Free tree seedlings will be given away this weekend to help reduce erosion and add scenery on the 650-mile lakefront.

The giveaway will be from 2-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Irmo office of South Carolina Electric & Gas Co, 6248 Bush River Road near the north edge of the dam.

Seedlings of cypress bald, river birch, button bushes and wax myrtles will be distributed in bundles of up to 15, with planting instruction included.

-- Tim Flach