Helping to keep the forest livable
- ANNE MULLINS
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Our first program of the year will feature the man behind Trees for Kingwood, a volunteer organization with a mission to help the community live up to its nickname.
The meeting will be Monday, Sept 14, 2026, at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, at 6:30p.m.
About the speaker
Chris Arseneaux, a Kingwood resident since 2000, was always a student of trees. Climbing them in the early 60’s, planting cypress tree seedlings in the mid 60’s, being in
wonder of tupelo gum deep in the swamp behind his childhood home or the live oaks and pecan planted by his grandparents. He became a Master Naturalist post-retirement eight years ago. While occasionally volunteering at Jesse Jones Park, Chris often peppered native vegetation questions to the arborists and biologists on staff. Fast forward to 2021, Chris bumped into other members of the newly formed Trees for Kingwood while planting “volunteer” trees on the greenbelt. It was a fit. He has since become a member of the Bear Branch Trail Association, looking after 19 miles of trails.
You can find Chris on the Bear Branch and Hunters Ridge Village Trails doing what else, tree work. But he might be kayaking or fishing. Can’t stop learning!
The Project
"The un-abashed objective of this presentation," says Chris, "is to seek help restore the sections adjacent to the newly built Stan Sarman Bridge crossing Ben’s Branch Creek in Bear Branch Village" The new footbridge is being installed to replace the decades old low-water crossing that was an impediment to proper drainage. In other words, it has caused repeated flooding since before TS Allison.
A similar installation, shown above left, was recently dedicated as the "Bob Rehak Bridge" in honor of the local activist who has been an advocate for Kingwood since the devastation of Hurrican Harvey. The bridge replaced one of the low water crossings(center) which has obstructed the flow of flood waters in the past(right)
Chris will also address other projects which are ongoing in the Kingwood area, some of which have created a stir on social media.
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