In order to provide new agriculture learning opportunities for homeschoolers during the COVID-19 pandemic, BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC) is now offering exclusive self-guided tours of The Pencil Patch learning garden between 9:00am and 10:30am and 11:30am and 1:00pm on October 14 and 15, 2020.

Located in Abbotsford, the BCAITC learning garden includes fun opportunities for K-12 students to learn about BC agriculture including milk history, raised garden beds, pollinators, water, soil, pollinators, growing zones, the Agriculture Land Reserve, invasive species, greenhouses, crop rotation, medicine wheel concepts, and more. 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 Agriculture, Environment, Science, Math, Fine Arts, and Language Arts subjects.

Fall is the ideal time for students to experience the beautiful changes of the seasons in the outdoor agriculture setting of The Pencil Patch. Students can form connections to the fall harvest and environmental stewardship as they learn about pumpkins, carrots, herbs, and various other autumn garden plants.

The Pencil Patch 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 measures in today’s “new normal” environment. The Pencil Patch is conveniently located near Highway 1 and Highway 11 (Sumas Way) in Abbotsford and is an ideal location for home leaners visiting from the Lower Mainland or the Fraser Valley. Free parking is available onsite.

Homeschoolers who are interested in a free 90-minute tour of The Pencil Patch between 9:00am and 10:30am or 11:30am and 1:00pm on October 14 or 15 can book a visit by contacting Jessica Birchall or calling 604.854.6064. Booking required; space is limited. 

For more information on The Pencil Patch, click here.