrad is a former president of the Vermont Beekeepers Association and author of “Natural Beekeeping: Organic Approaches to Modern Apiculture.” He will talk on “CCD and Current State of Beekeeping from an Organic Perspective” and “Natural Non-Toxic Varroa Control Methods.”

There will be a raffle to benefit the association. The registration fee of $30 includes the program, coffee break and a hot buffet. Closing date for registration is Tuesday, March 24.

Registration forms and description of the program are available on the Maine State Beekeeper’s Web site at www.mainestatebeekeepers.org or by calling Penquis Beekeepers Association President Tish Dutson at 997-3546.