The BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC) has partnered with the Abbotsford Community Garden Society and the City of Abbotsford to encourage people of all ages to participate in the growing of food. A large section of the garden was set aside for BCAITC to work with local schools.
Three Abbotsford elementary schools attend the ‘Pencil Patch’ garden throughout the school year. They work with teachers from the Abbotsford School District to include their students in the planning, planting, and growing of their gardens. On the first visit, they plant their garden and on the second visit they harvest early varieties of lettuce, green onions, radishes, Swiss chard and peas. As students are led through their many activities, throughout the garden area, raised beds and milk house, it is a perfect opportunity for learning through outdoor education.
Starting in the spring of 2016 all grade levels (K-12) will be invited to attend the Pencil Patch and participate in self-guided tours facilitated by staff.
Learn more about the progam and goals here on the BC Agriculture in the classroom website: www.aitc.ca/bc.
