A trend that first started out in the United States is now helping BC Parks save our nature.
The trend, known as ParkTok, originated as a playful protest against funding cuts to national parks in the United States. Online users used thirst traps and cheeky humour to showcase parks throughout the country on social media.
BC Parks Foundation has also jumped on the trend with one clear message: parks are hot and sometimes they’re NSFW.
The foundation’s cheeky videos have so far reached over 1.5 million views, earned 107,000 likes, and attracted 22,000 new followers.
“BC Parks Foundation, an independent charitable organization working to protect and enhance British Columbia’s parks and protected areas, was among the first conservation groups in Canada to experiment with the format, matching stunning footage from provincial parks with spicy music and racy puns,” said the foundation in a release.
@bcparksfdn Keep parks sexy with us – we created a cheeky limited-edition collection for those with a lust for nature. All profits go directly to enhancing and expanding BC’s Parks for a looooooong time. 🥵💦 #parktok #bcparks #explorebc #nationalparks #provincialpark ♬ Whats your Fantasy by Ludacris – Zombie_Dave84
Now, BC Parks Foundation is capitalizing on the interest they have generated with limited-edition merch called the Wild Side Collection.
The merchandise line, which includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and totes, features slogans like like “Nature is my kink” and “Keep Parks Sexy”.
BC Parks Foundation
“The merchandise was designed in-house by the Foundation’s creative team, printed in Canada, and made with premium materials,” adds the foundation. “All proceeds go directly to the Foundation’s mission to create the greatest system of parks and Indigenous-protected areas in the world.”
While playful, this trend has created meaningful conversations surrounding conservation, and why nature is always worth protecting.
Shop their new merch lineup here.