First Presbyterian Church of La Grange has earned a national environmental certification held by roughly 1 in 20 Presbyterian congregations — a recognition built on years of upgrades, including organic garden beds.

The church at 150 S. Ashland Ave. received the Earth Care Congregation designation from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), according to the denomination's 2026 certified congregations list. The announcement came on Earth Day, April 22.

To qualify, churches must demonstrate sustained action across four areas: facilities, worship, education, and community outreach. First Presbyterian met the bar with building improvements and programs that extend into the neighborhood.

The congregation has added solar-powered electricity to its operations and LED lighting to its building. Its Grace Garden and Hope Garden — ten organic, raised vegetable beds along the parking lot — are tended by volunteers from March through October, with the harvest going to local food pantries. The church also supports clean water initiatives abroad.

A monthly Earth Care Discussion Group meets on Thursday evenings to discuss environmental and climate issues, giving residents another way to get involved.

Greg Beglen, who leads the church's Earth Care Committee, said the congregation plans to expand its environmental programs.

Jessica Maudlin, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s associate for sustainable living and earth care concerns, called certified congregations "vital parts of their communities and inspirational witnesses for environmental responsibility."

The Earth Care Congregation program is administered by the denomination's Presbyterian Hunger Program. Churches must earn points across all four categories to qualify.