Area beekeepers will meet for the first time Sunday with the man who might just help them keep their colonies alive over the winter. He is Daniel Ziehl, of Monticello, recently appointed a state apiary inspector, working for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

The bi-monthly meeting of the Ridge & Valley Beekeepers is scheduled to begin a 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4 at the Gays Mills Community Commerce Center.

Ziehl replaces Craig Petros, who retired last fall after many years of helping beekeepers evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their hives. Ziehl, like Petros, is a beekeeper in his own right.

Also scheduled to speak is Jordan Bindle of Viroqua, whose beekeeping business includes annual winter trips to Florida where he creates starter packages of bees for his own use and for sale to others.

The meeting, to be chaired by president Sue Sharp of Richland Center, will include a review of recently completed honey harvests by club members.

Meetings of the Ridge & Valley Beekeepers are open to all who are interested, no matter what their level of experience. Club membership is not required. Additional information can be obtained at ridgeandvalleybeekepers@gmail.com.