Welcome to Thornton Creek Alliance

Together we can better
the watershed through
education, collaboration, and
community involvement

Welcome to Thornton Creek Alliance

Our Goal:
Encouraging individuals, groups,
schools, businesses, and
government to work together to
restore Seattle’s creek system.

The Thornton Creek Watershed

covers roughly 11.6 square miles (30 km²)
in Northeast Seattle and Shoreline

The Thornton Creek Watershed

is also home to a variety
of wildlife and plant species
and remnants of once
abundant salmon runs.

The Thornton Creek Watershed

We are a member-driven association,
that relies on its volunteers to
accomplish our goals.

Come and join us today!

Your Watershed

Over 90% of the creek’s main channel, more than 15 miles, flows above ground through more than 700 backyards and through 15 parks and natural areas.

About TCA

Thornton Creek Alliance (TCA) is an all-volunteer grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring an ecological balance.

Join TCA

The larger the group, the greater the voice! Member dues help to fund our many projects. You can also volunteer your time & expertise.

Make a Donation

Help TCA with a financial gift

We are a group of dedicated volunteers who are working to preserve and protect our urban watershed. We work on multiple fronts: habitat restoration, issue advocacy, and education and outreach. Your support is welcome and would be gratefully accepted. We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Become a Community Scientist

Learn how to help your community

Members and volunteers monitor pollutants and collect data at a variety of locations along the creek. Using this information, we partner with Seattle Public Utilities to pinpoint pollution sources and improve the water quality for everyone. Join this innovative program to keep Thornton Creek and it residents thriving in their urban setting.

Thornton Creek Hotlines — to report issues, CALL:

Pollution Spills & Waterway Problems

Seattle Public Utilities: 206-386-1800
City of Shoreline 24/7: 206-801-2700
WA Dept. of Ecology: 800-258-5990 –or- 425-649-7000

Illegal Dumping

Seattle Public Utilities: 206-684-7587
Shoreline 24/7: 206-801-2700

Erosion

Seattle Public Utilities: 206-684-2489
Shoreline 24/7: 206-801-2700

Fish & Wildlife

WA Dept. Fish & Wildlife: 425-775-1311 

Illegal Tree Cutting

On private property:
Seattle Code Compliance Division of Department of Construction and Inspections: (206) 615-0808

Shoreline Planning & Community Development Department: (206) 801-2500

On public street/city right-of-way:
Seattle Department of Transportation: (206) 684-8733

Shoreline Customer Response Team Code Enforcement: (206) 801-2260 

On Parks property:
Seattle Parks Department: (206) 684-4113

Shoreline Customer Response Team Code Enforcement: (206) 801-2260


What you can do

Salmon-friendly gardening

Create a pesticide free zone in your yard and garden.

The abundant rain we get washes chemicals and pesticides into the creek, and eventually into Puget Sound. Control invasive plant species such as blackberry, ivy and laurel. Check out our resources for going organic and natural in your yard.

Wash your car … at a car wash!

When you wash your car on a paved surface such as your driveway, street or parking space, the contaminated water (even if you use biodegradable soap) goes right into the storm drains and can harm fish, other aquatic life and animals. The best option is a commercial car wash since the water goes through the sewer system, and many car washes reuse the water several times.

Recent News

Upcoming Events

In Memoriam: John Lombard

In Memoriam: John Lombard

It’s with huge sorrow that the Thornton Creek Alliance announces the sudden passing of longtime board member and past President John Lombard on August 28, 2024.  He was key to TCA, leaving behind a track record of success...

read more
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Year Alliance Formed

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Members & Growing

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New members are always welcome!

The larger the group, the greater the voice for a healthier watershed.