As the deadline draws near, the South Carolina Forestry Commission is urging tax filers to remember forests when submitting their state returns.

This tax season marks the third year taxpayers anticipating a refund will have an option to contribute all or part of it to sustaining state-owned forestlands.  The General Assembly passed an income tax check off creating the SC State Forests Fund during the 2010 Legislative Session.

The start of a new year means the return of Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Beginning tomorrow, January 4, the Zoo will offer complimentary admission to residents of Richland and Lexington counties every Friday during the months of January and February.