The Festival of the Birds won’t go off this year as organizers decide where to take the event next, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a major birding event around Erie this spring.

Birds and Vines, based out of Pymatuning State Park, is scheduled for April 16-18. Participants will tour four state parks –  Pymatuning, Goddard, Oil Creek and Presque Isle – in a search for newly arrived migratory songbirds, waterfowl and raptors, and also will visit regional wineries, where there’s not only wine to be sampled but prime birding habitat to be explored.

All of the parks are Audubon Important Bird Areas. Tours will start at 6 a.m. each day, with stops at two parks and nearby wineries. Conneaut Cellars Winery, Wilhelm Winery and one or two Erie-area wineries to be determined are on the agenda.

Cost for the program is $65 per person or $120 per couple; it’s designed for adults only. Transportation and some meals are provided. Reservations are required and are limited; registration deadline is April 10.

Cabins at Pymatuning State Park will be available. Organizers recommend staying in cabins since the program will start so early each day. Cabin reservation costs are separate from registration fees. Cabins sleep 6-8 people each.

For information about the program, or to register, call the Pymatuning park office at (724) 932-3142.

Cabin reservations can be made by calling 888-727-2757.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will put on a Family Fishing Program Sept. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at M. K. Goddard State Park in Mercer County.

Families must preregister in the calendar of events at www.fishandboat.com or by calling (814) 683-5126. Participants should arrive well before the start of the program.

Family Fishing Programs teach participants how to be S.M.A.R.T. anglers; how to rig a fishing rod with bait; knot tying; rules and regulations; casting practice; and hands-on fishing. Participants are not required to have a fishing license to fish during the program. All equipment and handout materials will be supplied. Other recommended items to bring are sunscreen, water, insect repellant, rain gear, snacks and a camera.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and Maurice K. Goddard State Park will host a family paddling program July 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Lake Wilhelm, Mercer County.

The program is designed for families with children ages 8 and older who are new to paddling. Participants will learn about regulations, equipment, and paddling safety skills during a brief on-shore lesson. The remainder of this will take place on the water in canoes practicing paddling strokes, self rescue, and other safety skills.

Canoes, kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices will be provided. Participants should be prepared to get wet, and should pack water, lunch, sun block, sun glasses, and snug-fitting foot protection — flip-flops are not permitted). Foot protection and life jackets must be worn at all times

Pre-registration is required and will be accepted until June 30. Space is limited.

For information, call Chad Foster at (814) 683-5126 or e-mail chfoster@pa.gov .