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Congratulations to the FM Trailbuilders! On July 10, the Moorhead City Council and Mayor Shelly Carlson presented them with the MoorHeart award.

The Trailbuilders is a group of cyclists led by Laurens Robinson that maintains and improves off-road trails commonly used by area cyclists. The group puts in extra effort to ensure that trails are accessible to all who wish to use them. City of Moorhead Parks and Recreation Director Holly Heitkamp’s nomination includes the following statement:

“In 2010 a group of off-road cyclists got together and decided it was time for a cohesive and enjoyable off-road trail in the Fargo Moorhead area. Hard work, weed whacking, log removal and lots of bug spray all led to a 2.5-mile single-track trail at MB Johnson Park in Moorhead MN. The response to this effort has been overwhelmingly positive and has spurred numerous conversations to continue efforts to establish and promote the use of off-road recreational trails for biking, hiking, and just getting outdoors. Over 50 volunteers regularly work to maintain the three major Fargo-Moorhead area trail systems. All efforts are 100% volunteer and donations go directly back into trail development and maintenance. In total, these three systems currently have approximately 17 miles of off-road trails. In addition to the trail building, this groups holds several off-road bike events throughout the year. There are fat bike (winter) events as well as events in the summer at MB Johnson and Gooseberry / Horn Parks attracting bike enthusiasts from many different cities. In addition to the volunteer work trail grooming, the group works with the youth bicycle group called the Wolves. This is a group of kids from 6th grade to high school seniors that enjoy biking on trails and competing.  There are no tryouts, no bench warmers, and you do not have to race to be on the team.  They encourage all to join as it is a very family-oriented group.”

For all the Trailbuilders do for Moorhead – and especially for the effort that the group puts toward cleaning up and maintaining these commonly used trails – the MoorHeart selection committee chose them to receive the MoorHeart Award. The Trailbuilders are a great example of the MoorHeart spirit. Congratulations Trailbuilders and thank you for your dedication in bettering the Moorhead community.

The MoorHeart award is an opportunity to recognize individuals who go above and beyond to demonstrate community within our City by their actions and service. A team of volunteers from city boards and commissions selects award recipients. The MoorHeart award is commemorated with a piece of art commissioned from local artist Hudi Kobrinsky especially for this purpose.

It's easy to nominate an individual or an organization for the MoorHeart award. Contributions large and small are worthy of nomination!