The annual Birds & Bees Festival in Arrow Rock returns this year in hybrid form.

The festival, organized by the Missouri River Bird Observatory and sponsored by the Missouri Prairie Foundation and other groups, is held in conjunction with The Village of Arrow Rock’s Vintage Garden Market. The in-person portion of this event will take place in Arrow Rock on Saturday, May 8, and feature guided nature walks, plant and garden décor vendors, specialty food purveyors and more.

The fun and excitement begin on Thursday, May 6, when the virtual side of the festival kicks off. A series of 15-minute “lightening” presentations at the top of every hour from Thursday through Saturday will offer a variety of information on nature activities and home gardening. There are also outstanding keynote speakers presenting virtually on each evening of the festival, as well as a happy hour and interactive games.

A self-guided nature scavenger hunt will be hosted both in-person and virtually with a chance for kids to win a high-quality pair of Athlon binoculars; families to win a bird feeder; and adults to win bird-friendly coffee.

For a complete listing of all the webinars and activities, visit <https://mrbo.org/festival>.