Longtime Traverse City physician and trail supporter Dr. Tom Auer is this year's recipient of the Jim Mudgett Trail Pioneer Award.

This is the eleventh year TART Trails has given the award to honor individuals who have shown leadership and passion for the local trails. It was the late 1990s when Dr. Auer was encouraged by his friend Dr. Mudgett to become involved with TART. Since then, he has become "the heart and soul of the organization" as the longest serving board member, according to TART.

"Dr. Auer's stamina for fundraising and advocacy seems to have no limits," says TART's Board President Brian Fisher. "He is everywhere that matters all the time speaking on behalf of the trails and their safe use."

Photo: Dr. Tom Auer receives the award, a print of Pink Lady's Slippers on the Leelanau Trail taken by Dr. Mudgett, at TART's annual Oktoberfest celebration. Photo courtesy of Bill Lancaster.