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Representatives from Crab Cove share their new green business certificate.

Alameda County's Environmental Health Department has designated the Crab Cove Visitor Center a certified "Bay Area Green Business." The center recently underwent a review and certification process.

As part of the process, the county sent auditors to evaluate the facility in four categories: waste prevention, water conservation, pollution prevention and energy conservation.

Among the practices in place at Crab Cove are the use of droughtresistant plants, thorough recycling, use of LED lights in exhibits, and water-saving restrooms.

"This is another example of the district's commitment to a healthy environment. We're fortunate in Alameda to have this unique facility in our community," said Doug Siden, district board member and Alameda resident.

Other park district visitor centers are making improvements as well.

Notably, the exhibit design department — also based at Crown Memorial State Beach — is steps away from certification and the environmental education center at Tilden Nature Area is on its way as well.

"Crab Cove is the first district visitor center to become green certified, but we won't be the last" said naturalist Michael Charnofsky, who was instrumental in the effort to "green" the district's interpretive facilities.

Previously, the two district equipment shops had been certified as green businesses as well.