A Dugout for the Future: DNA Gardens’ Water Story

Since 1975, DNA Gardens has grown into a cherished family-run orchard and berry farm nestled in the dry, arid heart of east-central Alberta. But, one element has remained a constant challenge throughout their nearly 50-year journey: water. The arid environment of the east-central part of the province has posed a persistent challenge for DNA Gardens, making water scarcity a significant hurdle year after year.

For Dave and Arden, the visionaries behind DNA Gardens, water scarcity has shaped many aspects of their farm’s growth. Cultivating 25 acres of orchard in Alberta’s badlands is no small feat, but the Twidale family has long believed that perseverance and community can overcome even the driest of challenges. In 2023, that belief materialized in the form of an ambitious project—a massive dugout designed to secure water for their orchard’s future.

The Dugout: A Christmas Miracle in the Making

The story of DNA Gardens’ dugout began, fittingly, during the holiday season. In a heartfelt article shared with their customers, the Twidales detailed the incredible journey behind the project. Their need for water was urgent, and after years of planning, Dave and Arden decided to make the leap.

The result? A dugout spanning 100 by 225 feet and plunging 15 feet deep. But the real challenge wasn’t just digging the hole—it was ensuring that the water collected would remain usable for irrigation. East-central Alberta’s groundwater contains high levels of salt, making it toxic to plants. Without intervention, the salty ground water could seep into the dugout, rendering it useless for their orchard.

To combat this, DNA Gardens installed an expensive liner, weighing over 6000 pounds, to protect the dugout from contamination. This crucial step ensured that snowmelt and rainwater collected over the winter and spring would remain clean and usable, safeguarding the orchard from drought conditions. The liner itself is an investment in the farm’s future, providing a buffer against dry seasons and ensuring that every drop of water collected goes toward sustaining the orchard.

A Community Effort

While the dugout itself is a testament to the Twidales’ determination, the project was truly brought to life through the efforts of their local community. On a cold October morning, 20 volunteers—family, friends, and neighbours—gathered at the farm to help lay the massive liner across the frozen ground and into the dugout.

“This project was the modern-day equivalent of a barn raising. It’s so amazing to see what happens when everyone pulls, quite literally, together.”

Community involvement is a hallmark of DNA Gardens’ success. Over the years, the farm has thrived not just through the hard work of the Twidale family, but through the shared efforts of the people around them. This dugout project became a powerful reminder of the strength found in community bonds.

Every tractor, farm truck, and strong set of hands was enlisted to get the liner in place. The task wasn’t easy. As the liner descended into the dugout, the mud at the bottom slowed progress, and the team faced the monumental task of pulling the liner up the opposite side. In true farm community spirit, tractors and problem-solvers worked in tandem to finish the job.

Even after the liner was installed, a few volunteers, including the Twidale family’s younger generation, stayed late into the afternoon to smooth out folds and ensure the liner was perfectly in place. The image of grandparents working alongside grandchildren speaks volumes about the dedication and multigenerational spirit that drives DNA Gardens forward.

Looking to the Future

With the dugout complete, DNA Gardens now stands on more secure ground as they head into the 2024 growing season. As the snow melts and fills the dugout, Dave and Arden can finally breathe easier knowing their orchard will have a reliable water source. The snow-capture capacity of the dugout, enhanced by strategically planted shelter belts, will play a critical role in mitigating the impacts of drought seasons that have increasingly affected Alberta farms.

Beyond practical benefits, the dugout represents a deep sense of stewardship and long-term thinking. The Twidales see this project not just as a measure to address today’s water needs, but as part of a larger legacy they hope to pass down to future generations. By collecting snow and rainwater, DNA Gardens is taking proactive steps to preserve Alberta’s natural resources and ensure the orchard thrives for decades to come.

DNA Gardens’ dugout is also a testament to the intersection of tradition and innovation. While dugouts have long been a part of farming life in Alberta, the use of modern materials and community collaboration breathes new life into an age-old practice. The project highlights the adaptability and forward-thinking nature of farmers in the region, who continue to find innovative solutions to evolving environmental challenges.

As DNA Gardens reflects on this journey, the Twidales express their deep gratitude for the community that surrounds them. From long-time neighbours to new friends, the spirit of collaboration has been a defining force behind the farm’s success. They often reflect on how every milestone achieved on the farm has been a shared victory, made possible by the hands and hearts of those who have supported them along the way.

Keep up with DNA Gardens by following their Instagram or Facebook pages.

The 2025 Alberta Open Farm Days will be taking place on August 16 & 17th. Until then, be sure to follow along on our website and social media channels for more farm stories, updates, and heartwarming tales of perseverance like this one!