Two community organizations have been awarded a total of $6,600 this year to support regional environmental and conservation projects through the annual Judy Beck Grant.

The Grove was awarded $2,600 for their “Eyes on the Sky” project that aims to provide high-quality telescopes and guided stargazing programs to the community, removing barriers to astronomy education and fostering curiosity, critical thinking and STEM engagement among youth and families. The project emphasizes the importance of dark skies and reducing light pollution, educating participants about its impact on nocturnal wildlife and the natural environment, while promoting stewardship of the local and global ecosystem. Through partnerships with local schools, Scout groups, and families, the project seeks to strengthen community connections, provide hands-on learning opportunities and inspire lifelong curiosity about science and space.

A teacher from Zion-Benton High School was awarded $4,000 to assist with My Brother’s Keeper, a school club that focuses on recruiting students from diverse backgrounds, including those facing academic, social or emotional challenges, and preparing them for college and career opportunities. The club organizes bi-monthly meetings with mentors, field trips to educational and cultural institutions and skill-building activities such as digital media camps.The funding will go toward reducing financial barriers that prevent students from participating in activities, such as entrance fees, meals and apparel costs.

In 2020, The Beck Family Foundation and Hurvis Family launched the Judy Beck Grant program to support generations of new conservation leaders to continue the great work and legacy of building and strengthening our local community. The program has funded 39 projects to date, with $67,717 in funding.

A dedicated environmentalist, Judy Beck served as a park board commissioner for 32 years and was a village natural resources commissioner and member of the Glenview/Glencoe League of Women Voters. In addition to her local leadership, Judy also worked at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for 30 years, served as the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Board President in 1994 and was named IAPD Commissioner of the Year in 1996.