Township News Bulletins

March 19, 2025

Statewide Tornado Drill - Wednesday March 19 at 1 p.m.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared March 16-22 as Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, and the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is calling on residents to act by participating in a voluntary statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19.

"Last May, four tornadoes hit southwest Michigan in a single day, damaging homes and businesses across four counties," said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of MSP/EMHSD. "Severe weather can strike fast. That’s why it’s important to have a plan to protect yourself, your family, home, and pets."

According to the National Weather Service, the state of Michigan averages 15 tornadoes each year.

“The voluntary statewide tornado drill gives everyone a chance to put their severe weather plans to the test, so we are all better prepared when a disaster strikes,” Sweeney said.  

Local communities, businesses, organizations, families, and individuals are all encouraged to engage in this statewide preparedness activity but are not required to do so. During the tornado drill, residents may observe or hear alerts on TV and radio stations, as well as outdoor sirens in their community if the local emergency management agency is participating. Contact your local emergency management agency to learn how local alerts are administrated in your community and to learn if your community is participating.

The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means everyone needs to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued.

To be ready for a tornado:

• Know the difference: a tornado WATCH means conditions exist for a tornado to develop; a tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
• Know the signs of an approaching tornado: dark, often greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud; and a loud roar, like a freight train.
• Stay tuned to commercial radio or television broadcasts for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms.
• Develop an emergency preparedness kit with essential items such as a three-day water and food supply, a NOAA Weather Radio, important family documents, and items that satisfy unique family needs.
• Identify a safe place in your home for household members and pets to gather during a tornado.
• Make sure everyone understands the tornado warning system in your area.
• Engage with your local emergency manager to find out if they are participating.

For more information about being safe before, during, and after a tornado, follow the MSP/EMHSD on X at @MichEMHS or go to www.michigan.gov/miready.

 

March 17, 2025

Notice of Zoning Map Amendment for Board of Trustee on March 17th, 2025.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

GENOA CHARTER TOWNSHIP, LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT

MARCH 17, 2025

DRAFT - ORDINANCE #Z-25-04

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING MAP 

Pursuant to Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006, (the Zoning Enabling Act) and Michigan Public Act 359 of 1947, (the Charter Township Act), notice is hereby given that the Genoa Charter Township Board of Trustees has conducted the first reading and will be performing the second reading and considering ordinance Z 25-04 addressing an ordinance to amend the Zoning map of the Charter Township of Genoa by rezoning parcels 4711-23-400-007, 4711-23-400-008, 4711-23-400-001 and 4711-23-300-003 from Agriculture (AG) to Low Density Residential (LDR) with a Residential Planned Unit Development (RPUD) overlay.

Consideration of said amendment is scheduled for the Board meeting on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is planned to be held at the Township Hall located at 2911 Dorr Road, Brighton, Michigan 48116.

The text of the proposed ordinance amendment is available below or at the Township Office during regular business hours. 

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING MAP OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF GENOA BY REZONING PARCELS 4711- 23-400-007, 4711-23-400-008, 4711-23-400-001, and 4711-23-300-003 FROM AGRICULTURE (AG) TO LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (LDR) WITH A RESIDENTIAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (RPUD) OVERLAY

 

THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF GENOA HEREBY ORDAINS that the Zoning Map, as incorporated by reference in the Charter Township of Genoa’s Zoning Ordinance, is hereby amended as follows:

 

Real property consisting of four vacant parcels with a combined total of approximately 127.57 acres with parcel ID numbers 4711-23-400-007, 4711-23-400-008, 4711-23-400-001 and 4711-23-300-003 located at the northwest corner of Challis Road and Bauer Road more particularly described as follows:

 

4711-23-400-007: SEC 23 T2N R5E PART OF THE SE 1/4 OF SEC 23, BEG AT A POINT ON THE C.L. OF CHALLIS RD, N 89*01'54"E 1235.95 FT FROM THE S 1/4 COR OF SAID SEC, TH N 89*01'54"E 309.65 FT, TH N 0*15'11"E 1414.45 FT TO THE SLY ROW OF C & O RR, TH NWLY ALONG THE ARC OF A CURVE, LONG CHORD WHICH BEARS, N 53*22'38"W 392.46 FT, TH S 0*01'47"W 1653.80 FT TO THE S SEC LINE & POB, 11.0AC

 

4711-23-400-008: SEC 23 T2N R5E PART OF THE SE 1/4 OF SEC 23 BEG AT A POINT ON THE C.L. OF CHALLIS RD & SEC LINE N 89*01'54"E 1545.60 FT FROM THE S 1/4 COR TH N 89*01'54" E 1110.30 FT TH N 00*04'33" W 630.24 FT TH N 58*58'30" W 412.63 FT TH N 56*47'27" W 881.08 FT TH N 89*01'15" E 84.65 FT TH N 54*39'00" W 118.83 FT TH S 0*15'11" W 1414.45 FT TO POB CONT 25.12 AC M/L CORR LEGAL 3/2022

 

4711-23-400-001: SEC 23 T2N R5E ALL THAT PART OF THE SE 1/4 LYING SLY OF C & O RR ROW EXC BEG AT S 1/4 COR OF SEC TH N 89*01'54" E 781 FT, TH N 0*58'05" W 918.05 FT, TH N 52*50'20" W 815 FT TH S 67*59'40" W 126.44 FT, TH S 0*03'25" E 1376.04 FT TO BEG 76.604AC M/L, EXC 36AC E OF A LINE N 89*01'54"E 1235.95 FT FROM THE S 1/4 COR & N 0*01'47"E 1653.80 FT TO SLY ROW LINE OF C. & O. RR, 40.604AC M/L

 

4711-23-300-003: SEC 23 T2N R5E COMM ON THE N & S 1/4 LINE THE N 00*03'25" W 1376.04 TO POB TH S 67*59'40" W 351.56 FT TH S29*59'40" W 312 FT TH N 88*15'38" W 118.40 FT TH S 43*22'25" W 158 FT TH N 46*37'35" W 150 FT TH S 68*32'25" W 555 FT       TH N 00*02'25" E 1933.58 FT TH S 89*37'35" E 1331.64 FT TH S 00*03'25" E 1311.69 FT TO POB CORR LEGAL 3/2022 CONT 51.16 AC M/L

 

shall be rezoned from the Agriculture (AG) to Low Density Residential (LDR) with a Residential Planned Unit Development (RPUD) overlay to allow for a 55-units single-family site condominium development. The Township Planning Commission and Township Board, in strict compliance with the Township Zoning Ordinance and with Act 110 of the Public Acts of 2006, as amended, reclassified the Property as Residential Planned Unit Development (RPUD) upon finding that such classification properly achieved the purposes of Section 10.02 and 22.04 of the Township’s Zoning Ordinance (as amended).

 

Repealor:  All ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are repealed.

Severability     Should any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or word of this Ordinance be held invalid for any reason, such decisions shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the Ordinance.

Savings:  This amendatory ordinance shall not affect violations of the Zoning Ordinance or any other ordinance existing prior to the effective date of this Ordinance and such violation shall be governed and shall continue to be separate punishable to the full extent of the law under the provisions of such ordnance at the time the violation was committed. 

Effective Date:  This map amendment was adopted by the Genoa Charter Township Board of Trustees at the regular meeting held                 , 2025 and ordered to be given publication in the manner required by law.  This ordinance shall be effective seven days after publication. 

 

Please address any written comments to the Planning Commission at the Genoa Township Hall, 2911 Dorr Road, Brighton, MI 48116 or via email at amy@genoa.org. All materials related to this request may be examined at the Township Hall during normal business hours. Genoa Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days' notice to the Township.

March 12, 2025

2025 Tax Information

Friday February 28, 2025 was the last day to pay 2024 Summer and Winter Property Taxes.

2024 Property Taxes became delinquent as of March 1, 2025. All payments must be made to the Livingston County Treasurer's Office.

Tax payments cannot be accepted at the Township or the County between March 1st and March 15th.

Please contact the County Treasurer's Office at 517 546-7010 after March 15th for a total amount due.

Thank you!

March 7, 2025

Genoa Township meetings are now live

Our new boardroom cameras are up & running!

Subscribe to the Genoa Township Public Channel today to see all of our Board of Trustees and Planning Commission meetings.

We’d still love to see you in person, and if you’d like to participate you’ll have to join us in person, but if you just want to see your local government in action anytime that’s convenient for you – Come check us out!

March 4, 2025

Spring Yard Waste Collection

Our Spring Yard Waste Collection program has been scheduled for the following dates at the Genoa Charter Township Hall from 8 am to 11 am:

Saturday May 3
Saturday June 7

Residents may bring their yard waste to the Township Hall Parking lot. Branches and similar materials must be in 3 foot long bundles.

Please no plastic bags.

More information can be found on our Refuse & Recycling page.

March 3, 2025

Genoa Township Master Plan Update 2025

Join us in a special update of the 2023 Master Plan, intended to confirm the direction of long-term policies with potential refinements as appropriate.

On February 3, 2025, the Township Board approved the start of the update process. This timeline is roughly 10-12 months and meeting dates, along with opportunities for community participation, will be posted here soon!

The process will begin with updating data and meeting with the Planning Commission to discuss goals/objectives and understand conditions in the study area.

For more information, please visit the Genoa Township Master Plan update page at: https://engage.giffelswebster.com/genoa-township-master-plan-update

January 30, 2025

New Free Little Library at the Survivor Park Playground

The Livingston Twilight Rotary has generously donated a Free Little Library for the use of patrons at the Genoa Township Playground. The Free Little Library is installed at the kiosk in the new Survivor Park and will be maintained by the Livingston Twilight Rotary.

January 3, 2025

Livingston County Veteran Services

Livingston County Veteran Services (LCVS) offers a variety of programs and services to assist veterans and their families. LCVS employs nationally accredited Veteran Service Officers to assist veterans in filing for US Dept. of Veterans Affairs benefits. Honorably Discharged veterans registered with LCVS, and their spouse may utilize complimentary LCVS transportation to medical appointments within a 50-mile radius. To schedule a ride, call LETS at (517) 546-6600, select option 3 and mention veteran status. LCVS offers Honorably Discharged veterans who are less fortunate several assistance programs provided by Emergency Relief funds, such as:

• $200 food and toiletry voucher plus an additional $50 for each child in the household,
• $200 clothing vouchers for their school-aged children up to age 18,
• $50 Speedway fuel only cards; and
• Dental assistance of up to $1,000 via LCVS partnership with VINA Dental.

Call (517) 546-6338 to set up an appointment and qualify for these programs.

January 2, 2025

Radon Test Kits available to residents - courtesy of the Livingston County Health Department

Genoa Township is giving out free radon testing kits. The testing kit and instructions are available at Township Hall. 

The naturally-occurring, tasteless, odorless and colorless gas comes from the natural, radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air. It enters buildings through openings in  foundation floors or walls such as sump openings, crawlspaces, floor or wall joints and cracks. 

In Livingston County, approximately 40% of homes have elevated radon levels, according to information on the county's website from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. 

For more information on this program and on radon in general, please visit the Livingston County Health Department Radon page.

November 13, 2024

StoryWalk opens at the Genoa Township Park - November 18

Join us as we celebrate the opening of a new StoryWalk installation at Genoa Township Park in Brighton. The grand opening is scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Genoa Township Park is located 2911 Dorr Rd, Brighton, MI 48116.

Stop by to read the story and get a FREE book and snack, while supplies last.

This StoryWalk will feature the story "One Dog Canoe" by Mary Casanova.

StoryWalk® is a literacy-boosting project that places an illustrated children’s book along a walking route and encourages physical activity. The StoryWalk is an interactive reading trail that combines children's literacy and family fun time together in nature. Along the Park walking trail, stations will be installed which will display pages from a book

The StoryWalk project came about after the Livingston Great Start Collaborative was awarded a literacy grant to improve access to literary materials for children up to 5 years old. The Township is thankful for the generous support from local Cup Scout Pack 347 and exercise group “F3” (www.f3nation.com) to help install the signs. F3 currently hosts free early morning men’s workouts at the Township Hall and is helping install the signs as a way to give back to the community.

August 30, 2024

Challis Road and Bauer Road - New Roundabout - OPENED AUGUST 30

The Livingston County Road Commission has opened the new roundabout at Challis and Bauer roads.

The Township contributed $500,000 towards this project which will alleviate congestion and improve public safety by eliminating the steep hill on Bauer Road north of Challis Road. 

Please click on this link to view the vicinity plan from the Road Commission showing how the new road is designed. Please contact Garrett Olson, Construction Engineer, at the Livingston County Road Commission with any questions at 517-546-4250.

Please click this link to see an aerial view of the new roundabout.

August 6, 2024

Notice of Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment - Article 7 Commercial and Service Districts

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

GENOA CHARTER TOWNSHIP, LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

 

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT

AUGUST 19, 2024

 

ORDINANCE #Z-24-01

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 7 ENTITLED COMMERCIAL AND SERVICE DISTRICTS

           

Pursuant to Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006, (the Zoning Enabling Act) and Michigan Public Act 359 of 1947, (the Charter Township Act), notice is hereby given that the Genoa Charter Township Board of Trustees has conducted the first reading and will be performing the second reading and considering an ordinance addressing an amendment to Zoning Ordinance Section 7.02 Permitted and Special Land Uses within Article 7 Commercial and Service Districts. The amendment is to allow laundromats as a special land use in the Office Service District. Consideration of said amendment is scheduled for the Board meeting on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Township Hall located at 2911 Dorr Road, Brighton, Michigan 48116. 

 

The complete text of the proposed ordinance is available on the website or at the Township Office during regular business hours. 

 

Genoa Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township in writing or by calling at (810) 227-5225. 

 

Press/Argus Publication: 8-11-24

 

 

 

August 5, 2024

Oak Wilt Resolution

Genoa Charter Township is concerned a deadly disease known as oak wilt caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum is a threat to the Township's oak population. Improper tree trimming/removal practices may result in the establishment of oak wilt disease epicenters, which may lead to increased disease activity with devastating aesthetic and economic losses. It is therefore both advisable and prudent to attempt to prevent and control oak wilt.

The entire resolution can be found here

June 3, 2024

Brighton Area Fire seeking Paid On-Call Firefighters

The Brighton Area Fire Authority is seeking residents living in Genoa Township, Brighton Township and the City of Brighton who are willing to serve their community as a Paid-On-Call Firefighter.

• No experience necessary, just the motivation to learn and serve
• All required training is provided and compensated
• Academy classes are held on evening/weekends

To apply, interested applicants can go to www.brightonareafire.com or in person at 615 W. Grand River, Brighton, MI 48116

Any questions please call the Brighton Area Fire Authority at 810 229-6640.

November 20, 2023

Sign Up for County's Free Property Fraud Alert Service

The Livingston County Register of Deeds Office is making it easier for residents to help protect their most valuable asset, their home. Through their free Property Fraud Alert service, residents can sign-up to be notified via phone or email if a document is recorded in Livingston County under their name. Consider it an early warning system for property owners to stay up-to-date about their property and take appropriate actions if they determine fraudulent activity has taken place. “Having the ability to be notified immediately should a fraudulent or predatory document be recorded against your property is invaluable. The faster something like this is discovered, the faster it can be reported to the authorities and resolved,” says Chief Deputy Register of Deeds Brandon Barefield. The Property Fraud Alert is a free service provided by the Register of Deeds Office that requires no up-front or monthly fees.

The best way to stay informed about your property and to protect against property fraud is being proactive. This service is a great tool for those with aging parents to ensure that their loved ones don’t fall victim to scams or fraud. Sign-up is easy and fast, but most importantly, offers a little extra peace of mind. You can sign up to three names per phone number or four names per email address, in case you’d like multiple people to receive alerts on the same property.

To sign-up, simply visit https://www.propertyfraudalert.com/, where you’ll select “Livingston, MI” from their front page. Next, you’ll follow the Continue prompt, accept the terms, and then enter either your personal information or business information to be monitored. Here is where you’ll select whether you want receive notifications via email or as a phone call. Simply select “Save” when your information is entered, and you’ve signed up for the alert and taken the first step to protecting your home!

The information provided by residents is kept safe and secure and won’t be used for any reason other than notifying you of recordings. If residents have questions, they can contact the Register of Deeds Office at (517) 546-0270 or via email at rod@livgov.com.

November 4, 2021

Genoa Township approves agreement for internet access for unserved/underserved residents

Genoa Township has made an agreement with MiSignal. 

MiSignal will be building out the infrastructure and service to deliver High-speed Internet (1 gigabit Fiber Optic) service for the unserved and underserved areas of Genoa Township.

The full press release can be found here.

April 27, 2021

Weekly Recycling Begins Monday May 3, 2021

Weekly recycling will begin for all Township residents starting the week of May 3.

Residents can place their recycling bins out every week on their normal trash/recycling day beginning that week. Residents can confirm their trash/recycling pickup days at the My Schedule search box located on the Township Refuse and Recyling page found here.

Please remember to break down cardboard boxes. Do not put anything on top of the cart or outside of the cart. For a list of items that can be recycled, please visit the Waste Wizard search box on the Township Refuse and Recycling page found here.

October 23, 2017

2017 Video Tour of Livingston County

Livingston County government is pleased to present the 2017 Video Tour of Livingston County that showcases the advantages of living, working and playing in our County Community!

The 2017 video tour includes comments by community leaders as well as a well-rounded visual depiction of our County, presented in nine (9) chapters:

• Welcome
• Education
• Parks and Recreation
• Healthcare – NEW
• Real Estate and Relocation
• Downtown, Business & Industry
• Quality of Life
• Economic Development – NEW
• Community Organizations - NEW

Select any chapter of this product to view the Livingston County video on that subject. You can also view the
videos of various local businesses that participated in this promotional program by clicking on their logo in the
frame surrounding each chapter of the Video Tour.

Please visit the Livingston County home page at: https://www.livgov.com/ to view the new Video Tour of Livingston County

November 22, 2016

Genoa Township Board adopts Principles of Governance

At the November 21, 2016 Township Board meeting, the Board approved the adoption of the following Principles of Governance:

To maintain the high standards and traditions of Michigan Townships, we embrace these principles of governance to guide our stewardship, deliberations, constituent services and commitment to safeguard our community’s health, safety and general welfare.

We pledge to: 

•       Insist on the highest standards of ethical conduct by all who act on behalf of this township; 

•       Bring credit, honor and dignity to our public offices through collegial board deliberations and through diligent,    appropriate responses to constituent concerns; 

•       Actively pursue education and knowledge, and to embrace best practices;

•       Treat all persons with dignity, respect and impartiality; without prejudice or discrimination;

•       Practice openness and transparency in our decisions and actions;

•        Cooperate in all reasonable ways with other government entities and to consider the impact our decisions may have outside our Township’s borders;

•       Communicate to the public Township issues, challenges and successes, and welcome the active involvement of stakeholders to further the Township’s well-being;

•       Strive for compliance with state and federal statutory requirements;

•       Recuse a board member from participating in any decision where there was personal financial gain either expected or implied;

•       Further the understanding of the obligations and responsibilities of American citizenship, democratic government and freedom.

These principles we pledge to our citizens, our state, and to our country.

December 17, 2015

New video showing Genoa Township Hall and facilities

Recently a high definition video was taken by drone over the Township Hall and surrounding area.

You can find the video here: https://youtu.be/w1JaFnu5KvU

Thanks and credit go to Brian Jonckheere, the Livingston County Drain commissioner.

July 21, 2015

Oak Wilt Information

Michigan has lost millions of trees due to Dutch Elm disease and the Emerald Ash Borer. Now our oak trees are in jeopardy. Red oak wilt is identified by the rapid wilting of an infected tree that is dead in two to six weeks. White oaks die slowly one branch at a time over the course of several years. Oak wilt is caused by the fungus that is spread by improper tree trimming and removal practices. It is spread in two ways - from tree to tree through connected roots and/or from spores being moved by insects.

To prevent the spread of oak wilt diseases please consider the following:

• Oak trees should not be pruned or trimmed between April 1 and October 15.
• Oak trees that are inadvertently injured or pruned between April 1 and October 15 should be promptly sealed with a tree pruning sealer or latex paint. The repair should take place within hours of the injury.
• Any developer, contractor and/or owner(s) of property preparing a site for construction during April 1st through October 15th should adhere to the above oak wilt prevention practices.
• Members of the white oak family diseased with oak wilt may be saved with tree injections of the fungicide Alamo by a registered company.
• Dead oak trees should be removed along with the stump and properly disposed of by chipping to less than 3 inches or removed to a disposal site for debarking, burning or burial.
• Oak wood retained as firewood should be sealed with a tarp.

January 21, 2015

Reflective Address signs now available for purchase at the Township Hall

Reflective address signs courtesy of the Brighton Area Fire Department are now available for purchase from the Township Hall. The signs are dark green with white numbers. The signs are double-sided with your address number and there are holes to allow for either horizontal or vertical mounting. Each sign is $15.00.

All proceeds from signs sold go to help fund the Brighton Area Fire Fighters Association, a non profit organization.

You may also order these reflective address signs through the Brighton Area Fire Department using the form below.

August 7, 2013

Information on Invasive Plants: Purple loosestrife and Russian olive.

Invasive plants are posing a real threat to Michigan's natural habitats. Purple loosestrife and Russian olive are two of the more aggressive plants that are crowding out native species. According to information from Michigan State University's Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (http://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/invasive-species/factsheets.cfm), "Early detection and eradication of these species is critical in preventing further damage to Michigan's natural areas."

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a beautiful plant with purple, pink or white flowers blooming in July through October. It will spread quickly in moist soil conditions, crowding out native plants such as cattails, which are needed for nesting and food sources. Some experts (http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/downloads/ais/fs-97-501_purple_loosestrife.pdf) blame purple loosestrife for declining waterfowl populations. While deer forage on new purple loosestrife shoots in the spring, other animals avoid it. Experts on the MSU site recommend hand pulling seedlings; and removing all flowers seed heads.

Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is a thorny shrub or small tree that grows up to 30 feet high. The leaves are light green and covered with silvery hairs. It blooms in June and July with yellowish flowers, eventually bearing hard yellow-red olive-shaped fruits. Russian olive grows in such a way that it fills in open areas, crowding out native plants. Experts on the MSU site recommend hand pulling seedlings. They caution that "burning, mowing, cutting, and girding can stimulate resprouting in larger plants without herbicide treatment; treat cut stumps with an herbicide."

For more information about purple loosestrife, Russian olive and other invasive plants threatening the state's natural habitats, visit http://www.misin.msu.edu/.

August 2, 2009

Livingston County Pet Adoption

Livingston County Animal Control

Pets available for adoption at the County Animal control can be found here

Livingston County Humane Society

Pets available for adoption at the Humane Society can be found here

January 16, 2009

Ash Tree Information

Detroit Edison has released an important announcement regarding ash trees.