Your Watershed
About TCA
Join TCA
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.
Our recent projects
Thornton Creek Hotlines — to report issues, CALL:
Pollution Spills & Waterway Problems
City of Shoreline 24/7: 206-801-2700
WA Dept. of Ecology: 800-258-5990 –or- 425-649-7000
Illegal Dumping
Shoreline 24/7: 206-801-2700
Erosion
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
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...
Beaver Pond Friends and Neighbors has issued an RFQ for paid consultant services
Documentation of Concerns Surrounding Collective IssuesIn the Vicinity of Beaver Pond Natural Area/8th Ave. NE and NE 105th St.Seattle, Washington Beaver Pond Friends and Neighbors General Information The dedicated nonprofit volunteer group Beaver Pond Friends and...
Update: Flooding on Little Brook Creek: The Problem, Lake City
By: Muriel Lawty and Annie Fanning In 2011, when I moved into the neighborhood, I had no idea it had a name, and a charming little creek running through it that is part of the Thornton Creek watershed. And I didn't realize this creek just down the street from where I...
Update: Saving the Urban Forest at Fircrest School, Shoreline
By: Janet Way, Ruth Williams, and Annie Fanning Efforts to landmark the Seattle Naval Hospital Chapel and Forest at Fircrest School have been successful thanks to Shoreline Preservation Society (S.P.S.), with support from many local area groups including Thornton...
Latest Past Events
Tree Care Event at Meadowbrook Pond
Join us at Meadowbrook Pond for the Tree Care Event on Saturday, February 27th, 2024 Saturday, February 24, 202410am - 1pm Meet at the end of 36 Ave NE near […]
Presentation: ‘Private Eye Beaver Investigation – one dam at a time with Pamela Adams’
Join us via Zoom through the TCA General Membership Program to learn about the beavers (and fish!) in your watershed by behind the scenes observation (details forthcoming).
Volunteer in the Kingfisher Natural Area doing community reforestation along Thornton Creek
Please RSVP for this event here: https://seattle.greencitypartnerships.org/event/38421/ Activities We will be providing instruction on non-native plant species identification, and removal as well as directions on proper conifer planting techniques. Come […]
Year Alliance Formed
Anniversary
Members & Growing
Events per Year
New members are always welcome!
The larger the group, the greater the voice for a healthier watershed.