The BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC) is offering free tours of the Pencil Patch learning garden in Abbotsford on Wednesday, Oct. 14 and Thursday, Oct. 15.
The tours are geared for homeschoolers and run from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on the 14th and from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the 15th.
The Pencil Patch is located near Highway 1 and Highway 11 (Sumas Way) and provides an interactive outdoor learning experience in a safe environment.
The large outdoor garden space provides plenty of fresh air and is large enough to allow for adequate social distancing.
The learning garden provides opportunities for students to learn about B.C. agriculture, including milk history, raised garden beds, pollinators, water, soil, growing zones, the Agriculture Land Reserve, invasive species, greenhouses, crop rotation, medicine wheel concepts, and more.
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Trained volunteers and/or BCAITC staff help guide students through 15 outdoor garden learning stations (in a round-robin fashion) that feature curriculum connections to primary and intermediate/secondary level subjects such as agriculture, environment, science, math, fine arts, and language arts.
“Fall is the ideal time for students to experience the beautiful changes of the seasons in the outdoor agriculture setting of The Pencil Patch,” says Pat Tonn, executive director of BCAITC.
“Students can form connections to the fall harvest and environmental stewardship as they learn about pumpkins, carrots, herbs, and various other autumn garden plants.”
Free parking is available on site. Homeschoolers interested in the 90-minute tour can book by contacting Jessica Birchall at jessica@aitc.ca or call 604-854-6064. Booking is required as space is limited.
BCAITC is a non-profit, charitable organization that works with educators to bring local agriculture to B.C.’s students.
Visit bcaitc.ca/pencil-patch for more information.
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